COWBOY CARTER embraces a spectrum of musical styles, reflecting the artist's boundless creativity, unapologetically pushing boundaries, and redefining musical norms, wrapping up in authentic, acoustically driven instrumentation and vocal harmonies of the choral range.  The album encompasses a multifaceted palette of sounds drawn from Beyoncé's upbringing, experiences, and influences reflecting the genres she grew up listening to, from Country and original Rhythm & Blues to Blues, Zydeco, and Black Folk, which she encountered during visits and performances at the Houston Rodeo.

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Beyoncé COWBOY CARTER
Photo: Blair Caldwell - ©Parkwood Entertainment

"The joy of creating music is that there are no rules," says Beyoncé. "The more I see the world evolving the more I felt a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones. I didn't want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature."

The album assimilates a diverse array of instruments, including the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, bass ukulele, pedal steel guitar, Vibra-Slap, mandolin, fiddle, Hammond B3 organ, tack piano, and banjo, creating a celebratory blend of sounds.

Additionally, COWBOY CARTER features handclaps, horseshoe steps, boot stomps on hardwood floors, and even Beyoncé's nails used as percussion.

The inspiration of this work draws from Southern and Western culture, encompassing elements like the Rodeo, Western films, and the tales of the original cowboys of the West. It was at the Rodeo where she first witnessed a rich tapestry of diversity and camaraderie among enthusiasts of Country music and the Americana lifestyle, characterized by a sense of community, culinary delights, grills, and Western gear. This unique cultural blend includes Black, Hispanic, and Native American Cowboys, each contributing their unique and authentic perspectives to the culture, intertwining their stories with the fabric of American history.

The music is surrounded by passionate and bold storytelling, with Beyoncé's powerful voice serving as the focal point. Her vocals illuminate a narrative rich in truth-telling, uncovering hidden histories, and embracing the enchantment found in reconnecting with one's roots. Beyoncé, a student of history, carries on the American music masterclass initiated with act i RENAISSANCE in 2022. This earlier work delved deeply into dance music and its creators, celebrating those who found joy despite societal pressures to feel like outsiders.

COWBOY CARTER commences with "AMERICAN REQUIEM," a hymn-like proclamation, which sets off with a strong and bold message from Queen Bey inviting listeners to a mission-driven journey, setting up a manifestation for change while saying farewell to “big ideas buried” and calling to stand by her and follow her for what she’s been fighting for and to join her for fresh new beginnings. 

The anthem starts with powerful choral harmonies that set the attitude, transitioning into an emotionally charged protest song that contains excerpts from “Heart Of The City (Ain’t No Love)” by JayZ and interpolation of “For What It’s Worth” written by Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield, thus building a bridge between 1968, the year of assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., massive anti-war protests, and social activism and hippie movements in its peak, and the today’s present where we face many of these issues not only unresolved, but worsened and scaled. 

It seems natural to follow this journey with a beautiful and very authentic and accurate rendition of the Beatles' “Blackbird,” stylishly spelled with double "II" as "BLACKBIIRD," which originally was not so coincidentally released in that same year of 1968. Paul McCartney shared his inspiration behind the creation of the “Blackbird” and elaborated on the song's meaning that "blackbird" should be interpreted as "black girl" standing for her civil rights.

 “I remembered this whole idea of "you were only waiting for this moment to arise" was about, you know, the black people's struggle in the southern states,” McCartney said in his 2022 interview to KCRW DJ Chris Douridas. “And I was using the symbolism of a blackbird. It's not really about a blackbird whose wings are broken, you know, it's a bit more symbolic.”

With meticulously careful instrumentation layered by strings and bass of Khirye Tyler and crafted over the original acoustic guitar line, famous for its 10th interval chords and signature foot tapping taken from the original 1968 Beatles recording and performed by Sir Paul himself. Divinely arranged soulful, soaring Beyoncé's vocals, colored with impeccable harmonies of Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, and Tiera Kennedy, Beyoncé breathes new life into the song, blending its poignant roots with her own deeply personal interpretation. Beyoncé's reimagining of "BLACKBIIRD" transforms the classic into a hauntingly beautiful anthem of resilience. It’s a testament to her ability to honor tradition while making it distinctly her own.

The album is further unfolding with Beyoncé's hit single “16 CARRIAGES," which debuted during Super Bowl halftime on February 11, 2024, brightly and organically entering the world of country music, telling a story from her personal perspectives of a young girl with big dreams, and bringing this song musically to an entirely new level with her skillful and soulful vocals backed by sophisticated, yet experimental arrangements.  Beyoncé's versatility as an artist is represented in "16 CARRIAGES" with carefully crafted layers of instrumentation, incorporating heavy beats and percussions, guitars, and trumpet, built upon rich sounds of piano, synth, and organ, that build tension and emotion throughout the entire composition, while maintaining Beyoncé's signature style and vocal prowess. 

Beyoncé's musical exploration and her self-expression continue through meaningful storytelling with soulful melodic ballads “PROTECTOR” and “MY ROSE," filled with warm emotions wrapped around by acoustic guitars and signature harmonies, only to be interrupted by a fun and humorous interlude by Willie Nelson acting as a radio host of “SMOKE HOUR,” appearing on old fashion noisy radio, with the introduction of the next lead hit "TEXAS HOLD 'EM." 

"My process is that I typically have to experiment," Beyoncé says. "I enjoy being open to have the freedom to get all aspects of things I love out and so I worked on many songs.  I recorded probably 100 songs. Once that is done, I am able to put the puzzle together and realize the consistencies and the common themes, and then create a solid body of work."

On "COWBOY CARTER," Beyoncé's artistry shines through as she fearlessly creates on her own terms, defying conventions and embracing a boundless creative spirit. The album's 27 tracks offer a journey of discovery, inviting listeners to explore new musical territories and transcending genre limitations. Beyoncé's prowess as a producer is evident as she effortlessly blends chords and keys, pushing the boundaries of musical fusion. 

From reimagined classics like "BLACKBIIRD" and "JOLENE" to original tracks like "SWEET HONEY BUCKIN," "RIIVERDANCE," and "II MOST WANTED," the album showcases a remarkable range of sonic diversity and innovation. In "JOLENE," which is preluded by iconic Dolly Parton saying hi to Honey Bey from "DOLLY P", passing the torch to Beyoncé who delivers a bold and modern twist on this classic country ballad. Her rich, emotive vocals bring fresh depth to the tale of heartache and longing, while the innovative production adds subtle R&B and gospel influences. The result is a powerful reinvention that bridges generational and genre divides.

"II MOST WANTED" is a gritty, rebellious storytelling ballad that channels Western outlaw energy with a modern twist. Beyoncé’s commanding delivery is paired with dark, cinematic instrumentals, creating a track that’s both edgy and empowering. It’s a bold statement of defiance and independence, solidifying her place as a genre-defying force.

A perfect country music album would never be complete without praising one of the most iconic symbols of Western culture, Levi’s Jeans, which became a signature style of the gold rush and the American working class.  "LEVII'S JEANS," performed as a duo with Post Malone, is a playful yet poignant ode to resilience and individuality. Infused with bluesy guitar riffs, leading bass, and stomping percussion, the track cleverly uses denim as a sexy metaphor for strength, durability, and a sense of holding a relationship solid. Her vocals glide effortlessly between raw power and delicate vulnerability, blended with smooth yet confident vocal work Post Malone. Both express an embracing feeling of togetherness and set the tone for a bold, genre-bending journey.

With "FLAMENCO," Beyoncé ventures into uncharted territory, blending flamenco-inspired rhythms with sultry R&B undertones. Handclaps and the intricate guitar work by an aspiring multi-instrumentalist, artist, songwriter, and producer Mamii, also credited on “MY ROSE," evoke the heat of Andalusia while Beyoncé's voice channels deep passion and defiance. It's a mesmerizing exploration of cultural fusion, proving her ability to adapt and innovate with breathtaking finesse, contrasting with "YA YA," a patriotic anthemic celebration of freedom and self-expression. With its infectious beat and chant-like hooks, the track feels like a modern-day rallying cry. Beyoncé's dynamic delivery and the song’s rich harmonies create a communal energy, proclaiming female power and liberation and making it a standout that demands to be sung along to. 

Dark and cinematic, "DESERT EAGLE" dives into themes of survival and power. Beyoncé’s haunting vocals with polyphonic harmonies soar over a gritty backdrop of booming bass riffs. The song’s sharp lyrics and striking imagery conjure the intensity of a showdown, cementing its place as one of the album's most dramatic offerings. On the next turn, Beyoncé takes listeners on a transcendent journey with "RIIVERDANCE," a hypnotic blend of Irish dance beats, country, soul, and ethereal melodies. The song's flowing rhythm mirrors the movement of water, while her vocals shift between electrifying and soothing, evoking expressions of raw emotions intertwined into a love story rocking through a continuous rollercoaster.

"II HANDS II HEAVEN" is a gospel-infused ballad that showcases Beyoncé’s unparalleled vocal range and emotional depth. In this soulful masterpiece, Beyoncé artistically and colorfully paints a picture describing a quest in search of answers to some very complicated questions in the midst of the hot Arizona desert. The uplifting melody, accompanied by a soaring choir, channels themes of faith and perseverance. It’s a heartfelt moment of reflection and redemption, offering a powerful contrast to the album’s grittier tracks.

Closer to the very end of this epic program, a listener enjoys another power collaboration where Beyoncé is joined by rapper Shaboozey with support by Pharrell Williams in a multilayered hit "SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIN’." Shaboozey delivers an impeccable performance playing his role of an assertive and bold “Country boy ‘til the day that I’m dead…,” a character from infamous mid-twentieth century commercial and Hollywood blockbuster movies  “Marlboro man” who painted his Chevy red, riding his horse and taking her heart away. Beyoncé opposes him with her sultry, playful, and seductive side, joining him on a cross-country road trip on a classic American Cadillac, striving for a new life with her cowboy. "SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIN’" captivates with chanting beats, infectious melodies, and lyrical storytelling that feels quintessentially Southern. The track’s minimalistic yet tasteful instrumentation, accentuated by the heartbeat of the bass drum that runs throughout most of the song, merges seamlessly with her powerhouse vocals, creating a song that is equal parts charm and swagger.

Closing the album on a powerful yet emotional note, "AMEN" is a jubilant declaration of gratitude and self-empowerment, expressing a lot of pain for the crumbling American home built with “blood and bones.” Beyoncé’s soulful delivery, paired with an exuberant instrumental arrangement, makes the track feel like not just a cry for mercy but a pledge “to purify our fathers’ sins with a hope for a brighter future with endless possibilities ahead. It’s a fitting finale to an album that boldly defies expectations and redefines artistry.

COWBOY CARTER - Main Cover Art
Photo: Blair Caldwell | ©Parkwood Entertainment

Beyoncé’s Act II: Cowboy Carter is a fearless exploration of genre and identity, blending the raw soul of country music with her signature boundary-pushing artistry, a celebration of everything she’s achieved. This album captures the spirit of reinvention, weaving stories of resilience, freedom, and heritage into a sonic tapestry that is as bold as it is intimate. By paying homage to the roots of American music while injecting her own cultural perspective, Beyoncé bridges the past and present in a way only she can—unifying audiences and elevating the genre.

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Beyoncé COWBOY CARTER | Photo: Blair Caldwell - ©Parkwood Entertainment

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