For most people, Beyoncé is more than just an artist. She is a symbol of achievement, versatility and of course, Texas. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album presents a unique fusion of country and R&B genres. Beyoncé lassoed country music and here’s how she did it.
Beyoncé, as long as I have been alive, has always pushed the boundaries of what was expected of her. At the CMAs she performed with The Chicks. She performed a world tour that took the world by storm and pulled off one of the most memorable Super Bowl performances. With her “Cowboy Carter” album, she shows she’s the new sheriff in town. She blends country music with R&B and pop arrangements.
Listening to the album was a rollercoaster of emotions. She showcased love, empowerment and even hardship. Tracks like “Southern Charm” and “Rodeo Romance” talk about her growing up and her version of the South, while songs like “Saddle Up” and “Jolene” celebrate freedom and self-discovery. My personal favorite is “Bodyguard.” It’s a perfect balance of every genre Beyoncé has captivated over the years and feels just like summer.
A lot of this article is derived from what I gathered through listening to the album. The first song off the album immediately felt like sitting on your grandma’s back porch drinking sweet tea. Twangy guitars, fiddles and harmonicas mixed with R&B filled the tracks with Beyoncé’s signature “sweet dreams kiss.” But she also wakes us up. Songs like “Y’all Ain’t Ready” and “Honky-Tonk Heartache” are not slow jams and are songs you get ready to go out for a night with.
Beyoncé took the album as a way to show those who believed she couldn’t “be in country” that she could be. This album marks the beginning of, hopefully, a long line of black success in country music. By embracing her southern roots, she gives new meaning to country music.
