Cowboy Carter: A Sensational Album By Beyonce!

Note: Sorry that this music review is late, but things have been hectic in my life. Look for more music reviews!

I’m going to admit it, but I have been an on and off fan of Beyonce’s. When I was younger, I really enjoyed her music, particularly the I Am… Sasha Fierce album! That “Singles Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” music video will always be iconic. But last year, when Beyonce released Renaissance and I heard “Cuff it” and “Break My Soul,” my attention was grabbed. So, when Beyonce released “Texas Hold ‘Em” and I first heard the song, my head immediately started bopping. Hearing the lively up-tempo song made me want to hear what Beyonce had to offer on Cowboy Carter.

Listening to the album, which features twenty-seven songs, I applaud Beyonce for shining and putting a spin on country music. For example, Beyonce collaborated with other Black Country musicians such as Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, and Willie Jones on the album. This will create more limelight for these artists and other Black Country musicians, which is incredible. Also, I respect that Beyonce responded to the criticism by making this album. Some of the lyrics from the song “American Requiem,” reflects this:

“Used to say I spoke too country

And the rejection came, said I wasn't country 'nough

Said I wouldn't saddle up, but

If that ain't country, tell me what is?

Plant my bare feet on solid ground for years

They don't, don't know how hard I had to fight for this.”

 Amidst all the negative pushback from the country music scene, Beyonce took on the critics and made this album. She wasn’t going to let rejection win, which I applaud her for. I feel that any artist should be able to cross over and try different genres. Even though there has been negative response, some people have accepted Beyonce into the country scene. On the album, legendary country singers Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton made appearances, which is impressive.

As I go further into this review, I want to talk about some of my favorite songs off the album. Earlier in the review, I did mention that I enjoy “Texas Hold ‘Em,” but “16 Carriages” is good as well. The song, which was released on Super Bowl Sunday is slow and up-tempo, with hints of  Blues and Gospel. I also like that Beyonce gets personal in the song, reflecting on growing up in the spotlight. A second song that I enjoyed was “Daughter,” which is track eleven on the album. One thing that I particularly enjoyed about this track was the Italian chorus and high notes towards the end of the song. Those two aspects attributed to the message of the song, which is that Beyonce can be like her dad, Matthew Knowles. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of Beyonce.

A third song that I like off the album was track twelve, which is called “SPAGHETTII.” This song you can dance to as it features hip-hop and rap beats. As the song is close to finishing, it enters into a slow melody, going back to country roots. This song is a perfect example of how this album is not pure country. As Beyonce said, “Cowboy Carter is not a country album, but a Beyonce album.” Since this was the case, Beyonce displayed an album with multitudes of genres. Another song that I enjoyed was “Desert Eagle” which is track twenty-two on the album. One thing about this sexy song that I enjoyed was the beat, filled of R&B, Soul, and Funk notes. Even though the song is only one minute and twelve seconds long, you can bop your head or dance to the beat. The last song I want to focus on is “Riverdance,” which “Desert Eagle” flows into. Since Riverdance is an Irish step dance, it corroborates with the fast and up-tempo beats of the song. The song, which features Pop, Dance, and R&B melodies will allow you to dance and have fun. “Riverdance” is one of my top favorites that I will always enjoy listening to from Cowboy Carter.

As I finish my review, Cowboy Carter is now one of my favorites by Beyonce. I enjoy that Beyonce incorporated country with other genres such as Pop, Dance, Rap, etc. This album also has many great songs that you can dance, pour your heart out, and chill to. And like I said at the beginning of my review, hopefully this album will bring attention on Black artists, including those in the country scene. I haven’t seen Beyonce before and there are rumors that she may go on tour for Cowboy Carter. And if that’s the case, I wouldn’t mind going.

Beyonce. "American Requiem." Cowboy Carter. Parkwood Entertainment & Columbia Records, 2024. Transcript of lyrics.

  If you made it to the bottom of this review, thanks for reading. Please subscribe and check out my other posts- Brianna