Released: March 29, 2024
Label: Parkwood ∙ Columbia
Genre: Country ∙ western ∙ country pop ∙ Americana
Producer: 070 Shake ∙ BAH ∙ Jon Batiste ∙ Beyoncé ∙ Cadenza ∙ Cam ∙ Miley Cyrus ∙ D.A. Got That Dope ∙ Derek Dixie ∙ Dixson ∙ Ian Fitchuk ∙ Harry Edwards ∙ Shawn Everett ∙ Nathan Ferraro ∙ Ink ∙ Tyler Johnson ∙ Paul McCartney ∙ No I.D. ∙ Nova Wav ∙ Dave Hamelin ∙ Killa B ∙ Nick Kobe ∙ Mamii ∙ Simon Mårtensson ∙ Pharrell Williams ∙ Jack Ro ∙ Raphael Saadiq ∙ Sean Solymar ∙ Sounwave ∙ Swizz Beatz ∙ The-Dream ∙ Khirye Tyler
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 2024, we still have the mindset that genres belong to a specific racial or ethnic background, especially ones that have been popularized in white spaces. A known fact is that Black musicians originated a lot of music genres since the beginning of time, but for decades and generations never have gotten the proper recognition. Artists like Beyoncé have wanted to change that with her amazing trilogy that she has started.
Beyoncé has amazed us with her impeccable talents since her days of being a member and founder of one of the most best-selling girl groups of all time, which was Destiny’s Child. After the group disbanded, Beyoncé has since become one of our most beloved entertainers…becoming a distinguished cultural figure of the 21st century.
In 2016, Beyoncé recorded a country influenced song on her 6th studio album Lemonade, titled Daddy Lessons. Although the song was not released as an official single, it was performed by Knowles-Carter and the legendary The Chicks (formerly called Dixie Chicks) at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards that same year.
While the performance was praised and gave the awards show it’s highest viewership in history, many country music fans and critics criticized her attendance at the awards ceremony and that she does not belong in the genre. Also, The Recording Academy’s country music committee rejected the song for consideration for a Grammy Award with some publications stating that the song was not country enough. Whatever the hell that means.
This downright racist experience led to the origins of Beyoncé’s 8th studio album, Cowboy Carter. This album was five years in the making, reportedly being the first album recorded for the trilogy Beyoncé is releasing. The singer was inspired to explore the history of country music, western culture and its origins with Black people and the blatant erasure for years and decades.
This ain’t a country album. This is a Beyoncé album.
Beyoncé, 2024
Following 2022’s Renaissance, Cowboy Carter isn’t an album that celebrates Black musicians in the dance/house music world. The album pays homage to the beauty and magic of country music and multiple sub-genres like Americana, bluegrass, funk, folk, zydeco, gospel, opera, rock, R&B, psychedelic soul, hip hop, house, flamenco, honky-tonk, go-go and western music through the eyes of Black artists. What I love about Beyoncé is that she is a teacher and a student simultaneously. Beyoncé wonderfully blends these genres together and that is why it’s important to just generalize Cowboy Carter. It is totally influenced by country music, but it is a Beyoncé album like she said. Beyoncé isn’t one of those artists you can group into a box musically. She’s going to showcase her versatility with each album, even though it may be influenced by a specific genre.
The album is presented as a broadcast by a fictional radio station in Beyoncé’s home state of Texas, and even had legendary country artists acting as radio DJs! Like the concept of why we put limitations on genres and Black artists is what I take away from this album. A lot of people do hop from certain genres for cash grab purposes, but Beyoncé does NOT. She’s done the work and received an A+.
Cowboy Carter debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 407,000 album-equivalent units. Beyoncé became the first woman to debut her first eight studio albums at number one, and the first Black woman to have a country album at number one. Another thing is 23 of songs from the album debuted on the Hot 100, giving the Black country artists featured on the album. AN ICON!
Ladies & Gentlemen, I present to you: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter.
Ameriican Requiem
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Ernest Wilson ∙ Jon Batiste ∙ Raphael Saadiq ∙ Atia Boggs ∙ Camaron Ochs ∙ Tyler Johnson ∙ Darius Scott ∙ Derek Dixie ∙ Shawn Carter ∙ Michael Price ∙ Dan Walsh ∙ Stephen Stills
Cowboy Carter opens with the remarkable introduction record Ameriican Requiem, which addresses Beyoncé’s complex relationship with the country music genre and how it felt to be rejected by the country music world with the song Daddy Lessons and the performance at the CMAs.
Ameriican Requiem contains a sample of:
- Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love) (MTV Unplugged) by Jay-Z featuring Jaguar Wright
the song also contains an interpolation of For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield.
Blackbiird (with Brittany Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy)
Written by John Lennon ∙ Paul McCartney
Blackbiird is Beyoncé’s verison of a The Beatles folk influenced song of the same name. When Paul McCartney & John Lennon wrote this song, it has been stated that there’s two inspirations behind this song: Paul hearing the call of a blackbird one morning when the band was studying Transcendental Meditation in Rishikesh, India and a dedication to people who have been affected by discrimination (the civil rights movement in particular). The case of the Little Rock Nine serves as aspiration to the song as well.
Beyoncé’s version pays homage to the original song, but can be seen as a way to bring a type of freedom to Black women (people if you ask me,) and that we can prosper in whatever genre of music that we can. Also, the same features Black women in the country music genre currently and I appreciate what Beyoncé is doing by the inclusion!!! Blackbiird debut at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts their first appearance on said chart!
- Blackbiird was originally recorded by The Beatles as “Blackbird” in 1968.
16 Carriages
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Dave Hamelin ∙ Atia Boggs ∙ Raphael Saadiq
I ain’t going to lie to you: it took listening to 16 Carriages with the album to appreiciate its greatness and how much it deserves so much more. From a lyrical perspective, the autobiographical ballad is giving that the singer is reflecting about growing up and the relationships parents and their children face. Released as a surprise, 16 Carriages became Beyoncé’s second top-ten entry debuting at number nine on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and debuted on the Hot 100 at 38.
Protector (with Rumi Carter)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Ryan Beatty ∙ Camaron Ochs ∙ Jack Rochon
Protector is an incredible song that pays tribute to the love and admiration Beyoncé has for her children, and their beautiful bond. An ode to motherhood, the song has the singer being their protector throughout life, and it’s so amazing that Rumi was featured on the song..giving the song even more meaningful references. Protector debuted at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rumi Carter the youngest-charting female artist in Billboard Hot 100 history at 6 years old.
My Rose
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Shawntoni Nichols
My Rose is dedicated to her MAN honey! Serving as one of the many interludes on the album, the song is so top tier and Beyoncé’s vocals are simply angelic. Just wow.
Smoke Hour ⭐️ Willie Nelson (with Willie Nelson)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Leah Takele ∙ Charles Anderson ∙ Edward House Jr. ∙ Sister Rosetta Tharpe ∙ Chuck Berry ∙ Jesse Stone
Smoke Hour ⭐️ Willie Nelson has the legendary country musician Willie Nelson gracing his presence on Cowboy Carter acting as a radio dj introducing the album and leads us towards the next track on the album.
Smoke Hour ⭐️ Willie Nelson contains excerpts from:
- Laughing Yodel by Charles Anderson
- Grinnin’ in Your Face by Son House
- Down by the River Side by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- Maybellene by Chuck Berry
- Don’t Let Go by Roy Hamilton
Texas Hold ‘Em
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Elizabeth Lowell Boland ∙ Megan Bülow ∙ Brian Bates ∙ Nate Ferraro ∙ Raphael Saadiq
Texas Hold ‘Em is lyrically about being the singer’s love letter to the south, and especially her Texan roots for sure. The most country influenced song on the album, the song has already made history and had a huge impact on Black artists in the world of country music. With Beyoncé releasing this surprise single along with 16 Carriages simultaneously, it has been seen as the singer reclaiming the genre and shining a light on the Black roots that are there.
Texas Hold ‘Em peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 & UK Singles charts, becoming Beyoncé’s ninth solo single in the US. The song debuted at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart, making our girl the first Black woman with a number one country song in HISTORY. The song also saw a spike in streams for Black country women artists!
Bodyguard
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Raphael Saadiq ∙ Ryan Beatty ∙ Elizabeth Lowell Boland ∙ Leven Kali ∙ Shawntoni Nichols
Bodyguard is becoming one of my favorites the more and more I listen! It’s a catchy pop tune with surf rock and country influences! Another song where Beyoncé sounds spectacular vocally.
Dolly P (with Dolly Parton)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Dolly Parton ∙ Leah Takele
Hey Miss Honeybee, it’s Dolly P
Dolly Parton, Dolly P, 2024
You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about?
Reminded me of someone I knew back when
Except she has flamin’ locks of auburn hair
Bless her heart
Just a hair of a different color but it hurts just the same
Jolene
Written by Dolly Parton ∙ Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Denisia Andrews ∙ Brittany Coney ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant
Dolly Parton always wanted Beyoncé to cover one of her songs, and she was granted her wish with Jolene. Dolly released her version of the song in the fall of 1973, going number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. From a lyrical perspective, the song originally was inspired by a red head bank clerk who flirted with her husband and she is begging Jolene to not take her man. Beyoncé’s version has significant changes to the lyrics and production, with the singer warning Jolene to not even try to attempt that with hers. It’s also been said that her version addresses her own husband’s infidelity. Even THE Stevie Wonder played the harmonica on her version. Music to my ears.
Beyoncé’s version debuted at number 7 and 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts respectively, with the latter making Beyonce the first female artist to achieve a feat of having three songs occupy the top 3 positions on the chart.
- Jolene is a cover of Dolly Parton’s 1973 version
Daughter
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Camaron Ochs ∙ Simon Mårtensson ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant
If you cross me, I’m just like my father.
I am colder than Titanic water..
Beyoncé, Daughter, 2024
Daughter is one of the songs on the album that showcases how powerful Beyoncé’s vocals are. I mean she busts out singing opera. Like look at the material. The song debuted at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Spaghettii (with Linda Martell and Shaboozey)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Shawn Carter ∙ Collins Chibueze ∙ Khirye Tyler ∙ Dedé Mandrake
Genres are a funny little concept, aren’t they?
Linda Martell, Spaghettii, 2024
The song Spaghettii opens with THE Linda Martell, who is the first Black country artist to have commercial success and sing on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. She is speaking on how musical genres can be very simple, but the limitations society places on genres makes it complex. & our girl showcases that you can merge and blend country, western, hip hop and many other genres and make it a masterpiece across the board for multiple genres. She did say it is a BEYONCÉ album and not a country one, right?
Spaghetti debuted at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Alliigator Tears
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Khirye Tyler ∙ Jack Siegel
It’s a tradition in the trilogy to note the beautiful & seamless transitions, and to go from Spaghettii to the soft rock influenced Alliigator Tears is definitely one key factor you should notice on this masterpiece. It really shows her versatility as an artist, and don’t get me started on the lyricism. Lyrically, the song speaks about the confusion she feels loving someone who doesn’t have pure emotions and are the most adored. The song debuted at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Smoke Hour II (with Willie Nelson)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Leah Takele ∙ Dave Hamelin ∙ Jeff Gitelman
[Interlude: Willie Nelson]
Willie Nelson, Smoke Hour II, 2024
You’re turned into KNTRY Radio Texas, home of the real deal
And if there’s one thing you can take away from my set today, let it be this:
Sometimes you don’t know what you like until someone you trust turns you on to some real good shit
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I’m here
Up next on “The Smoke Hour” is, “JUST FOR FUN” by Beyoncé
You’re welcome
Just for Fun (with Willie Jones)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles- Carter ∙ Ryan Beatty ∙ Dave Hamelin ∙ Jeff Gitty
Just for Fun is really one of those feel good records, and serves as her first collaboration with Willie Jones, who’s a country singer in his own right.
II Most Wanted (with Miley Cyrus)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Miley Cyrus ∙ Michael Pollack ∙ Ryan Tedder
I didn’t know I needed a collaboration with Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus until II Most Wanted, but I am a supporting member baby. Released as the third single, the song debuted at number 6 on the Hot 100, giving the singers their 23rd and 13th top ten hits respectively. II Most Wanted also charted simultaneously with Texas Hold ‘Em and Jolene in the top three on the Hot Country Songs, debuting at number two.
II Most Wanted contains an interpolation of:
- Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Levii’s Jeans (with Post Malone)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Austin Post ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Nile Rodgers ∙ Shawn Carter
Levii’s Jeans is a great collaboration from Beyoncé & Post Malone, and the pair mesh pretty well together. The song debuted at number 16 on the Hot 100.
Flamenco
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Shawntoni Nichols
Flamenco is a top tier song and I am furious that it’s not LONGER!!!!
The Linda Martell Show (with Linda Martell)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Leah Takele
[Interlude: Linda Martell]
Linda Martell, The Linda Martell Show, 2024
Haha, okay, thank you so very much
Ladies and gentlemen
This particular tune stretches across a range of genres
And that’s what makes it a unique listening experience
Yes, indeed
It’s called “YA YA”
Ya Ya
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Shawn Carter ∙ Oliver Rodigan ∙ Harry Edwards ∙ Klara Mkhatshwa Munk-Hansen ∙ Anaïs Marinho ∙ Lee Hazlewood ∙ Brian Wilson ∙ Mike Love
FIRST OFF, I want to say Ya Ya is a FUCKING masterpiece! I love everything about this song. I think it is honestly one of Beyoncé’s most confident songs of all time. Ya Ya can also be seen as a bold political statement from the singer, speaking that the lyrics discusses subject matter along the lines of being Black living in America. The Nancy Sinatra sample also got to me too because I love the 60s vibes this song brings to the table. Ya Ya debuted at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ya Ya contains a sample of:
- These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra.
Ya Ya contains an interpolation of :
- Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
Oh Louisiana
Written by Chuck Berry
Serving as an interlude that NEEDED TO BE LONGER *coughs* Beyoncé, Oh Louisiana transitions from Ya Ya so smoothly. Like my God this woman‘s artistry is impeccable. & it’s a small cover of a Chuck Berry classic?! Oh yes Ms baby gotta drop the full version for me and FAST. Oh Louisana debuted at #70 on the Hot 100, and is the singer’s shortest song to chart.
- Oh Louisiana was originally by Chuck Berry in 1971
Desert Eagle
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Jabbar Stevens ∙ Miranda Johnson ∙ Marcus Reddick
The funk inspired Desert Eagle serves as the final interlude on Cowboy Carter, and yet again…an extended version of this song is needed! Desert Eagle debuted at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100!
Riiverdance
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Rachel Keen ∙ Mark Spears
I think Riiverdance is going to be a classic country song years from now. The production is simply amazing, & it is extremely catchy. The song debuted at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.
II Hands II Heaven
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Dave Hamelin ∙ Ryan Beatty ∙ Jack Rochon ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Mark Spears
II Hands II Heaven is one of my highlights and favorites from the album! A masterpiece for sure.
II Hands II Heaven contains a sample of:
- Born Slippy (Nuxx) by Underworld
Tyrant (with Dolly Parton)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Dolly Parton
Tyrant is a SONGGGGGGG! From the themes of power, control and desire, to the usage of multiple genres blending together, Tyrant is such an amazing collaboration with Beyoncé and the legendary Dolly Parton. The song showcases how Beyoncé is literally a student of good quality music. Tyrant debuted at #44 on the Billboard Hot 1o0.
Sweet ⭐️ Honey ⭐️ Buckiin’ (with Shaboozey)
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Pharrell Williams ∙ Collins Chibueze ∙ Terius Gesteelde-Diamant ∙ Shawn Carter ∙ Hank Cochran ∙ Harlan Howard
Sweet ⭐️ Honey ⭐️ Buckiin’ is a collaboration with Beyoncé, Shaboozey and Pharrell Williams, and has the singer discussing being snubbed at the Grammys for Album of the Year, andwill continue to grow as an artist artistically and not allow the critics to get to her. A song! The song debuted at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Shaboozey their first appearance on the chart.
Sweet ⭐️ Honey ⭐️ Buckiin’ contains an interpolation from:
- I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline
Amen
Written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter ∙ Dave Hamelin ∙ Danielle Balbuena ∙ Camaron Ochs ∙ Tyler Johnson ∙ Ian Fitchuk ∙ Darius Dixson ∙ Derek Dixie ∙ Sean Solymar
The final track Amen picks up where Ameriican Requiem left off at the beginning of the album, where Beyoncé explores themes of compassion, redemption, and mercy. After diving into the history of country music throughout the album, Beyoncé showcases how Black people’s contributions have been erased from memory for decades, and now there’s a platform for Black country artists to get better recognition.
There’s so many messages I get from Cowboy Carter, but one thing’s for certain. Beyoncé is really one of one. You can tell that this album was originally supposed to be act 1, because of how Amen ends, and you can dive directly into Renaissance’s I’m That Girl..but I totally understand why she chose for Cowboy Carter to come second. After COVID, we needed a fun record. Cowboy Carter is fun, an instant classic, bold, exhilarating, but we really needed some time to digest such an album and now is the perfect time. Beyoncé has proven time after time that she’s one of the best, but Cowboy Carter proves how dedicated she is to giving us BODIES OF WORK. Beyoncé never fails to amaze me. -MW.
markizdj.com 