BEYONCÉ'S 'COWBOY CARTER’ – A RIDE THROUGH COUNTRY SOUL
Beyoncé brought the c(o)unt in Country!
Beyoncé doesn't just make music; she crafts revolutions. With "Cowboy Carter," the second installment in her trilogy, she mounts a powerful steed and charges headfirst into the heart of country music. She was right to release “16 Carriages” and her now #1 “Texas Hold ‘em” as singles as they gave audiences a taste of what was to come in terms of Country range. Across 27 tracks, Beyoncé redefines what it means to be a Black woman in a genre historically dominated by white men. With each thunderous beat and soaring melody, she asserts her commanding presence, roping in elements of opera, soul, rock, and hip-hop at her virtuosic whim.
From the opening chords of "Ameriican Requiem," Beyoncé sets the stage for a journey of defiance and triumph. With her version of a national anthem, she confronts the industry's rejection head-on, channeling the spirit of resilience that has defined her career. Tracks like "Protector" and "My Rose" offer tender reflections on motherhood as she includes Rumi in one track and her lullaby in another, while Beyoncé uses the Country classic "Jolene" to boldly rewrite the narrative of a classic tale, empowering women to reject victimhood and embrace their own strength. "I know I'm a queen, Jolene," she declares, refusing to be a victim. This is extremely fitting as she brings on Country legends, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, on different interludes on the album.
In "Daughter," Beyoncé's voice soars to celestial heights, evoking goosebumps as she delivers a powerful lament against a backdrop of 18th-century operatic grandeur conjuring images of Beyoncé standing tall on a grand church balcony, her voice ringing out into the night. "Bodyguard" pulses with piano and a captivating electric guitar ending. “I could be your bodyguard, honey honey, I could be your Kevlar,” she sings beautifully.
Collaborations like "II Most Wanted" with Miley Cyrus and "Levii Jeans" featuring Post Malone showcase Beyoncé's ability to harmonize with others while maintaining her singular vision. "Ya Ya" channels the energy of Outkast and Tina Turner, blending garage rock and hip-hop in a riotous celebration of musical fusion, and is very reminiscent of Hairpsray’s “Corny Collins Show” theme song.
As the album unfolds, tracks like "Riiverdance" and "II Hands to Heaven" offer moments of calm amidst the storm as they transition seamlessly into each other with their light house blend, while "Tyrant" flirts with trap influences, keeping the rodeo spirit alive with bold rhythms and infectious energy.
"Sweet Honey Buckin" serves as a Beyoncé timeless piece, as she returns to her craft of mixing multiple songs into one irresistible groove. The track ends in a catchy guitar sequence as Beyoncé exclaims, “Buckin’ like a mechanical bull”. While not every track hits the mark— "Alligator Tears" and "Just For Fun" fall short of Beyoncé's usual standard—the album as a whole is a triumph of creativity and audacity.
In "Amen," Beyoncé brings the journey full circle, recalling themes from the opening track and setting the stage for the next chapter in her musical evolution.
"Cowboy Carter" is more than just an album; it's a manifesto—a mission to carve out space for Black women in a historically white male-dominated genre. With each thunderous beat and soaring melody, Beyoncé asserts her commanding presence, reshaping country music in her own image. It's a bold statement—a masterpiece that challenges the status quo and redefines what it means to be a country artist. As Beyoncé stirs up the Western and puts her stamp on the genre, one thing is clear: she's not just a musician; she's a trailblazer, continuing to lead the way for others to follow. So saddle up and hold on tight, because with Beyoncé at the reins, the ride is just getting started.
