No matter what you think of Beyonce or her beehive, one thing can be agreed upon: she has an indisputable place in pop culture. As a casual fan, I can say that regardless of your own fan status, her music and name is a household staple. Who doesn’t at least know “Single Ladies”?
Throughout the decades, Beyonce’s music has sent shockwaves through the R&B and pop industries — even at her start with the album “Dangerously in Love”. Her newest album, “Cowboy Carter” is once again sending shockwaves out to us all and has left us all astounded, whether in a good or bad way. Her take on country music has proven she can and will push the boundaries of creativity.
So saddle up while we dive into this new album. Beyonce said it herself, “it ain’t a country album, it’s a Beyonce album.” And it clearly shows in the mixture of pop, R&B, and country genres throughout her songs on the track list.
Track one, “American Requiem” starts off as a soft-spoken, harmonious chant. Her extraordinary riffs and adlibs throughout the song ingrain her presence. It progresses in an anthem-like way as a tribute to her Black southern heritage and as a response to her critics disregarding her attempts to dabble in the country industry.
Track two, “Blackbird”, was Beyonce’s version of the classic “Blackbird” by the Beatles. It is a clear emotional homage to Little Rock Nine — a group of Black students in the center of the fight to desegregate public schools in America. Her soulful vocals add a tinge of her own pain.
Another impassioned track is track three, “16 cartridges.” This song oozes with nostalgia and longing. It’s much slower beat mixed with Beyonce’s sweet tone and heartfelt lyrics come together to create a story. Beyonce takes us on a journey through the memories and battles she has undergone with this track.
Track four, a personal favorite, “Protector” is a soft ballad that takes on a soothing quality as she sings about her love and devotion in a lullaby. From what we know from her past, Beyonce does not play about the music she devotes to her children. The stripped down arrangement of her warm harmonies and a simple guitar tune allow her vocals to shine in the best way possible.
Like track four, track five, “My Rose” shows off Beyonce’s soft, delicate tone. To me, it showcases Beyonce’s vulnerability along with our own. Its short and simple poetic lyrics create a sense of intimacy.
Track six, “Smoke Hour ★ Willie Nelson”, Beyonce teams up with country legend Willie Nelson to show how this album should be listened to. Willie Nelson invites us all to sit back and go to our good place, and if we don’t have one or can’t find it — go to music.
Track seven, the one everyone knows, “Texas Hold ’Em” is an ode to Beyonce’s home state, Texas. It’s a high-energy anthem that celebrates the spirit of the Lone Star State. The almost infectious rhythm and catchy melody make it impossible to not get stuck in your head (as I have fallen victim, too). Although it’s quite catchy, it has been incredibly overplayed in my opinion, which is why it’s not as high on my tier list.
Track eight, “Bodyguard”, is another personal favorite. There is a strong sense of sensuality and allure, with Beyonce delivering sultry vocals over a seductive groove. Unlike the past songs, it’s a steamy standout moment on the album. 10/10.
Track nine, “Dolly P”, Beyoncé pays homage to country icon Dolly Parton with a short message from Parton herself. It sets the stage for the next track. Track ten, “Jolene”, is a reimagining of the classic Dolly Parton hit. Beyonce puts her own spin on the timeless tale of love and betrayal. Her powerhouse vocals give the song new life and intensity.
Track eleven, “Daughter” provides us with a poignant reflection on her experience with motherhood. It’s a clear tender ballad that showcases Beyonce’s maternal instincts and emotional depth. Like a lot of the past tracks, it has a very simple construction with her poetic vocals leading its entirety. The siren-like ending vocals makes this song stand out incredibly.
Track twelve, “Spaghetti” mixes it up with a more hip-hop heavy song. Unlike the past songs, it has a very empowering sense, with Beyonce rapping rather than singing.
Track thirteen, “Alligator Tears” is a haunting ballad that dives into the darker corners of the human soul. Beyoncé’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful, conveying a deep sense of longing.
Track fourteen, “Smoke Hour II” is just a continuation of “Smoke Hour”. A continued speech by Nelson.
Track fifteen “Just for Fun”, Beyonce features Willie Jones and develops another slow chant-like song that encourages self empowerment and finding purpose through any battles or hardship.
Although I have nothing bad to say about “II Most Wanted” and “Levi’s Jeans”, (interestingly enough the two songs with pop artist features), they are both skips for me.
Track eighteen, “Flamenco” brings me back into the album. This song is another favorite of mine. Her angelic vocals display her sense of yearning and longing. It doesn’t have a distinct sadness throughout, unlike some of the other tracks. Instead its much more spirited — like its name intends. The riffs throughout the song make this one stick with me heavily.
Track nineteen, “The Linda Martell Show” is an intro to the next song “Ya Ya”, spoken by Martell. She entails the very idea of stretching across genres. Track twenty, “Ya Ya” is much like “Texas Hold Em’” with its infectious energy and charm. It’s a feel-good anthem that’s impossible to not tap your foot to. Definitely another standout song on the album with its playful lyrics and beat.
Track twenty-one, “Oh Louisiana”, another take on another oldie — Chuck Berry’s “Oh Louisiana”. Not much to say about this sample, other than the intro with her vocals is amazing, as usual.
Track twenty two, “Desert Eagle” is another song indefinitely intertwined with a bit more pop. Its instrumentals are a little different than the others that were simply guitar accompaniment. Its instrumentals are distorted slightly, which give it a pop-like feeling.
Track twenty- three, “Riverdance”, is another obvious pop-country mix. It incorporates the prominent guitar strum, but this time with a piano accompaniment. The vocals provide enough alongside the lush instrumentals, to make the song an enchanting listening experience. Another song high on my list.
Track twenty-four II, “Hands II Heaven”, is an ultimate favorite. Beyonce’s vocals take on a celestial quality in this song about love and faith. One of the few songs with no guitar; it has a softer background that has an ethereal atmosphere creating a sense of awe and wonder.
Track twenty-five, “Tyrant” is an indictment of reclaiming oneself. The name itself “Tyrant” shows how empowered she feels about herself. She maintains a low tone throughout the song, which I find fitting.
Track twenty six, “Sweet ★ Honey ★ Buckin’”, is another refreshing mash-up genre song. It clearly reflects her wifey lifestyle. It is one of the longer songs on the album and definitely has multiple faces to it. In the beginning it is a much sweeter listen, but as it progresses it becomes more intense.
The final track, “Amen” closes out the album with grace. “Amen” is a solemn yet uplifting hymn- like song that speaks to what she has built-up throughout this album. Her vocals as she cries repeated pleas are hauntingly beautiful. She closes the album with the acknowledgement of hurt and cries for understanding over all that she has undergone.
