When you think of Beyoncé, you might immediately think: “icon,” “queen Bey,” or in my case, “the biggest star in the world.”
Beyoncé released her highly-anticipated album, “Cowboy Carter,” with 27 songs in a genre known for lacking diversity.
When Beyoncé released lead singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” she set the internet on fire, as it brought up the argument that “Black people can’t do country.”
That is a colossal lie.
Deford Bailey, Breland, Amythyst Kiah, Chapel Hart, Rhiannon Giddens, and Adia Victoria are some of many Black country artists. They need their flowers. None of them are getting the recognition they deserve. She’s helping to change that.
She created the album in response to an “experience” she had years ago where she said it was clear that she wasn’t welcome. That experience happened in 2016. She performed her “Daddy Lessons” song at the Country Music Awards with The Dixie Chicks. Country elitists raised a huge ruckus.
In response, she reclaimed Americana and country with a Black perspective that explored her family’s roots.
This isn’t the “typical” country album – that is what makes it so amazing.
She blends blues, rock ‘n’ roll, Irish jig, pop, trap, psychedelic funk, soul, folk, hip-hop, and opera. On songs featuring Willie Nelson, she presents a radio station called “KNTRY Radio Texas” with Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Linda Martell as disc jockeys.
The album opens with “American Requiem.” It’s an anthem of rebellion and her way of saying, “I can make/sing whatever I want.” It had elements of jazz, blues, and orchestral music. It talked about a shift in the country music culture, how she was separated from her country roots by force, and how we need to stand by those who want to make a change.
“Jolene” and “Blackbird” are covers, originally by Parton and The Beatles. In her version of the Parton classic, she warns Jolene, “Don’t even attempt to take my man.” Plus, it has a really smooth guitar sound, while Parton’s is twangy.
“Blackbird” has the original Beatles instrumentals. McCartney wrote this as a tribute to the civil rights movement. The performer featured other Black country artists Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell, Reyna Roberts, and Britney Spencer, who all provided beautiful vocals and took it to another level.
“Protector” is one of the more emotionally-driven songs on the album. It’s stripped down, leaving just her vocals and an acoustic guitar. It covers a theme every parent goes through: being your child’s shield until the day you have to let them find their way through the world. Lyrics from the song include, “And I will lead you down that road if you lose your way/ Born to be a protector/ Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own/ I will be your projector.”
“Cowboy Carter” has topped the Billboard 200, Country, Americana/Folk, Producers, Songwriters, and Album Sales charts. She is the first Black woman to be No. 1 on the country charts.
Overall, “Cowboy Carter” is another masterpiece from the queen. She has repeatedly shown that she is not afraid to take risks. She is at a point in her life and career where no one can say or do anything to her. She has been performing for most of her life and shows no sign of stopping.
5/5 stars.
