Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” rides high while blending genres
Beyoncé forewarned the world, “this ain’t a country album, it’s a Beyoncé album!” She has stopped the world, again, with her highly anticipated, “Cowboy Carter.” Her new project, released on Friday, March 29, helped Beyoncé become the first Black woman to achieve a number one album on the Billboard country chart. She has also hit number one in 10 countries so far including Australia, Ireland, and Scotland.
Beyoncé’s resistance to only being pigeonholed as an R&B, hip-hop, or pop star is indicative of her new era. She blends genres while breaking barriers of how her music is “supposed to sound.” When accepting the Innovator Award at the iHeart Radio Awards on Monday, Apr. 1, Beyoncé said, “Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength.” The superstar continued, “My hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions.” She dedicated her award to innovators who devote their lives to creating shifts within art.
Pushing boundaries musically allows her to be liberated as well as honest through her creativity. For years, she has declined sit-down interviews and is very selective about which publications have access to her. Nearly 30 years into her career, the entertainer intentionally let her music speak loudly. In her opening track, “Ameriican Requiem,” Beyoncé revealed, “Used to say I spoke, ‘too country’ / and then the rejection came, said I wasn’t country enough.” This is interpreted as a response to the backlash against her after the Country Music Awards, despite her performance with The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) in 2016 bringing the show’s highest-rated 15 minutes in history.
One BeyHive member, the name given to super Beyoncé fans, recalls the rejection from that award show. Aynesa Moore, 25, also from the south, empathizes and understands Beyoncé referencing and living her country roots throughout her career. “Beyoncé is synonymous with country,” said Moore. “Bey paying homage to so many country legends such as Dolly Parton, I think, proves this was not a random leap.”
Beyoncé didn’t randomly choose the name of her chart-topping album and it might not be solely based on her married name, either. The Carter Family, an extremely influential country music act, were considered the “First Family of Country Music. Their standout star Maybelle Carter learned her guitar skills from Lesley “Esley” Riddle, a Black musician. This example of African Americans roots in the genre is illustrated through “Cowboy Carter.”
Moore refers to the new release as, “a skillfully crafted work of art.” “It showcases her vocal ability and many of the amazing things she can do with her voice,” she added. A fan favorite is Beyoncé’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s, “Jolene.” Beyoncé added a more aggressive tone to her version which remained country inspired. Another distinct song is her duet with Miley Cyrus, “II Most Wanted.” Cyrus has also dabbled with various genres including hip-hop, pop, and country.
Another major collaboration was Beyoncé’s “Blackbiird,” featuring lesser-known Black country artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts. These four ladies are now receiving global recognition that will likely boost their careers. “I love how Beyoncé used her influence, her talent, and her exposure to bring light to newer artists who are getting their footing in the industry,” said Moore. “A co-sign from a legend like Beyoncé is life changing.”
A legend like Paul McCartney endorsing the “Queen Bey” to cover “Blackbiird” was also exceptional and significant. McCartney originally wrote the song in 1968 after learning about Little Rock Nine and the Civil Rights Movement. “I am so happy with Beyoncé’s version of my song ‘Blackbird,’” said Paul McCartney on his official Instagram. “I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message that inspired me to write the song in the first place.” The Beatles singer intended for the record to be from a Black girl’s perspective.
Beyoncé’s including “Blackbiird” and featuring another genre blending artists like Shaboozey displays how calculated she was with creating “Cowboy Carter.” “Mrs. Carter has done her homework; she loves and respects the genre,” said Moore. Beyoncé’s genre blending, history telling and celebration of newer artists all come together on “Cowboy Carter.” Beyoncé exhibits how liberated she is with doing whatever she wants to do musically.
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