Beyoncé’s highly anticipated project, known as Act II from her ‘Renaissance’ release, has finally landed in the U.S. after fans in countries like New Zealand and Australia received an early preview due to time zone differences. The new album, titled ‘Cowboy Carter’ arrived accompanied by lyric videos on Beyoncé’s official YouTube channel.
Despite initial speculation, Beyoncé clarified that ‘Cowboy Carter’ is not a country album but a quintessential ‘Beyoncé’ album. However, the 27-track body of work features collaborations with several prominent country music icons, adding a unique flavour to the musical landscape.
Also Read: Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Will Feature a Cover of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’
Among the standout features are Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, both legends in the country music scene. Nelson, at 90 years old, lends his iconic voice to tracks like ‘Smoke Hour Willie Nelson’ and ‘Smoke Hour II’. Parton, on the other hand, is celebrated for her contribution to the album, especially after her song earned a Billboard Hot Country number one single, marking a significant achievement in her storied career.
Notably, Beyoncé reimagines a classic Parton hit on ‘Cowboy Carter’ prompting admiration from Parton herself, who had expressed a desire for an artist like Beyoncé to reinterpret her music. The album also features an original track titled ‘Dolly P’, which has already garnered praise from Parton, as evidenced by her social media posts.
Adding to the diverse lineup, Beyoncé collaborates with Miley Cyrus and Post Malone on standout tracks. Cyrus joins forces with Beyoncé for ‘II Most Wanted’, showcasing their dynamic chemistry, while Post Malone’s distinctive style complements Beyoncé’s on the track ‘Levii’s Jeans’.
Moreover, ‘Cowboy Carter’ pays homage to Black country artists, including Linda Martell, Rhiannon Giddens, Tanner Adell, Willie Jones, and others. These artists contribute their unique talents to various tracks on the album, blending hip-hop and country influences seamlessly.
-Sushmita Sarkar