Yasmin Boland

Released in March 2024, "Cowboy Carter" is the second act in a planned trilogy by American artist Beyoncé, following her 2022 album "Renaissance." This concept album reimagines Americana, highlighting the often-unacknowledged contributions of Black individuals to American music and culture. Drawing heavily on Beyoncé's Texas upbringing, the album blends country music with diverse styles from the Southern United States, presenting itself as a radio broadcast featuring appearances by country music legends Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson as disc jockeys.

The creation of "Cowboy Carter" was significantly influenced by Beyoncé's prior experiences within the country music scene, particularly the backlash she faced after performing her song "Daddy Lessons" in 2016. This rejection from some segments of the genre prompted her to delve deeply into the historical Black roots of country music and Western culture. Over five years in the making, the album was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and features a wide array of acoustic instruments and collaborations with both established and emerging artists. It achieved critical acclaim for its ambitious scope and genre experimentation, breaking records and sparking conversations about Black artists' place in country music.

Beyoncé's upbringing in Houston, surrounded by cowboy heritage and country and zydeco music, provided a foundational influence for "Cowboy Carter." Her family's annual attendance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and her own performances there, further cemented her connection to these roots. A pivotal moment that spurred the creation of the album was the negative reception to her 2016 performance of "Daddy Lessons" at the Country Music Association Awards, which led to criticism and exclusion from some country music circles. This experience motivated Beyoncé to explore the genre's history, particularly its African-American origins, and to research the often-overlooked narratives of Black cowboys. This deep dive into history and culture became the inspiration for the album's ambitious reimagining of Americana and its boundaries.

Described by Beyoncé herself as a "Beyoncé album" rather than strictly a country record, "Cowboy Carter" is a genre-expansive work. It masterfully blends various American roots music styles, particularly those associated with the American South, including country, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and folk, alongside influences from zydeco, rock and roll, and gospel. The album also incorporates international sounds like flamenco and Irish folk, pushing the boundaries of traditional genre classifications. The production emphasizes organic, human sounds, utilizing a range of acoustic instruments and natural elements like wind and birdsong, contrasting with heavily produced digital music. The album's structure is presented as a fictional radio broadcast, featuring guest appearances from country music icons who act as DJs, further enhancing its thematic presentation.

"Cowboy Carter" garnered widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its genre experimentation, expansive vision, and its ambitious reinterpretation of Americana through the lens of its Black roots. The album achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one in multiple countries and breaking numerous chart and streaming records. It made history at the Grammy Awards, with Beyoncé becoming the first Black woman in 25 years to win Album of the Year and the first Black artist to win Best Country Album. Beyond accolades, the album demonstrably increased listenership for country music, stimulated important cultural dialogues regarding Black musicians' contributions to the genre, propelled the careers of emerging country artists, and boosted the popularity of Western wear and culture.

“This ain't a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé' album.”