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Beyoncé Bold Frontier: Blazing Trails into Country Music
Music enthusiasts, fans, and songwriters eagerly await for another project from the non-other, Queen Bey herself. Scheduled for release on Friday, March 29th, Beyoncé new album “Cowboy Carter” will signify the eighth studio album for the renowned pop icon. Additionally, it serves as the second instalment of an assumed trilogy project that commenced with 2022’s “Renaissance.”
Amidst months of anticipation surrounding the album, the singer unveiled the complete tracklist to fans yesterday, March 27th. Notable singles already released include ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ’16 Carriages’, along with ‘Jolene’, a cover previously confirmed by Dolly Parton to be recorded by Beyoncé. With 27 titles listed, assuming they all represent tracks, the album will undoubtedly be Beyoncé’s lengthiest to date.
One standout title on the tracklist is “The Linda Martell Show,” seemingly a nod to the 82-year-old musical trailblazer. Martell was among the earliest commercially successful Black female artists in country music. Notably, she was the first to grace the stage of the legendary Nashville venue, the Grand Ole Opry.
In a statement published on her website, Beyoncé expressed gratitude, saying, “Today marks the 10-day countdown until the release of Act II. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the supporters of ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ’16 Carriages.’ I feel honoured to be the first Black woman to have the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. That would not have happened without the outpouring of support from everyone.” She continued, “I hope that years from now, the mention of an artist’s race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant.”
“This album has been over five years in the making. It is basically derived from an experience I had years ago where I felt unwelcome, and it was evident that I wasn’t. However, that experience prompted me to delve deeper into the history of country music and explore our rich musical heritage. It’s gratifying to witness how music has the power to bring together people from all walks of life worldwide, while also highlighting the voices of those who have devoted themselves to educating others about our musical history”, she added.
“The criticisms I encountered upon entering this genre compelled me to transcend the limitations imposed on me. Act II is a product of pushing myself, of taking the time to merge and fuse genres together to craft this body of work.”
Beyonce also said, “On this album”, I have a few surprises in store and have had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented artists I deeply admire. I wish you could feel the depth of my heart and soul and sense the love and passion I poured into every detail and sound”.
Beyoncé initially revealed the new album alongside the surprise release of two country tracks during the Super Bowl: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
Unexpected Collaborations: Miley Cyrus and Post Malone Set to Join Cowboy Carter
According to recent reports, Miley Cyrus and Post Malone are among the names set to appear on Beyoncé’s upcoming album.
Not only that, according to fan speculation, Beyoncé is on the brink of announcing a lineup of notable collaborators who have joined her for the eagerly anticipated country album. The list includes rap sensation Post Malone and pop icon Miley Cyrus.
Miley Cyrus is featured on Beyoncé’s new album ‘COWBOY CARTER,’ on the track titled ‘II MOST WANTED.’ pic.twitter.com/aMGCcn5WWi
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 28, 2024
Following suit, Pop Crave also made waves on social media earlier this morning (March 28), asserting that Miley Cyrus will be featured on a track titled ‘II Most Wanted’, while Post Malone will collaborate with Beyoncé on a song named ‘Levii’s Jeans’.
Post Malone is featured on track “LEVII’S JEANS” on Beyoncé’s new album ‘COWBOY CARTER.’ pic.twitter.com/FBiaplczxA
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 28, 2024
Furthermore, Post Malone’s engagement with the subject was noted when he liked Beyoncé’s tracklist post on Instagram. Should the collaboration come to reality, it would mark Post Malone’s involvement in two of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2024, also including Taylor Swift’s forthcoming ‘The Tortured Poets Department’.
Beyoncé Makes History: Breaking Barriers on the Country Charts
Aside from being the first Black woman to achieve the top position on the Country charts with ‘Texas Hold’ Em’, Beyoncé has also made history by becoming the first woman to simultaneously top both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts since their inception in 1958. The only other artists who have accomplished this feat are Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ray Charles, and Morgan Wallen.
Read more: Cécred & Tech: How Science Meets Haircare in Beyoncé’s New Brand
Addressing the criticism she has faced for venturing into country music, the singer shared her thoughts on Instagram, stating: “This album has been over five years in the making. It was born from an experience years ago where I didn’t feel welcomed, and it was very evident. But, because of that experience, I delved deeper into the history of country music and studied our rich musical heritage.”
Fans can pre-save/pre-order the album here. Additionally, limited edition coloured vinyl pressings in red, white, blue, and black are available, along with two limited-edition CDs featuring alternative cover photos showcasing half of Beyoncé’s face.
