When it was first announced that Beyoncé would delve into country music for her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, the world waited with bated breath. Released on March 29, 2024, the album marks a bold departure from her previous works, blending her signature powerful vocals with genres such as folk, blues, and Americana. If Renaissance set the stage for experimentation, Cowboy Carter galloped full-throttle into uncharted territory, providing not just music but a commentary on American identity and Black artistry in country music.
The Highs and Lows of “Cowboy Carter”
Americana Meets Activism The opening track, “Ameriican Requiem,” sets a strong political tone for the album. With its gospel-inspired sound and anthemic chorus, Beyoncé reclaims her narrative, weaving in historical references to marginalized Black voices in country music. This track alone captures the ethos of the album: blending Beyoncé’s fierce activism with the soul of Americana.
She doesn’t hold back when reminding listeners that country music—largely seen as a genre rooted in whiteness—owes much to Black musicians. This theme resonates across the album, especially in tracks like “Ya Ya,” where Beyoncé channels the spirit of Black musicians from history, reasserting their crucial role in shaping American music. If “Ya Ya” doesn’t get you up and moving, you might need to check your pulse.
Covers That Shine… and Others That Fall Short One of the most discussed aspects of Cowboy Carter is Beyoncé’s audacious covers. From Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird” to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” she takes on some of the most iconic songs in American music. Her rendition of “Blackbird” stands as a powerful tribute to the Civil Rights Movement, with haunting harmonies from rising Black country artists like Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy. However, some listeners may find the polished production lacks the raw vulnerability of the original.
Then there’s “Jolene,” which was expected to be a career-defining moment but instead feels overworked and too personal. Beyoncé flips the narrative to reflect her own experiences, particularly the infidelity scandals she’s been open about in past albums like Lemonade. While some find this reinterpretation fresh and daring, others feel it strays too far from the poignant simplicity of Parton’s original. It’s bold, no doubt, but it might be the most divisive song on the album.
Collaborations and Standout Moments The guest appearances on Cowboy Carter are another highlight. Willie Nelson makes two appearances on “Smoke Hour” and “Smoke Hour II,” lending authenticity to the album’s country roots, while Miley Cyrus features on “II Most Wanted” in what could only be described as a Disney-meets-Diva showdown. Their duet surprises with its rawness, allowing both singers to flex their vocal chops.
Beyoncé even enlisted her daughter, Rumi Carter, on the tender track “Protector,” making Rumi the youngest female artist to ever chart on Billboard. It’s a touching ode to motherhood, though it veers away from the country theme slightly, showcasing the album’s sprawling diversity.
An Overloaded Tracklist? At 27 tracks, Cowboy Carter is long—perhaps too long. Some songs feel like filler, especially in the middle of the album, where tracks like “Spaghetti” and “Just for Fun” don’t quite measure up to the album’s opening energy. The sheer length of the album can make it feel unfocused at times, leading to a few moments where the country concept feels forced or stretched too thin.
That said, the final stretch of the album regains momentum. Tracks like “Desert Eagle,” which reimagines Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits,” and the gospel-tinged “Amen” bring the album to a powerful close. The concluding songs remind listeners why Beyoncé remains one of the most versatile and commanding artists of her generation.
A Risky but Rewarding Journey
If one thing is clear from Cowboy Carter, it’s that Beyoncé is not afraid to take risks. She challenges genre boundaries while using her platform to elevate marginalized voices in country music—a genre that has historically excluded Black artists. She taps into the emotional core of the genre while pushing it forward, both musically and culturally.
However, the album’s sprawling ambition is both its greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. There’s no denying that Cowboy Carter is packed with innovative moments, but its lengthy runtime and inconsistent tracklist may leave some listeners longing for a more cohesive experience. Nonetheless, this album solidifies Beyoncé’s ability to shape-shift between genres while maintaining her strong sense of identity and artistry.
For those willing to saddle up for this wild ride through Americana, Cowboy Carter is a genre-bending, thought-provoking album that proves Beyoncé’s talents stretch far beyond pop and R&B.
FAQs
Is “Cowboy Carter” a full country album? Not quite. While Beyoncé heavily leans into country influences, Cowboy Carter blends multiple genres like folk, blues, and even gospel, making it more of a genre-fluid album.
What’s the most notable collaboration on the album? Many would argue Miley Cyrus’s appearance on “II Most Wanted” stands out for its vocal dynamism. However, Willie Nelson’s features on “Smoke Hour” and “Smoke Hour II” provide the album with a strong tie to its country roots.
How does Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” compare to the original? Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene” is a bold reinterpretation, weaving in her personal experiences of infidelity. While some fans appreciate the new narrative, others feel it strays too far from Dolly Parton’s original.
What is the overarching theme of the album? At its core, Cowboy Carter is about reclaiming Black identity within American music. Beyoncé uses country music, a genre rooted in Americana, as a vehicle to tell her story and that of Black artists who have been erased from the genre’s history.
Does the album feel cohesive? With 27 tracks, Cowboy Carter sometimes struggles with cohesion. While the album has standout moments, it can feel overstuffed in places, and some tracks don’t quite hit the mark.
What’s the best track on the album? “Ya Ya” stands out as a powerful anthem that channels the energy of Black musicians reclaiming their place in American history. It’s funky, soulful, and politically charged—a true highlight of the album.
Conclusion
Cowboy Carter is as bold and unpredictable as the Wild West itself. While it may not be Beyoncé’s most cohesive project, its ambition, genre-defying sound, and political commentary make it a significant entry in her discography. Whether you love it or find it a little too sprawling, there’s no denying that Beyoncé has once again redefined the boundaries of popular music. So, strap in and enjoy the ride—Cowboy Carter is here to stay.
