What you need to know about Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’

In a stunning display of artistic innovation, global superstar Beyoncé has released her eighth studio album, “COWBOY CARTER.” This groundbreaking project, which arrived on March 29, 2024, following the successful release of two lead singles, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES,” showcases Beyoncé’s unparalleled ability to transcend genres and redefine the boundaries of contemporary music. The album draws inspiration from Beyoncé’s childhood experiences and her deep appreciation for American culture and the iconic Western films that have shaped the collective imagination and the trailblazing legacy of Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

“COWBOY CARTER” is a bold exploration of Country, Americana, and Black music traditions, with each song as its own reimagined Western film. Beyoncé immersed herself in the world of Western cinema during the recording process, often having films like “Five Fingers For Marseilles,” “Urban Cowboy,” “The Hateful Eight,” “Space Cowboys,” “The Harder They Fall,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” playing on a screen in the studio. These films span various subgenres of the Western canon, from singing cowboy and Blaxploitation to Spaghetti Westerns and fantasy, and have left an indelible mark on the album’s sonic and thematic landscape.

Beyoncé’s commitment to authenticity shines through in her choice of instrumentation, which includes the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, bass ukulele, pedal steel guitar, Vibra-Slap, mandolin, fiddle, Hammond B3 organ, tack piano, and banjo. The album also incorporates organic sounds like handclaps, horseshoe steps, boot stomps, and even Beyoncé’s nails as percussion, creating a rich and immersive sonic experience that transports listeners to the dusty trails and wide-open spaces of the American West.

The album’s narrative is steeped in truth-telling and hidden histories, with Beyoncé’s powerful vocals guiding listeners through a transformative journey of self-discovery and cultural celebration. As a producer, Beyoncé fearlessly explores chord and key changes, effortlessly mixing genres and breaking down the walls of musical confinement. This is similar to the genre-defying Western films that have inspired her and the pioneering spirit of Linda Martell, who broke barriers in the Country music industry.

“COWBOY CARTER” features an impressive array of collaborators, including The-Dream, Pharrell, NO I.D., Raphael Saadiq, Ryan Tedder, and JAY-Z. The album also boasts contributions from iconic artists such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Linda Martell, Stevie Wonder, and Chuck Berry, as well as rising stars like Mylie Cyrus, Post Malone, and Jon Batiste. The inclusion of Linda Martell, in particular, serves as a powerful tribute to her groundbreaking career and her enduring influence on the Country music landscape.

The album’s lead single, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” made history by landing across nine different genres on US music charts. Beyoncé became the first Black female artist to reach No. 1 on both the Hot Country Songs chart and the Hot 100 Chart with a Country song. This achievement underscores the album’s ability to bridge gaps and unite listeners across diverse musical backgrounds, much like how Linda Martell’s music transcended racial and cultural boundaries during her career.

“COWBOY CARTER” is not just a musical project but a cultural touchstone that challenges preconceived notions of what Country and Americana music can be and who gets to be included in these genres. By honoring the legacy of the original Black cowboys of the American West, reclaiming the term “cowboy” from its derogatory origins, and celebrating the trailblazing career of Linda Martell, Beyoncé is making a powerful statement about representation, resilience and the importance of preserving and celebrating Black history in all its forms.

The album’s opening track, “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” sets the tone for the transformative journey that follows, incinerating old ideas about art and the people who create it, much like how revisionist Westerns have challenged the traditional narratives of the genre. From the reimagined classics like “BLACKBIIRD” and “JOLENE” to the genre-bending originals like “SWEET HONEY BUCKIN,” “RIIVER DANCE,” and “II MOST WANTED,” “COWBOY CARTER” is a testament to Beyoncé’s unparalleled artistry and vision, as well as her ability to draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of American cinema and the pioneering spirit of artists like Linda Martell.

As the world prepares for another shift, “COWBOY CARTER” stands as a declarative frequency and academic shift, redefining and rebuilding what Country and Americana music can be, and who gets included in these genres. Beyoncé’s ability to push boundaries and deliver art that challenges the senses has solidified her status as the most critical and creative talent of the century, just as the most groundbreaking Western films and trailblazing artists like Linda Martell have redefined the boundaries of their respective genres and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

In conclusion, “COWBOY CARTER” is a groundbreaking album that showcases Beyoncé’s unparalleled artistry, vision, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary music while also paying homage to the iconic Western films that have shaped the collective imagination and celebrating the enduring legacy of Linda Martell. By seamlessly blending genres, celebrating the diverse tapestry of American culture, and drawing inspiration from the rich history of Western cinema and the pioneering spirit of Black artists in Country music, Beyoncé has created a musical concoction that is both unexpected and undeniably powerful. “COWBOY CARTER” is not just an album but a cultural touchstone that will undoubtedly shape the future of music and film for generations to come while also shining a light on the trailblazing contributions of artists like Linda Martell, who paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse Country music landscape.

COWBOY CARTER TRACKLIST:

1. AMERIICAN REQUIEM
2. BLACKBIIRD
3. 16 CARRIAGES
4. PROTECTOR
5. MY ROSE
6. SMOKE HOUR ★ WILLIE NELSON
7. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM
8. BODYGUARD
9. DOLLY P
10. JOLENE
11. DAUGHTER
12. SPAGHETTII
13. ALLIIGATOR TEARS
14. SMOKE HOUR II
15. JUST FOR FUN
16. II MOST WANTED
17. LEVII’S JEANS
18. FLAMENCO
19. The LINDA MARTELL SHOW
20. YA YA
21. OH LOUISIANA
22. DESERT EAGLE
23. RIIVER DANCE
24. II HANDS II HEAVEN
25. TYRANT
26. SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’
27. AMEN