Beyoncé has released her debut country album, Cowboy Carter, featuring singles like “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” and collaborations with country legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. This album is the second installment of a three-act trilogy that Beyoncé began with Renaissance in 2022, following a promotional appearance during the 2024 Super Bowl and surprise releases of the lead singles. Despite the album’s swift arrival, Beyoncé has been working on Cowboy Carter for over five years.
Beyoncé’s history with country music runs deep, but Cowboy Carter is largely rooted in her experience of feeling shut out of the genre. The album was born out of an incident years ago where she felt unwelcome in the country music community, likely referencing the backlash she received for performing with the Chicks at the 2016 CMA Awards. Despite controversy, Beyoncé uses Cowboy Carter to highlight the history of country music and its roots in Black culture. One track, “The Linda Martell Show,” shines a spotlight on the first Black female solo artist to play at the Grand Ole Opry, whose career was cut short by racism.
In a statement, Beyoncé explained that she delved deep into the history of country music and studied its rich musical archive for the album. She emphasized how music has the power to unite people globally while also amplifying the voices of those who have dedicated their lives to educating on musical history. Cowboy Carter reflects Beyoncé’s journey of challenging herself and breaking past limitations put on her in the genre. Through blending genres and taking her time to create this body of work, she has pushed herself creatively.
The release of Cowboy Carter comes after Beyoncé’s promotion during the 2024 Super Bowl, where she made a rare appearance in a Verizon commercial and surprised fans with the lead singles from the album. Despite the album’s quick arrival, Beyoncé has been working on it for years, using her experiences of exclusion in the country music industry as inspiration. She confronts the criticisms she faced when entering the genre and uses Cowboy Carter to showcase the diversity and history of country music, emphasizing its Black roots.
Cowboy Carter features collaborations with iconic country artists like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, showcasing Beyoncé’s dedication to blending genres and pushing creative boundaries. Beyoncé’s debut country album marks a significant moment in her career and the continuation of her three-act trilogy, offering listeners a unique blend of country and pop influences. Through Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé challenges the limitations placed on her in the country music genre and highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the music industry.
