Beyoncé – COWBOY CARTER (Album Review)

I reckon Beyoncé shines doing country music in “COWBOY CARTER.”

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TOP 5

5. TYRANT

I think Beyoncé mistakenly added “TYRANT” to this album. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be on “MARY J BLIGE CARTER,” her next project.

If you’re a Beyoncé fan, when you listen to “TYRANT,” you’ll be saying to her, “That’s exactly how I want you to drive,” in your best Will Smith voice. In this track, you get a version of the former Destiny’s Child singer who’s confident, boastful, a bit naughty, and back outside! At the same time, she gives us a vocal performance that is just as good as any vocal performance you get in the tracks that succeed and preceded it. So, what gives the track its country vibe? Perhaps it’s the violin in the production? Everything else sounds blacker than GloRilla to me.

4. II MOST WANTED (Ft. Miley Cyrus)

Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus make oil and water mix in “II MOST WANTED.”

I really believe this is a standout duet. While the song may not be the most high-powered or the most upbeat tune you’ll come across, it does feature two incredibly strong performances by Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. Both of their powerful voices shine through, especially against the light backdrop. I also appreciate the distinctiveness of their voices and how well they complement each other. Cyrus brings a gritty, washed-up country singer who smokes 10 cigarettes a day vibe (I mean this as a compliment). Meanwhile, Beyoncé exudes the essence of a woman who has weathered many storms, conveying those experiences through her resilient vocals. Overall, I admire the dynamic range of this track.

WHAT ARE BEYONCÉ’S TOP 5 ALBUMS? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

3. JOLENE

Jay-Z sweated out his Roc-a-Wear shirt while listening to this track.

In “JOLENE,” Beyoncé confronts this chick who seems to want her man: Jolene with the “good hair.” She warns that if provoked, she won’t hesitate to threaten her with the physical. Beyoncé’s assertive tone in the song is captivating to listen to, and the juxtaposition of her confrontational lyrics with the uptempo, guitar-heavy country instrumental adds an intriguing dynamic. Additionally, her strong, passionate vocals combined with urban slang give the track a unique flavor that sets it apart.

This song should’ve been called “RAQUEL” (Shoutout to my Vanderpump Rules fans).

2. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

I want to hear this song be played during a fight scene in a Western.

In “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé encourages listeners to set aside their worries and hit the dance floor for some square dancing with friends who bring joy. While she advocates for letting loose and indulging in drinks, I think I’m done doing that after last night (I drank a shot for every shot North Carolina missed). The song’s energetic country vibe may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who live in the bando. Still, its foot-stomping rhythm, catchy chorus, and infectious melodies make it an undeniable banger.

1. 16 CARRIAGES

“16 CARRIAGES” will go down as one of Beyoncé’s most impressive tracks to date.

Sometimes, you can make a track so captivating that you don’t care what category it falls under; “16 CARRIAGES” is one of those tracks. In it, Beyoncé delivers her most passionate and dramatic vocals yet, delving into the arduous journey she endured to seek solace. When you add the invigorating production to the equation, you get something way too good to ignore.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. AMERICAN REQUIEM (3.5/5)

2. BLACKBIRD (Ft. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts) (4/5)

3. 16 CARRIAGES (5/5)

4. PROTECTOR (Ft. Rumi Carter) (5/5)

5. MY ROSE (N/A)

6. SMOKE HOUR WILLIE NELSON (N/A)

7. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM (5/5)

8. BODYGUARD (4/5)

9. DOLLY P (N/A)

10. JOLENE (5/5)

11. DAUGHTER (4.5/5)

12. SPAGHETTI (Ft. Linda Martell & Shaboozey)(3.5/5)

13. ALLIGATOR TEARS (4.5/5)

14. SMOKE HOUR II (N/A)

15. JUST FOR FUN (3/5)

16. II MOST WANTED (Ft. Miley Cyrus) (4/5)

17. LEVII’S JEANS (Ft. Post Malone) (4/5)

18. FLAMENCO (4/5)

19. THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW (N/A)

20. YA YA (4/5)

21. OH LOUISIANA (N/A)

22. DESERT EAGLE (4/5)

23. RIVERDANCE (3.5/5)

24. II HANDS II HEAVEN (4/5)

25. TYRANT (5/5)

26. SWEET HONEY BUCKIN’ (Ft. Shaboozey) (4/5)

27. AMEN (4.5/5)

OVERALL RATING

(B)

Will Beyoncé end racism with this album? B*tch, she just might!

OK, my first paragraph is clickbait like s**t, but I really do think this album is noteworthy.
With the release of COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé demonstrates that genre boundaries are irrelevant when it comes to success in music. Instead, your ability to study and embrace diverse genres, infuse them with your own unique style, and deliver exceptional vocal performances is all that matters. That said, in this album, Beyoncé’s verses and choruses are marked by her distinct slang, storytelling prowess, and infectious energy, showcasing her individuality. Above all, her exceptional singing talent ensures that listeners will always appreciate the music, regardless of the genre. And yes, Beyoncé bends country like a muthaf**ka on this album.

I want to emphasize that there’s no need to force yourself to become a mega country music fan just because your favorite singer explored that genre on her album. It’s perfectly okay if country music isn’t your thing. I mention this because there are several songs on this album that don’t resonate with me, and they might not with you either. While I appreciate the commercial country bangers and Beyoncé’s fiery performances, tracks like “AMERIICAN REQUIEM” and “MY ROSE” didn’t quite capture my interest. They’re undoubtedly well-crafted songs, but they just didn’t align with my personal taste. It’s OK to have personal tastes, folks.

Here’s my word of advice to you: Never doubt Beyoncé.

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