Beyoncé – COWBOY CARTER

Review

Beyoncé has really upped the ante with "Cowboy Carter," an album that stretches the boundaries of country music and stitches it with her own brand of artistry. It's an ambitious second act to her 2022 album "RENAISSANCE," boasting 27 tracks that pull from the deep roots of country and dress it up with blues, rock, and even opera. She's not just exploring a genre; she's expanding it, celebrating the often overlooked Black influences in country music. With a lineup that includes icons like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson alongside modern stars Miley Cyrus and Post Malone, Beyoncé crafts a story that's both incredibly intimate and sweepingly broad.

Listening to "Cowboy Carter," you'll find yourself riding through a soundscape as majestic as the American West, with Beyoncé's vocal mastery leading the charge. The album reimagines classics with tracks like "BLACKBIIRD" and even puts a new spin on "Jolene," all while engaging in rich storytelling and layering in complex cultural topics. There's a rawness and a polish throughout, with rich lyrics that talk about resilience, identity, and more, going beyond just songs to create an intricate tapestry of symbolism, notably with visuals like the American flag. It might be a lot to take in for those who prefer a more traditional country vibe, but "Cowboy Carter" is about taking that leap, and honestly, it lands beautifully, further cementing Beyoncé’s irreplaceable spot in the music world's hall of fame. - Courtney