Listening to “COWBOY CARTER,” Beyonce’s highly anticipated album, felt like stepping into unknown territory. I’ve never listened to one of her albums from start to finish so I knew listening to the full album, which consists of 27 songs, was going to be a journey.
“AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” with all its textures and amazing harmonies, served as a great opening track that offered a glimpse into what could be expected from the rest of the album. This song was a response to those who doubted Beyonce’s country roots and it felt empowering to hear her sing about being prideful about her heritage.
As I ventured deeper into the album, I was surprised to encounter the song “BLACKBIIRD,” since it turned out to be a great cover of the Paul McCartney classic. The song featured up-and-coming Black Country singers Tanner Adell, Britney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. As a fan of The Beatles who heard McCartney sing his version live, Beyonce’s rendition displayed her talent and added a fresh perspective to the popular song.
Tracks like “16 CARRIAGES” and “PROTECTOR” delve into more personal themes and the latter includes a special feature by her daughter Rumi (making it one of my favorite songs on the album). The album’s interludes, such as “MY ROSE” and “SMOKE HOUR,” added depth and context to the overall narrative. Beyonce even included Linda Martell in “SPAGHETTI” and “THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW,” which played homage to Black pioneers in Country music and highlighted Beyonce’s musical influences.
As I navigated through each song, I was struck by the album’s seamless blend of genres, from country and R&B to rap and pop. Collaborations with artists like Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone added diversity and richness to the musical landscape, creating an immersive experience for listeners. Additionally, Beyoncé’s reinterpretation of the Dolly Parton song “JOLENE” was particularly intriguing, where instead of the original plea for Jolene not to steal her man, Beyoncé’s version warned against attempting to take what’s hers, adding a modern twist to a classic country narrative. And speaking of classic songs, “DAUGHTER” surprised me with its inclusion of the famous Italian aria “Caro Mio Ben.”
Any album that makes me want to sing along is a winner in my book, and while this may not be a traditional country album by classification, its authenticity and homage to country roots are undeniable. Beyonce’s reinterpretation of classics, while bending our notion of what makes a country song country displays her versatility and her fearless approach to experimenting with sounds and narratives ensures that listeners, regardless of their musical preferences, can find something to appreciate and enjoy. Don’t be surprised to find me at the next rodeo, with my cowboy boots and hat on and this album playing in the background.