Album review: COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé

Here’s COWBOY CARTER in 10 key points

1. The production value on the album is unsurprisingly top-notch, so make the most of it (!): listen with a good pair of headphones or speakers. One particularly aurally satiating track is “Texas Hold ‘Em” with its amazing blend of banjo, violin, and soft percussion alongside Beyoncé‘s voice.
2. Beyoncé‘s latest album sets out to reimagine the works of icons like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, traversing through a myriad of musical themes across 27 tracks. This ambitious endeavor results in genre-bending pieces that mash melodic house, R&B, country folk, and rap, as seen in “Riverdance,” “II Hands II Heaven,” and “Sweet * Honey * Buckiin.”
3. A major theme both musically and lyrically is the concept of genre. On the track “Spaghetti,” an intro read by Linda Martell highlights this: “Genres are a funny little thing, aren’t they?” This sets the stage for the album’s exploration of genre as both a construct and an expressive tool, which Beyoncé uses to comment on her experiences and identity as a Black woman in the South whose societal role has evolved significantly.
4. Despite the inherent complexity, the album embraces its eclectic influences with confidence. Beyoncé does not shy away from her roots or the bold risks involved in covering songs from Dolly Parton and The Beatles. After several listens, the initial jarring impact fades, revealing an album that triumphs despite – and in large part because of – its ambitious artistic choices.
5. Beyoncé can seriously rap! (Listen to the track SPAGHETTI)
6. There are a number of collaborations. One of the most stunning has to be with Miley Cyrus for the track II MOST WANTED.
7. Lyrically, Beyoncé delves into themes of identity, authenticity, and the complexities of her cultural heritage, which are expressed with nuance and depth.
8. If your part of the beyhive — that is a big fan — and you’re concerned this shift toward country and folk music marks the end of classic Beyoncé and the performative aspect that goes with it, do not fear. The sexuality of the album, sometimes subtle, sometimes overt, is clear — and “Act II” of the album, which is announced at the start of YA YA is ready made for huge, energetic choreography.
9. Critically, the album stands out as a gorgeous and cohesive piece of art, confidently cementing Beyoncé in the top echelon of critically acclaimed female pop-stars (all time).
10. The long and the short: while a few tracks might initially come across as overly cute or performative, a closer examination reveals a classic album, aurally stunning, creatively inspired and thematically rich.