Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’: Rounding up the latest on the new album
Giddy up, Beyhive. The second act of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” is upon us with the Friday release of “Cowboy Carter.”
From a splashy announcement during a Super Bowl LVIII commercial to the album’s first two singles making history atop the country charts, the superstar yet again disrupted long-established traditions in the music industry. The winningest artist in Grammy Awards’ history has two-stepped away from the glitzy disco sound of her 2022 album, debuting the twangy “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” in February in apparent homage to her Southern roots.
The 42-year-old “Cuff It” and “Break My Soul” singer has since asserted that “Cowboy Carter” “ain’t a Country album” but “a “Beyoncé album” that was five years in the making and wrought from an experience she had years ago when she “did not feel welcome.” Because of that, she “did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.”
And with that, the 27-track “Cowboy Carter” rides into town and into the celebrated artist’s oeuvre. And, befitting of the “Renaissance” hitmaker, with Queen Bey triumphantly atop her latest steed on the album’s cover.
Here’s a look at The Times’ coverage of “Cowboy Carter” thus far:
On her sprawling new album, pop’s foremost musicologist explores country music’s history and leans into its wit, style and pageantry.
There’s a lot of talkin’ goin’ on about ‘Cowboy Carter,’ including that Beyoncé’s twangy release broke Amazon and Spotify streaming records shortly after release.
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From her fiery reinvention of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ to a surprise duet with Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé’s latest album, ‘Cowboy Carter,’ is making waves in the country music scene and beyond.
‘Cowboy Carter’ is Beyoncé’s genre-busting foray into country music. Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus and other country crossover artists offered their endorsements.
Sorry, Swifties: That sought-after Beyoncé-Taylor Swift collaboration isn’t anywhere to be found on ‘Cowboy Carter,’ The Times has confirmed.
‘Cowboy Carter,’ Beyoncé’s anticipated follow-up to ‘Renaissance,’ drops this week. Here’s what we know so far, including the album’s track list.
Tina Knowles has explained that ‘Beyincé,’ the name emblazoned on daughter Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ sash, traces back to her loved ones’ birth certificates.
Beyoncé is being very clear about her messaging on her ‘Cowboy Carter’ album: ‘This ain’t a Country album. This is a “Beyoncé” album.’
Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this week amid questions about the genre embracing her latest reinvention.
Beyoncé revealed Sunday night during the Super Bowl that the second act of her promised “Renaissance” trilogy is on the way.
