Queen B. strikes again. Critical praise is raining down on Beyoncé's new album, "Cowboy Carter", with its rich country influences in the form of a nod to the Texan roots of the global star, after its release on Friday.
Second act of the “Renaissance” musical trilogy, the 27-track album pays a powerful tribute to black country culture, with a strong emphasis on dance, soul and hip-hop.
“No one will think for a moment that this sprawling ensemble follows a single, straight path or that it is boring for even a single moment,” writes Variety.
"It's a bit as if Beyoncé took up some of the phases and evolutions that country has experienced, by redefining its boundaries -- as music has always done," adds the American specialist magazine.
First indication of probable commercial success, Spotify announced Friday evening on X (ex-Twitter) that "Cowboy Carter" was already the album which received the most plays in one day this year.
On Friday, March 29, Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER became Spotify's most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far. This is also the first time a country album holds the title this year. pic.twitter.com/a0FJGY9QHd
— Spotify (@Spotify) March 29, 2024
His ode to dance, “Renaissance”, rose to first place on the Billboard charts upon its release in 2022.
Shake up traditions
With this new album, the 42-year-old singer born in Houston, Texas, dusts off the image of country music reserved for white and male artists.
Because Beyoncé seems to take great pleasure in shaking up traditions. She thus plays the hip-hop and house cards on the title "Sweet Honey Buckiin'", recalling the first act of "Renaissance", also a snub to the purists, celebrating the African-American influence in electro.
The recognition even came from the White House on Friday.
“Beyoncé, thank you for reminding us to never get caught up in what others think of you,” Vice President Kamala Harris wrote. "You redefined a genre and reclaimed the black roots of country music. Your music continues to inspire us all."
Beyoncé: Thank you for reminding us to never feel confined to other people's perspective of what our lane is. You have redefined a genre and reclaimed country music's Black roots.
Your music continues to inspire us all.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 29, 2024
Throughout the album, with songs that sound like celebration, freedom, letting go, the artist addresses motherhood, sex, love.
"It's not just about what Beyoncé can do for country music, it's about what her idea of country music can do for her, expanding her musical empire and even her knowledge of herself , already well developed", analyzes Variety.
“The criticism that came my way when I first got into (country music) forced me to push myself beyond my own limits,” she wrote recently on Instagram. This new album “is the result of the challenges I set for myself and the time I took to twist and mix genres for this work”.
All with a cocktail of young stars like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone and Tanner Adell -- but also icons of the old guard.
Willie Nelson as luxury guest
She covers, among others, the classic "Jolene" by absolute country star Dolly Parton and "Blackbird", the Beatles' song about nine black teenagers who became icons of the civil rights movement by integrating a high school reserved for white students. , in the southern United States.
Country giant Willie Nelson also makes an appearance.
From Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to featured guests Miley Cyrus and Post Malone, stars who worked on Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' shared their excitement for joining Queen Bey on her country album released Friday
More: https://t.co/LCoMsqixRchttps:/ /t.co/LCoMsqixRc
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) March 30, 2024
Beyoncé, alias "Queen B", known worldwide for titles like "Crazy in Love" or "Beautiful Liar", mixes genres and history, like her title "Ya Ya", a mixture of soul and psychedelic dance and who manages to cover both Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" and the Beach Boys.
A tour de force. “With this endlessly entertaining project, she becomes a warrior for female and black pride and the beloved heart of radio,” writes Variety.
With AFP
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