Beyoncé’s latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” serves as a groundbreaking moment in her illustrious career, not just musically but culturally, redefining the landscape of country music and challenging its historically limited representation. Released on March 29, the album represents the second part of a “three-act project” that the global superstar has been meticulously crafting over three years during the coronavirus pandemic.
During Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, Beyoncé made a splash by revealing two surprise singles after hinting at new music in a Verizon commercial. In the commercial, Beyoncé embarked on a mission to “break the internet” through a sequence of progressively extravagant antics.
As the commercial neared its end, Beyoncé declared, “OK. They ready. Drop the new music.” True to her word, as the commercial aired, two fresh tracks, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” became available on streaming platforms. These songs also fulfilled fans’ enduring wish for Beyoncé to explore country music.
In a literal nod to the theme, Beyoncé further emphasized her message by posting an Instagram video reminiscent of Wim Wenders’ 1984 film “Paris, Texas.” In the video, she takes the driver’s seat of a yellow taxi, speeding along a dirt road in a rural area of Texas. As the car rushes past, a group of locals gazes at a fresh billboard promoting “Texas Hold ‘Em,” featuring Beyoncé clad in pink lingerie, a cowboy hat, boots, and a grin.
In 2022, when Beyoncé unveiled Renaissance, her seventh album, she revealed it as the initial segment of a “three-act project” recorded over three years amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Reflecting on the period of global lockdowns, she described it as a moment for stillness and unparalleled creativity. Subsequently, Beyoncé confirmed that Act II is officially titled Cowboy Carter.
The Cowboy Carter album, following Beyoncé’s house music-themed Renaissance, marks a shift towards country music, as evident in its initial singles. Collaborating with notable Black country musicians like Rhiannon Giddens and Robert Randolph, Beyoncé showcases the genre’s diversity. Giddens, known for advocating the Black roots of the banjo, contributes banjo and viola to “Texas Hold ‘Em,” while Randolph adds his expertise on the steel guitar to “16 Carriages.”
Despite a positive reception to her performance, Beyoncé faced racist backlash from some country music fans who criticized the Country Music Association’s decision to feature her, as reported by HuffPost. Responding to the criticism, Beyoncé reflected on the experience, expressing how it prompted her to delve deeper into the history of country music and appreciate its rich musical heritage. Emphasizing the significance of music in shaping the world, she concluded by affirming her identity and artistry, stating, “This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé album.”
Relevant articles:
– Everything to Know About Beyonce’s New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’, usmagazine.com
– Beyoncé’s new album is inspired by backlash to her entering the country music genre, NPR, Mar 19, 2024
– Beyoncé ’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ isn’t a country album. It’s worse., Washington Post, Mar 30, 2024
– Beyoncé explores her country voice in her new album, bupipedream.com, 20 hours ago