After her critically acclaimed seventh studio album, “RENAISSANCE,” nearly two years ago, singer-songwriter Beyoncé released the highly-anticipated “COWBOY CARTER” as a tribute to her Houston roots on March 29, 2024. Shifting away from her previous album’s house and disco beats, Beyoncé blends traditional country and bluegrass elements with pop, soul and hip-hop. From singing to rapping, Beyoncé puts her versatility and creativity on full display through her genre-bending new album.
After breaking boundaries with the lead single “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top the Hot Country Songs chart. The release of her eighth studio album marks the second part of her trilogy project, beginning with “RENAISSANCE” and ending with an album unknown.
In the opening track “AMERICAN REQUIEM,” Beyoncé reflects on the media’s criticism of her music and cultural upbringing, redefining what country means lyrically and musically. As a result, she describes the feats she has overcome to gain the success she has today.
“Used to say I spoke, ‘Too country’ / And the rejection came, said, ‘I wasn’t country ‘nough’ / Said I wouldn’t saddle up, but / If that ain’t country, tell me what is? / Plant my bare feet on solid ground for years / They don’t, don’t know how hard I had to fight for this,” Beyoncé sings.
Beyoncé expresses love, hardship and resilience in “16 CARRIAGES,” a powerful country ballad about losing innocence at a young age. She illustrates a carriage driving away as a symbol of her goals and aspirations escaping faster than she can reach them.
“Sixteen carriages drivin’ away / While I watch them ride with my dreams away / To the summer sunset on a holy night / On a long back road, all the tears I fight,” Beyoncé sings.
“JOLENE” reinvents the classic Dolly Parton song as Beyoncé warns the other woman, Jolene, to stay away from her partner despite having romantic feelings for him. Beyoncé expresses confidence in herself that Jolene will not steal her man despite her efforts.
“Thе games you play are nothing new / So you don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene / We’ve been deep in love for twenty years / I raised that man, I raised his kids / I know my man better than he knows himself (Yeah, what?) / I can easily understand / Why you’re attracted to my man / But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot with someone else (You heard me),” Beyoncé sings.
Beyoncé explores the metaphor of “ALLIGATOR TEARS” in the 13th track to showcase the sincerity and vulnerability of her relationship. She openly adores her partner by joining him in his pursuits but still questions his insincere remorse.
“You say move a mountain / And I’ll throw on my boots / You say stop the river from runnin’ / I’ll build a dam or two / You say changе religion / Now I spend Sundays with you / Somethin’ ’bout those tears of yours / How does it feel to be adored?” Beyoncé sings.
Joining forces with country singer-songwriter Willie Nelson, Beyoncé feels overwhelmed with challenges in “JUST FOR FUN.” With hopes of time healing her struggles, she reminds herself to keep going and have fun during hard times.
“Here’s to hoping I’ll fall fast asleep tonight / And I’ll just need to get through this / Born in the darkness, who brings the light? / And I just, I need to get through this / Or just get used to it,” Beyoncé sings.
Beyoncé collaborates with pop singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus for “II Most Wanted,” which is akin to the Fleetwood Mac classic ballad “Landslide.” She expresses a longing for loyalty to someone she cares about, promising to stay by their side and support them.
“I’ll be your shotgun rider ’til the day I die / Smoke out the window flyin’ down the 405 / Yeah, I’ll be your backseat baby, drivin’ you crazy / Anytime you like (Woah),” Beyonce sings.
Beyoncé alludes to her seventh album, “RENAISSANCE,” in the track “LEVII’S JEANS,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of both albums. Featuring Post Malone, the two singer-songwriters express sensuality and chemistry with passionate harmonies and pop instrumentals.
“Need you all night long, you’re my Renaissance / Baby, lovin’ you, that’s all I see / In this crazy world, you’re the best of things,” Beyoncé sings.
In the 18th track, “FLAMENCO,” Beyoncé reflects on gratitude and appreciation for what she has. After experiencing loss, she learns how to express love in new ways.
“I hope that you know once it’s over / And take what you love, so hold me closer / Realize that you don’t know what you got until it’s gone,” Beyonce sings.
Beyoncé concludes the album with the gospel-inspired “AMEN.” She narrates the hard work put into the success of her career and how grateful she is for the people who make her proud.
“This house was built with blood and bone / And it crumbled, yes, it crumbled / The statues they made were beautiful / But they were lies of stone, they were lies of stone / Trumpets blarе with silent sound / I need to make you proud / Tell me, can you hear me now?” Beyonce sings.
Beyoncé bends different genres through the dynamic and inventive “COWBOY CARTER,” reminding listeners of the Black history rooted in country music that is often forgotten. By collaborating with musical artists within and beyond the country music genre, Beyoncé opens new opportunities for artists to experiment with new sounds.