COWBOY CARTER – Beyoncé
Overall:
4.3/5
Production:
4.2/5
Lyrics:
3.9/5
Musicality:
4.3/5
Vocals:
4.8/5
Coming off the heels of RENAISSANCE, Beyoncé’s Act II is nothing short of incredible. If you thought she pushed boundaries before, Cowboy Carter takes it to a whole new level. Even though country and twangy music usually aren’t my go-tos, I found myself completely hooked on this album. It’s a 27-track journey that clocks in at 78:21, and it’s packed with everything I love about Beyoncé: amazing lyricism, incredible music, and a fearless approach to creating something truly unique.
The album kicks off with “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” and right away, Beyoncé’s vocals remind us why she’s the queen. The way she blends classic folk vibes with her powerhouse voice is just the beginning of the ride. As you move through the tracks, it’s impossible not to be impressed by how effortlessly she merges R&B, blues, rock and roll, and more into something that feels fresh.
What really blew me away was how Cowboy Carter isn’t just a country album—it’s a genre-bending experience. Beyoncé dives into everything from reimagined classics with “BLACKBIIRD” and “JOLENE” to tracks that pull from zydeco, psychedelic soul, hip hop, bluegrass, and even opera. She doesn’t just touch on these genres; she fully immerses herself in them, making each track feel like its own little world.
Take “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’,” for example. This track takes us on three distinct journeys, blending genres in ways that only Beyoncé can pull off. Then there’s “DAUGHTER,” where she flexes her opera skills—because why not? Just when you think you know what’s coming next, she flips the script, and it’s that unpredictability that keeps you listening.
And let’s talk about the features—these collaborations are next level. Who knew we needed Beyoncé harmonizing with Miley Cyrus or Post Malone leaning into his country side? These moments are gold. Plus, the way she shines a spotlight on artists lesser-known by today’s listeners like Linda Martell is just another example of how Beyoncé uses her platform to educate and elevate.
In the words of Queen Bey herself: “The joy of creating music is that there are no rules.” And Cowboy Carter is living proof of that. It’s a wild, genre-defying ride, and I loved every second of it. What are your thoughts?
Alex’s Top 5 Songs (In no particular order):
II MOST WANTED
YA YA
RIIVERDANCE
SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN'
PROTECTOR
Check out the album now on Apple Music or Spotify and let me know what your top songs are!