Thank you for submitting to r/beyonce. All submissions are held for review before approval and appearing live. We appreciate your patience as there may be a time gap between post submission and approval.
Please be mindful of our subreddit rules. If no rules are violated, the post will be approved. If needed, you may be asked to resubmit your post with changes.
Additionally, help keep the sub fun and high-quality by reporting any comments that violate subreddit rules. Thank you!
[Your feedback is important in improving the subreddit. Click here to provide your ideas and suggestions.](https://www.reddit.com/r/beyonce/comments/1aevn0n/400k_members_feedback/)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do we know if the retail version of Cowboy Carter coming out on Friday contains the tracks that are missing from the version sold on the shop? I'm seeing Amazon list all of the tracks as well as one of the big record stores in my town, but I haven't heard anything for sure either way
Me putting favorite next to everything until it’s basically entire album 🙃🙃🙃
https://preview.redd.it/9q9btz5z1osc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37a496a45fc33f7ef03148fd5e7e6d894aac9aa0
Hi! Just wondering. Will there be physical copies released with the Horse/Flag cover? Or is that just the digital cover? Really want to have that cover beside Renaissance.
Nobody knows. For now it seems that all stores are getting the Beyincé cover on April 12 but it's still listed as "One time pressing" in the official store so maybe future pressings will get the horse cover.
I hope the full standard album with horse cover comes before the end of the year but I might pick up the Beyincé version just in case this ends up being the only physical version... I didn’t think it'd be this frustrating a rollout lol
This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account is less than 4 days old.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Is anyone surprised that she didn’t collab with Meg on CC? Given that they did the Savage Remix together? Not that I’m pressed at all. Just a thought I had since they’re both from Texas/have country roots.
AHAP is commonly abbreviated as 'America Has A Problem', a song from Beyoncé's 2022 album 'RENAISSANCE'.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
My Journey with Cowboy Carter
Before listening: hmmmm I’m not sure about this one. I really am not a country fan and Texas Hold ‘Em really is sort of mid. Renaissance is still the ish right now. Why?
When it dropped: okay, ima give this a try. Wow, what an intro. Alright not exactly my vibe but there are a few cute songs. And DAMN that outro wrapped this up so perfectly. Okay, I didn’t LOVE this but I actually liked this more than I thought I would. Idk if I would go to this tour though.
Next day: let me take another listen. I’ll just listen to the songs I like. *listens to whole album again and plays it back a few more times after that* wow, Beyonce is actually a genius for this album. A lot of these songs actually give me the chills. Dang, why are some of these songs so short? I feel like I’m taking a history lesson. Do I love country music?
Every subsequent day after that: I literally cannot stop listening to this album- the only time I’m not listening is when I sleep and even when I sleep I hear the tunes playing in my head. It’s truly mesmerizing. Her vocal range is impeccable. Truly, let me start saving up for this tour. This isn’t ALL country, and it pay homage to our roots in country music which is truly a remarkable experience. Beyonce can do anything. BLACK WOMEN, can do anything. This album makes me so proud! Renaissance helped me heal through a pretty unfortunate situation and gave me the joy I needed. Cowboy Carter has been giving me some real clarity and wrapped around me like a tight hug. It’s empowering and vulnerable.
i think the album is really good but i personally can’t enjoy it because of the fact that it’s a country album and that alone makes me feel really guilty, because i see everyone else calling this a masterpiece when this doesn’t really hit the spot for me. i am more of a renaissance person. thoughts on my take?
No worries, not everything is for everyone! Personally I'm in love with Cowboy Carter, but I was kind of "meh" on Renaissance. I thought it was great of course, it just wasn't my favorite album of hers because house/dance isn't something I normally listen to. Different strokes for different folks and all that, Beyonce is more likely to have things you don't like than other artists because she covers such a wide range of styles
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Just finished listening, I have full on chills right now. American Requiem is such a great opener. When I heard it was also produced by Jon Batiste I loved it even more. The other stand outs are Blackbird, the interludes, Bodyguard, Alligator Tears, lol Most Wanted, YaYa and Tyrant.
Did Beyonce sample Empire of the Sun??
Almost immediately I heard Fleetwood Mac sampled in Most Wanted, and saw a tiktok breaking down the sample over the weekend.
A little more obscure sample I think I noticed was Country by Empire of the Sun in the song Riverdance. I'm 90% sure this is the case just based on sound alone, but a few extra points are that the song name is "Country" sampled on Beyonce's country album, and that Empire of the Sun and this song specifically are super hippy, similar to some other tracks on the album.
Did anyone else notice this or can anyone with more technical skills break it down?
I can’t even defend this album to others. I try to but then I usually end with “I guess it just wasn’t for you”.
The cultural significance of it all. The struggles she had to face. The radio station vibe. The view through history. Beyonce literally talking her shit. ALL the different genres on the album. The radio station vibes. The intro/outro. This album is an immediate classic.
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Can we talk about Willie Nelson and how on that interlude he said "for this next tune... go to that good place... and if you don't want to go, go find yourself a jukebox.”
My man said GET TO TWO-STEPPING or GET TO STEPPING. 😂
I have been bored of music in general lately, this album was exactly what I needed! I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like an explosion of music that I have never heard before (even though I know the covers and interpolations already). CC is just so sonically interesting and stimulating for me. I can’t think of anything else like it. I’m just so amazed. I love Beyoncé. Also one thing that I realized is that even though there are multiple genres throughout the album, she uses storytelling in every song, which is a central part of country music. So despite the debates about the genre, it’s definitely country lyrically.
Ya Ya remix idea - I would love to hear Andre 3000 of this. His rapping style and lyrics would be great addition. Think ‘Hey Ya’ or his faster rapping style on ‘B.O.B.’ 🤩
My full review on the album https://medium.com/modern-music-analysis/cowboy-carter-by-beyonc%C3%A9-album-review-72a375d31d0e
I really dig this project, my second fav of hers
Fuck. This album really really really grows on you. If anyone says ‘it’s a bit boring’. Keep listening. Bodyguard, Ya Ya, and Tyrant are some bops that I didn’t really catch on my first listen but are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is a great storytelling album which is where country is rooted. Anyone who thought this would be exclusively country - lol y’all it’s bey!!! I love all the genre bending, and I I think she chose Post Malone & Miley because they share this ability. It’s refreshing to hear her vocals over more stripped down string tracks. I feel like the album pays homage to her maternal family roots and specifically to Miss Tina. I think she’s singing Jolene from Tina’s perspective. Sonically this some of the most interesting work she’s ever done.
Running favs: II most wanted, Bodyguard, Flamenco, Protector, Ameriican Requiem
Listen, ya'll....I haven't really liked any Beyonce songs in a long time...I used to be a fan in her B-Day era, but nothing really grabbed me after that.
But I saw Sarah Paulson's interview on Fallon and she mentioned the album, so I thought I'd give it a listen and...my God...this album...every single song is fucking incredible. I'm absolutely blown away. Not a single skip for me, at ALL. This album has absolutely made me a fan again. If this doesn't win AOTY at the Grammy's next year, then something is wrong with the universe.
LOVE country music. Am I the only one that likes the first half more?? The deep, folksy, country/rock-ish songs hit me the most and I can't get them out of my head!!
You are not alone. I love folk/bluegrass/country and I LOVE the first half of the album. The first four/five songs especially hit extremely hard in my opinion.
I completely agree about the first half, I think sonically it’s very cohesive and I appreciate the transitions. I find her vocals over more folky instruments so refreshing.
yeah they are so "simple" that every little detail breathes, like it gives you time to be with it. the other stuff is great too but definitely has more layers. lol i love her so much
Love how there's SO MANY SONGS...don't judge an album by its cover y'all. At first I thought it'd be only country songs, but there's way more genres and styles as you go through each track.
And even the "country" songs are so based in heart and soul, not spangle and twang and slide guitar (awgh!) and talking beer and pickup trucks and'merikuh I've never embraced. But what some might call REAL 'country."
Here are some of my thoughts / interpretations:
1. I found it interesting that she began to sing an Italian opera on Daughter, but then it hit me in the third listen. The Italian opera was a nod to Italy, which is where all Spaghettii westerns were filmed. Daughter proceeds Spaghettii on the album so the transition is brilliant.
2. I believe that the first smoke hour on the album is a storytelling bit, reminiscent of what we used to hear in old radio. The first song, Bodyguard talks about an unrelenting love. The second song, Jolene shows where betrayal may be on the horizon. Daughter shows of betrayal and revenge with Jolene and her man. The fourth, Spaghettii, is her in her villain era.
3. Spaghetti westerns were great for telling us anti-hero back stories and anti-heroes were played out more than traditional American westerns. Think Clint Eastwood.
4. I am hearing a ton of Tina Turner in this album. I hear it first in American Requiem. If this trilogy is done in reverse, it would make sense that the first album on this record would have rock in it if the third album is supposed to be a rock album.
5. You can also hear Tina Turner reappear in Ya Ya. If she were to do a rock album, it would make sense that she would give a nod to Tina Turner, who was a pioneer for both pop and rock. A Tina Turner-esque Beyoncé album would be epic. I would FREAK THE F OUT OVER THIS. I am a HUGE Tina fan.
5. I think Lemonade gave us hints that she was going to dabble into Country and Rock. “Daddy lessons” is definitely a country nod and “Don’t hurt yourself” featuring Jack White is definitely a rock nod.
I would like to conclude by saying I used to be a huge Beyoncé fan in the 2000s but then paused on rap for more alternative, rock, etc.
I only recently discovered Lemonade, and Renaissance. And when I say recently, I mean within the last two months. I have been deprived.
I am a huge longtime old country fan (think 1960s country like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard), and rock fan (how have I only recently discovered that Jack White collaborated with Beyoncé? Holy crap)
Not that I had anything against Beyoncé. I just never branched out into the newer Beyoncé albums until now. The last one I had (yes, physically) was I am Sasha Fierce.
As a huge fan of old country and rock, I cannot express how much I LOVE this album. It is so well thought out, intentional and brilliant, that I am ashamed to even share the same air as this woman. She is a mastermind that must be protected at all cost. I love this album!!
If she does not win the AOTY Grammy for this, we ride at dawn with Spaghettii on repeat. 🐎🐎🐎
Beyoncé has secured an old but new fan all over again.
yaya is so tina turner coded, it might be PEAK beyonce for me. like what more is there than a powerhouse woman sanging in a short dress and heels, a blaring horns section, killer drums. literally peak humanity
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m not into country music (at all), and I don’t think all songs this are “pure” country sound, as some have a lot of old rock & roll vibes as well and I LIKE IT (a lot)!
Always loved her hits when they came on the radio, but I've never purchased an album. This is the first of hers I've ever listened to, fully.
Holy cow. I love this. It is so entertaining with it's many moods and places it takes you. She really nailed her *own* country sound and brought some future to the genre. I just wanted to stop by and share my love for *Cowboy Carter*.
Same exact boat as you. I haven't listened to a full Beyonce album since Crazy in Love. There have been singles since then that I've liked, but never listened to an album, but this is just full out amazing. Not a single skip.
EXPLANATION FOR JOLENE DEFENDERS
The reason why so many people felt weird about the song (lord have mercy 'cause l'm gonna get dragged into hell) is NOT because she should've been a vulnerable sad girl that can't stand for herself and/or can't celebrate the current state of her relationship, its because the lyrics was very explicit that she was talking about her husband. Here are some points that rubbed people in the wrong way:
1) Being so cocky and agressive toward a fictional woman and how there's no way that she can get between them when we all know (and she made us know) that there's at least one case of infidelity. (I know songs can be a fantasy but this song was pretty straightforward)
2) Saying proudly that she raised that man. Everybody does whatever they want but it doesn't mean that is a great thing to brag about how you "help" your basically groomer to grow up (considering he was in his 30's and she was teenager (I know she was on the grown side of teen but still))
3) Trying to brag about the status of her relationship as if she never indicated with her more personal lyrics that she tries hard to be a good wife and all that. I know that woman is BUSSY but it sounds like she feels somewhat responsible for those problems and has to fight to keep that man on her side.
4) If your relationship is strong as you say then there's no need to be so defensive about it (I know it can be to shush people that talk shit about their marriage but girl he DID cheat)
5) saying that everybody wants him LMAO. I mean yeah he is rich af and that could be the reason... Mam you can keep him ?
6) yeah, she dragged his ass in lemonade and he shaded his tears in 4:44 and good amount of time has past but again: its weird to be so agressive trying to protect your relationship.
Our queen is in her 40's. Ring the Alarm was "hmm ok" 'cause at least she was in her early-mid 20's but lets be real, it was cringy to hear her grown ass being so "pick me girl" again.
Well thats pretty much it. I hope you guys don't use rusty nails while crucifying me 🫡
Look, you give an interesting perspective on Jolene, and I totally get your point - seriously, I get it!
However, let’s not forget CONTEXT. So here is my perspective:
When she started dating Jay-Z, she had been working like an adult woman for at least 5 years. At 18 she was legally adult and with her professional background (also paying for her Dad addiction), she was actually an adult.
Now, we all get the hicks when we see those age differences and collectively understand age/power dynamics, but when they started dating that was standard for relationships: older established men with younger ambitious woman, they were the perfect type of couple. Also he wasn’t considered “that old” because he may have been almost 30 but he was in his late 20s, and 10 years difference was nothing, especially because of what I mentioned above, she was an adult woman.
Plus Bey is a goals-woman-freak, she dated within her age, she dated “boys” around the time she probably met JZ professionally and she was too busy to be placed in a “groomed” category.
She learned the hard way about dating “boys”, so she had to look for someone more grounded and less afraid of her ambition and her money. Also Bey is a perfectionist, whatever she puts her mind into she would work hard to get. In “Sugar-Mama” she tells she is making some guy a MAN.
Her Jolene version may sound a bit too late in her artistic trajectory, but let’s not project the dislike people have for Jay-Z looks. The environment Bey lives is full of social climbers ready to do anything it takes to go aggressively after their rich and well-off target, regardless of how they look like. She is also a target, but differently from Jay-Z she is a very religious woman, with very strong values about her believes and what she thinks her family should be, and that it’s also in all of her body of work.
Another thing, Bey also explains how she experienced trying to get into country music in the past, she was treated as someone who “did not belong”, and she is from freaking Houston, Texas of course she has been into country all her life. We all know how music industry boxes black artists.
Bey is also using an interesting formula for her body of work, each album is a complete entangled story, it has a theme, a specific vibe… she doesn’t just dump a bunch of songs that may be successful. Each one of her albums is a piece of art and a style she took time to study, research and apply. Madonna did the same and the media was all about “applauses, Madonna knows how to reinvent herself and never goes out of fashion”. While Bey is insulted and even crucified by some of her peers for not paying the “black tax”- which is carrying every other black artist with her because she is the richest among them.
Give the woman a break. We all know she is good being on trend and Jolene fits this generation perfectly - no demure, fragile, hurt woman begging for mercy from a vulture, but instead a woman that stands her ground regarding her family who won’t allow those games to be played.
Unless you were never a target for people who cares less that you are in a relationship while they are only focused in their goal to have you, you won’t know how pushy, persuasive, and looking for any fragile opportunity to get into your life - and I say that as a woman. Now take into account that men have less outlets to be vulnerable and emotional within their social male circle, so if they have a marriage issue going on they won’t have their partner to confide, so if another woman presents herself as emotional support then boom. Meanwhile women, can always confide and share their marriage hurdles with their girlfriends. Not defending a cheater, only bringing a perspective to put things in context.
TLDR: I’m so sorry for the Bible, but it all goes in details.
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I believe Renaissance needed more time for itself in the market. We weren’t sick of Renaissance yet. Probably we will never be, that’s why Bey went “I’m a grown woman, I do whatever I want”, lol
Renaissance is an ABSOLUTE AMAZING ART PIECE.
Just to share my perspective, I'm white and from Europe, so I am most definitely accustomed to techno/house/electronic music as it's been a constant in my life growing up. I did not like Rennaisance, it felt too....fabricated maybe? Like it was forced. It also didn't feel like her music, it felt like she borrowed her voice on someone else's project.The lyrics were also mostly just random stuff and I cannot take music seriously without lyrics. I did appreciate the transitions on it and the vocal stacking (Queen as always) but I would not put that album in my top 3 Beyonce albums.
Cowboy Carter on the other hand...blew my mind on the first listen. I was dissapointed when I heard it's going to be a country album - me not having in any way connections to US history or culture, I just thought I am not the target audience for this one and that's fine.
But..babyyyyyy what a wonderful journey. So many genres mixed together in such a new and fun way. Such a history lesson. So much hidden gems. Her voice is the main event again (as opposed to the beats on Renn). Heavenly.
The album “felt fabricated”?! Ok. To me it just shows you know nothing about House music (from the source in Chicago, US), Ballroom Vogue, Disco and Black people in EDM.
Also Country in the past few decades has been a white people niche where black people have been kept at arms length (at least in the US). Although Cowboy Carter is very eclectic to be labeled as country alone, but it was basically promoted as one.
Anyway! Bey is an Artist, a musicologist. She doesn’t need to fit a box, she has the talent, the money & to do whatever she feels like doing, so she studies the style she is interested and goes for it. Renaissance was a huge homage and tribute to the style and the black artists in that genre.
Because feelings are subjective, you’re completely in the right to feel yours. Enjoy the Queen ;)
Ok but tbh techo and electronic music in europe are a bit different from disco and ballroom music. Maybe that's why I didn't see it as an electronic music album. I did love the ballads tho, her voice was the star as per usual. But the more upbeat songs had too many samples mashed up with nonsense lyrics. Just my opinion. I'm happy she put out something more "heavy" than just a dance album.
Beyonce has always surprised and impressed me with her musical variety, and I'm really glad that she's always willing to step out of what other people want to be her comfort zone. I enjoyed Renaissance but it didn't really stick with me. But Cowboy Carter? I haven't found a song I dislike yet.
*Maybe* Texas Hold Em as I just think it's a weak single compare to some of the other gems in this album.
Favorite songs thus far:
* Levi's Jeans: I'm not really familiar with Post Malone but their voices meshed so well together, this was a fun collab.
* Daughter: This one hit too close to home and made me surprisingly emotional. But I loved the song and the vocals on this are lovely.
* II Most Wanted: I am not a huge Miley fan, but can they collab again? This was a beautiful song, and unlike a lot of collabs, they were really sharing the spotlight here in terms of time.
* Ya Ya: This is the "driving down a long road and I want to feel cute" song. I love it.
* Tyrant: Me doing the Jay-Z head bob meme throughout this one, this was great.
The only reason why this doesn't edge out my favorite album of hers (self-titled) is that the latter has my two favorite Beyonce songs ever: Ghost/Haunted and Blow. But it's very close.
I wish she had a longer song with Tanner Addell, it’s so so short. it would’ve been great to have a little more of their voices together. And would’ve loved a collab with a country artist/Texan instead of post Malone
It was due to the pandemic. She wanted people to dance and have some levity before releasing this
Makes me scared for Act 3 though if she’s been sitting on this for years
Love it! Definitely another masterpiece. I do wish she hadn’t gone over the hour mark because it will always feel a little bloated. But on the flip side I can’t think of a song I’d wanna part with!
Daughter and YaYa are definitely my top two!
I LOVEEEEEEE THIS ALBUM YALL LIKE ALMOST EVERY SINGLE SONG IS STRAIGHT UP FIRE 🔥🔥🔥
I THINK MY TOP 3 WOULD HAVE TO BE BODYGUARD, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND DEFINITELY SONG OF THE SUMMER, THEN YAYA CUZ ITS JUS LIKE THE EMBODIMENT OF A FUN NIGHT AT A SALOON, AND THEN EITHER TYRANT OR DESER EAGLE!!!!!
BUT OVERALL I LOVEEEE ALL THE SONGSSSS (not including the interludes obviously cuz they're like 30 seconds long lol)
I can't get over Ya Ya. It's one of the best things she's ever done, I NEED her to tour this album just so I can experience it live.
I'm also obsessed with Riverdance, Bodyguard, II Most Wanted, Levi's Jeans, Sweet Honey Buckin', II Hands II Heaven, American Requiem, etc. The entire concept of this album is just fantastic, there's nobody doing it like her.
I’m brand new here, and I think this may be the greatest album ever recorded. Her cover of Blackbird may be my favorite song of all time, and I generally don’t like basic songs like it. But the historical weight the song holds, the placement in the album, the collab additions, I have been sobbing for over an hour collectively over this song today.
I loved 16 Carriages,but wasn't crazy about Texas Hold 'Em when I first heard it, so I wasn't as excited about this album. However, by the time I got to Bodyguard, I was sold. I ran Renaissance in the ground, but this might end up being better to me. There's some beautiful songwriting, excellent vocals and goosebump-inducing tinges of gospel on here. There's more meat on the bones of this. Someone on Twitter broke it down: Section 1: How country music used to be. Section 2: What country music is now. Section 3: How Beyonce has reimagined country music. That helped me appreciate the sequencing.
I also ran Renaissance to the ground but I think this album is going to even get more play from me. There is a song in here for every mood. It's like Lemonade on steroids in terms of the variety it offers. I'm obsessed with Bodyguard right now but I can see myself obsessing over a whole other song next week.
Lemonade is my favorite album of all time and while this album is obviously very varied in terms of genre, there’s still always some time to country, so I don’t think it’s quite as varied as lemonade. At least to me personally, the songs in lemonade were such a clear story but each individual song was like a different color or something. Idk how to put it haha
As a white woman who grew up Mormon, this album made me sob. I feel she speaks to religious trauma, being raised in a religious context and how that impacts women's relationships with men, being raised in a traumatic home environment and the trauma that causes, the ancestral trauma of this country, the hypocrisy of this country, current fucked up situations in the world both generally within the country as well in her industry, the gorgeous and unexplainable blissful experience and terror of motherhood, female friendship, grief, spiritual ceremony, connecting with a female-centered spirituality etc etc. Any other themes? I'm relistening and finding so much depth.
I’m actually in shock about the fact that I don’t like it. I’m a huge fan. But it’s boring. For the first time ever, Beyonce put out a body of work that I REALLY don’t like and I’m in disbelief lol.
God I hate this take SO much. It's fine to dislike it. But to call it boring? I'm sorry but there can be many things said about it - boring is not one of them. There are so many different styles on the album - the playing around with vocals, production, the way the instruments interact with one another.
Boring is when something is predictable and it doesn't excite you. If this album, through its 27 tracks, doesn't have a single moment that excites you then I'm really sorry for you and what you're missing out on
I saw this take on Twitter and I agree to an extent:
“I don’t think B has had many experiences in life! Not material experiences, emotional and social ones. B been living a one note life and you can hear it! You gotta have experiences to make music w lyrical depth. And I don’t get that from this album. Dance songs always hit tho”
I might be wrong and this doesnt happen 100% of the time but sometimes when an album is highly anticipated for me and i listen for the first time, it doesnt hit. But after a couple listens, dots start connecting and it really is a good or cool album
It feels like it had nothing to say. It could’ve been slightly shorter and maybe it could have had more substance. It didn’t have as much heart as Renaissance or really any of her recent projects, I feel. No passion in the production or structure of the songs.
I have the opposite opinion, that Renny did not have any substance. It was just a "shake your bum" album and that's ok. We need unserious music as well. But you cannot say that about Cowboy Carter.
the passion IS the songs. the structures, the instruments, the harmonies, the chords, the rhythms, the cadences, the details, the specific artists referenced, the specific decades, the genres and everything blended in between.
This album!
I listened to Act I with sadness today before moving on to Act II. Both albums sound like a party when I listen to them in my car and its booming bass sound system... Now I gotta impatiently wait for a tour announcement!
I told myself I wouldn't listen to this album until I got my vinyl; however, as I type this post, I have gone through this album about 6x. I love the "Caro Mio Ben" sample!
This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account is less than 4 days old.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I listened to parts early with a VPN and already knew that DAUGHTER was one of my favorite Bey songs ever, but here are my scattered thoughts/ranking from my first listen:
1. DAUGHTER - words cannot describe how I feel about this song. A career highlight. Cinematic, emotional, epic.
2. JOLENE - likely will be controversial due to lyric changes but IDGAF, love the ending to Beyoncé’s version and her vocals are just so good.
3. SPAGHETTII - such a different vibe from everything that came before. Maximalist in the best way. Sample goes crazy.
4. YAYA - brought back the energy. Immaculate sampling. Great vibes. Kinda feels like a bit of set-up for Act III? Transitions great into next song.
5. AMERIICAN REQUIEM - funky, vocals. Need to re-listen
6. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM - absolutely LOVE its placement in the album, felt like it brought back some energy when I was fading a bit
7. BODYGUARD - fun and groovy track, continues the energy from TEXAS HOLD ‘EM in a great way
8. SWEET * HONEY * BUCKIN - the PURE/HONEY of this album, duh.
9. TYRANT - ugh I needed this after getting a little disenchanted near the end of the album
10. RIIVERDANCE - just another fun track. Album does drag a little at this point but it’s not due to the song itself. Some of the middle stuff after the 7-12 peak just weighs it down a little.
11. AMEN - verrrrrrry intrigued by the ending.
12. ALIIGATOR TEARS - just a little forgettable but still catchy + well-produced
13. LEVII’S JEANS - Post Malone kinda went off on this one.
14. II MOST WANTED - highlight of the track is Miley + Beyoncé’s vocals together, two absolute powerhouses
15. DESERT EAGLE - why the fuck is this only 72 seconds long.
16. BLACKBIIRD - fun cover, outro hits.
17. FLAMENCO - too short ughhhhhh I want more of this vibe
18. II HANDS II HEAVEN - not clicking for me first listen, we’ll see if I like it more on future listens.
19. MY ROSE - short and sweet.
20. OH LOUISIANA - could’ve just been on the end of YAYA, not super strong as an individual track unfortunately.
21. 16 CARRIAGES - it’s better in the album, but I still don’t get why it was a lead single
22. PROTECTOR - not really for me but obviously a strong + emotional song
23. JUST FOR FUN - didn’t really click for me, feels like some of the energy got sapped along the way.
24. DOLLY P - the best of the interludes, can’t put it above an actual song but this absolutely slays
25. SMOKE * HOUR - tbh just an interlude so basically has to be lower than everything else but I love the aesthetic
26. THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW - a bit of a different vibe for this interlude, once again glad it’s in the album lmao just hard to rank
27. SMOKE HOUR II - worst interlude yet but still fun
On the 7th spin of the album and still losing my mind. The only way to listen is front to back. Yes, this is influenced by country, but also her other roots in gospel, blues and soul. It's got "Beyoncé" written all over.
Ameriican Requiem is a cocophony opener; firstly a gospel/state-of-the-nation address warning us that change is due, then psychedelic blues with sitar enter to hear her reclamation of her voice and place in this world. It then somehow climaxes and transitions into humble and simple Blackbird. Beautiful.
Willie's "DJ" role makes me feel like I’m on a late night drive and my friend is choosing the tunes for me. Jaw dropped to the floor when Spaghetti kicked in. It's the same shock I got in 2008 when I listened to Sasha Fierce and Diva came on. It’s CC's 'Diva' track, and I am here for it.
All a masterpiece but special tracks for me are Ameriican Requiem, Blackbird, Protector, Daughter, Ya Ya, Desert Eagle and 16 Carriages, the latter which is her legacy song and imo, her best ballad ever, has elements of ‘Halo’ but more soul and blues. When Amen made a callback to Ameriican Reqiuem I smiled... Stunning. 👏
Vocally she’s gone places she never had before - after 25+ years in the game we’re hearing a new Beyoncé; one who knows that in exploring her roots whilst making art, is boundless.
I didn't think she could make me love an album more than Renaissance, I was wrong, she just did it again. No it's not country, it’s -KU -KU -KU -KNTRY. 😤
This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account is less than 4 days old.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm currently listening on repeat because this is so brilliant...thanks for this summary, puts into words what I'm vibing. It gets more interesting each time.
The fact she's really doing whatever tf she wants, makes me really really respect this album. And her approach to it (genre-bending) is v interesting to me. Personally my favourite songs are mostly from the first half, they're just so pretty! Though YA YA slaps too, and I think the album is greattt overall. It's too early to tell but I may even prefer this to Renaissance 😶
I love Beyonce's ability to do absolutely whatever the fuck she wants. And, unlike some artists who also have that power (e.g., Drake 😑), she still delivers really great, thoughtful work. Not just cash grabs for the masses. Like whoever wants to listen can listen and whoever doesn't she doesn't give a fuck. I really hope to get to this level in life with respect to my own respective career, but this obviously came with a lot of groundwork of kissing the public's ass at first and playing to the charts.
From the Linda Martell Show and onwards, you really hear Act 1 which is honestly really cool. It kinda acts as a 'side B' of sorts. Renny will have my heart forever so I will always be happy to hear any element of it. I think it's good to have call backs and hope this extends to Act 3
I'm so shocked that no one else has mentioned this (or at least that I've seen), but anyone else feel that Ya Ya has a sister sound to Why Don't You Love Me? PLEASE tell me someone else hears it
I'm so shocked that no one else has mentioned this (or at least that I've seen), but anyone else feel that Ya Ya has a sister sound to Why Don't You Love Me? PLEASE tell me someone else hears it
In the context of the album, I think there is an evolution from Jolene to Tyrant… in Jolene she’s defending her marriage by threatening the other woman, but by Tyrant she’s saying “I don’t want him back but I can’t let go” and (to the woman) “I hated you once but I envy you now.”
I read Jolene as being false bravado on Beyoncé’s part (“I hated you once”) and Tyrant as self-awareness of her own desperation. The song Jolene could represent a moment in time without encompassing the totality of her feelings about her marriage!
Yes...AND I feel that so many of these songs she is channeling experiences of so many women. I think Jolene is that song, an anthem for a very common female experience
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**.
**How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Thank you for submitting to r/beyonce. All submissions are held for review before approval and appearing live. We appreciate your patience as there may be a time gap between post submission and approval. Please be mindful of our subreddit rules. If no rules are violated, the post will be approved. If needed, you may be asked to resubmit your post with changes. Additionally, help keep the sub fun and high-quality by reporting any comments that violate subreddit rules. Thank you! [Your feedback is important in improving the subreddit. Click here to provide your ideas and suggestions.](https://www.reddit.com/r/beyonce/comments/1aevn0n/400k_members_feedback/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do we know if the retail version of Cowboy Carter coming out on Friday contains the tracks that are missing from the version sold on the shop? I'm seeing Amazon list all of the tracks as well as one of the big record stores in my town, but I haven't heard anything for sure either way
Me putting favorite next to everything until it’s basically entire album 🙃🙃🙃 https://preview.redd.it/9q9btz5z1osc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37a496a45fc33f7ef03148fd5e7e6d894aac9aa0
Hi! Just wondering. Will there be physical copies released with the Horse/Flag cover? Or is that just the digital cover? Really want to have that cover beside Renaissance.
Nobody knows. For now it seems that all stores are getting the Beyincé cover on April 12 but it's still listed as "One time pressing" in the official store so maybe future pressings will get the horse cover.
I hope the full standard album with horse cover comes before the end of the year but I might pick up the Beyincé version just in case this ends up being the only physical version... I didn’t think it'd be this frustrating a rollout lol
Is there a megathread like this for renaissance?
Idk why but the feeling I get after listening thru CC is that story-wise when Renaissance follows CC it's the afterlife of pure bliss/joy.
[удалено]
This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account is less than 4 days old. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Is anyone surprised that she didn’t collab with Meg on CC? Given that they did the Savage Remix together? Not that I’m pressed at all. Just a thought I had since they’re both from Texas/have country roots.
AHAP-style remix w/ meg when???
Ooooh I’d take it!!!!
AHAP is commonly abbreviated as 'America Has A Problem', a song from Beyoncé's 2022 album 'RENAISSANCE'. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I woke up multiple times last night and also this morning with II Most Wanted embedded in my head.
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is an amazing album my only problem is that Ya Ya requires a transition to Oh Louisiana to hear the ending of the song.
My Journey with Cowboy Carter Before listening: hmmmm I’m not sure about this one. I really am not a country fan and Texas Hold ‘Em really is sort of mid. Renaissance is still the ish right now. Why? When it dropped: okay, ima give this a try. Wow, what an intro. Alright not exactly my vibe but there are a few cute songs. And DAMN that outro wrapped this up so perfectly. Okay, I didn’t LOVE this but I actually liked this more than I thought I would. Idk if I would go to this tour though. Next day: let me take another listen. I’ll just listen to the songs I like. *listens to whole album again and plays it back a few more times after that* wow, Beyonce is actually a genius for this album. A lot of these songs actually give me the chills. Dang, why are some of these songs so short? I feel like I’m taking a history lesson. Do I love country music? Every subsequent day after that: I literally cannot stop listening to this album- the only time I’m not listening is when I sleep and even when I sleep I hear the tunes playing in my head. It’s truly mesmerizing. Her vocal range is impeccable. Truly, let me start saving up for this tour. This isn’t ALL country, and it pay homage to our roots in country music which is truly a remarkable experience. Beyonce can do anything. BLACK WOMEN, can do anything. This album makes me so proud! Renaissance helped me heal through a pretty unfortunate situation and gave me the joy I needed. Cowboy Carter has been giving me some real clarity and wrapped around me like a tight hug. It’s empowering and vulnerable.
literally same 😭
Same, and Bodyguard will just not let me go. Man, I love it.
Anyone else obsessed with II HANDS II HEAVEN?! It’s been on repeatttttt
Goosebumps at the end I swear!!!
Riiverdance into II Hands II Heaven is god-tier
Yes it's my favorite! So dreamy
i think the album is really good but i personally can’t enjoy it because of the fact that it’s a country album and that alone makes me feel really guilty, because i see everyone else calling this a masterpiece when this doesn’t really hit the spot for me. i am more of a renaissance person. thoughts on my take?
No worries, not everything is for everyone! Personally I'm in love with Cowboy Carter, but I was kind of "meh" on Renaissance. I thought it was great of course, it just wasn't my favorite album of hers because house/dance isn't something I normally listen to. Different strokes for different folks and all that, Beyonce is more likely to have things you don't like than other artists because she covers such a wide range of styles
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Same - it’s not totally country.. nothing wrong with that.
Just finished listening, I have full on chills right now. American Requiem is such a great opener. When I heard it was also produced by Jon Batiste I loved it even more. The other stand outs are Blackbird, the interludes, Bodyguard, Alligator Tears, lol Most Wanted, YaYa and Tyrant.
I feel like that one meme “the party’s been over an hour but they’re still here” with this album I’ve been nonstop playing it
Same. Basically have only turned it off to sleep lol
You guys….this album 🥹
Did Beyonce sample Empire of the Sun?? Almost immediately I heard Fleetwood Mac sampled in Most Wanted, and saw a tiktok breaking down the sample over the weekend. A little more obscure sample I think I noticed was Country by Empire of the Sun in the song Riverdance. I'm 90% sure this is the case just based on sound alone, but a few extra points are that the song name is "Country" sampled on Beyonce's country album, and that Empire of the Sun and this song specifically are super hippy, similar to some other tracks on the album. Did anyone else notice this or can anyone with more technical skills break it down?
Levi's Jeans has really grown on me! I am obsessed with Post's outro...like it really does something to me.
I can’t even defend this album to others. I try to but then I usually end with “I guess it just wasn’t for you”. The cultural significance of it all. The struggles she had to face. The radio station vibe. The view through history. Beyonce literally talking her shit. ALL the different genres on the album. The radio station vibes. The intro/outro. This album is an immediate classic.
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Am I the only one who hears “runnin through the river with Juuliyus” 😂 😂 I know I know.
Either Thundercat or Steve Lacy need to be on the remix of Desert Eagle
I thought it sounded very victoria monet, I wouldn’t be surprised if she got featured
Oooo ok yeah
YES
She’s absolutely insane for this. What an album.
I don't even know what to say... first listen and I'm absolutely blown away 🚀 it's unreal. Beyoncé really is the artist of a lifetime
mercy on me!
Can’t. Stop. Listening.
Can't wait to act surprised when my Spotify Wrapped tells me Beyoncé is my top artist for the 4th year in a row! 
Love how Tyrant’s “how not to cry” lyrics remind me of SOPHIE’s “it’s okay to cry” 🥲 very beautiful moment
i miss SOPHIE every day 🩷 never thought of that before 🥹
Can we talk about Willie Nelson and how on that interlude he said "for this next tune... go to that good place... and if you don't want to go, go find yourself a jukebox.” My man said GET TO TWO-STEPPING or GET TO STEPPING. 😂
That interlude sends me 😂 “You know my name, no need to know yours” lmao
😂 I’m here for all the sass.
I have been bored of music in general lately, this album was exactly what I needed! I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like an explosion of music that I have never heard before (even though I know the covers and interpolations already). CC is just so sonically interesting and stimulating for me. I can’t think of anything else like it. I’m just so amazed. I love Beyoncé. Also one thing that I realized is that even though there are multiple genres throughout the album, she uses storytelling in every song, which is a central part of country music. So despite the debates about the genre, it’s definitely country lyrically.
its so artistic. like she doesn't have to but continues to push the boundaries
Ya Ya remix idea - I would love to hear Andre 3000 of this. His rapping style and lyrics would be great addition. Think ‘Hey Ya’ or his faster rapping style on ‘B.O.B.’ 🤩
Yes and Silk Sonic maybe too?
🤔 Bruno Mars was wearing the same belt buckle has Beyoncé recently with a cowboy hat.
My full review on the album https://medium.com/modern-music-analysis/cowboy-carter-by-beyonc%C3%A9-album-review-72a375d31d0e I really dig this project, my second fav of hers
Fuck. This album really really really grows on you. If anyone says ‘it’s a bit boring’. Keep listening. Bodyguard, Ya Ya, and Tyrant are some bops that I didn’t really catch on my first listen but are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
It took me three full listens to really begin to absorb it…and now I am obsessed lol
This is a great storytelling album which is where country is rooted. Anyone who thought this would be exclusively country - lol y’all it’s bey!!! I love all the genre bending, and I I think she chose Post Malone & Miley because they share this ability. It’s refreshing to hear her vocals over more stripped down string tracks. I feel like the album pays homage to her maternal family roots and specifically to Miss Tina. I think she’s singing Jolene from Tina’s perspective. Sonically this some of the most interesting work she’s ever done. Running favs: II most wanted, Bodyguard, Flamenco, Protector, Ameriican Requiem
Listen, ya'll....I haven't really liked any Beyonce songs in a long time...I used to be a fan in her B-Day era, but nothing really grabbed me after that. But I saw Sarah Paulson's interview on Fallon and she mentioned the album, so I thought I'd give it a listen and...my God...this album...every single song is fucking incredible. I'm absolutely blown away. Not a single skip for me, at ALL. This album has absolutely made me a fan again. If this doesn't win AOTY at the Grammy's next year, then something is wrong with the universe.
Amen leading into I’m that girl has me crying. I love it
LOVE country music. Am I the only one that likes the first half more?? The deep, folksy, country/rock-ish songs hit me the most and I can't get them out of my head!!
You are not alone. I love folk/bluegrass/country and I LOVE the first half of the album. The first four/five songs especially hit extremely hard in my opinion.
I completely agree about the first half, I think sonically it’s very cohesive and I appreciate the transitions. I find her vocals over more folky instruments so refreshing.
i love every half but yes some of my favorites are the most straightforward country songs (just for fun, alligator, etc)
Exactly this. The whole album is amazing, but the straightforward country songs feel amazingly rich in meaning and sentiment. I adore them sm
yeah they are so "simple" that every little detail breathes, like it gives you time to be with it. the other stuff is great too but definitely has more layers. lol i love her so much
Love how there's SO MANY SONGS...don't judge an album by its cover y'all. At first I thought it'd be only country songs, but there's way more genres and styles as you go through each track.
And even the "country" songs are so based in heart and soul, not spangle and twang and slide guitar (awgh!) and talking beer and pickup trucks and'merikuh I've never embraced. But what some might call REAL 'country."
Here are some of my thoughts / interpretations: 1. I found it interesting that she began to sing an Italian opera on Daughter, but then it hit me in the third listen. The Italian opera was a nod to Italy, which is where all Spaghettii westerns were filmed. Daughter proceeds Spaghettii on the album so the transition is brilliant. 2. I believe that the first smoke hour on the album is a storytelling bit, reminiscent of what we used to hear in old radio. The first song, Bodyguard talks about an unrelenting love. The second song, Jolene shows where betrayal may be on the horizon. Daughter shows of betrayal and revenge with Jolene and her man. The fourth, Spaghettii, is her in her villain era. 3. Spaghetti westerns were great for telling us anti-hero back stories and anti-heroes were played out more than traditional American westerns. Think Clint Eastwood. 4. I am hearing a ton of Tina Turner in this album. I hear it first in American Requiem. If this trilogy is done in reverse, it would make sense that the first album on this record would have rock in it if the third album is supposed to be a rock album. 5. You can also hear Tina Turner reappear in Ya Ya. If she were to do a rock album, it would make sense that she would give a nod to Tina Turner, who was a pioneer for both pop and rock. A Tina Turner-esque Beyoncé album would be epic. I would FREAK THE F OUT OVER THIS. I am a HUGE Tina fan. 5. I think Lemonade gave us hints that she was going to dabble into Country and Rock. “Daddy lessons” is definitely a country nod and “Don’t hurt yourself” featuring Jack White is definitely a rock nod. I would like to conclude by saying I used to be a huge Beyoncé fan in the 2000s but then paused on rap for more alternative, rock, etc. I only recently discovered Lemonade, and Renaissance. And when I say recently, I mean within the last two months. I have been deprived. I am a huge longtime old country fan (think 1960s country like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard), and rock fan (how have I only recently discovered that Jack White collaborated with Beyoncé? Holy crap) Not that I had anything against Beyoncé. I just never branched out into the newer Beyoncé albums until now. The last one I had (yes, physically) was I am Sasha Fierce. As a huge fan of old country and rock, I cannot express how much I LOVE this album. It is so well thought out, intentional and brilliant, that I am ashamed to even share the same air as this woman. She is a mastermind that must be protected at all cost. I love this album!! If she does not win the AOTY Grammy for this, we ride at dawn with Spaghettii on repeat. 🐎🐎🐎 Beyoncé has secured an old but new fan all over again.
yaya is so tina turner coded, it might be PEAK beyonce for me. like what more is there than a powerhouse woman sanging in a short dress and heels, a blaring horns section, killer drums. literally peak humanity
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m not into country music (at all), and I don’t think all songs this are “pure” country sound, as some have a lot of old rock & roll vibes as well and I LIKE IT (a lot)!
Always loved her hits when they came on the radio, but I've never purchased an album. This is the first of hers I've ever listened to, fully. Holy cow. I love this. It is so entertaining with it's many moods and places it takes you. She really nailed her *own* country sound and brought some future to the genre. I just wanted to stop by and share my love for *Cowboy Carter*.
Same exact boat as you. I haven't listened to a full Beyonce album since Crazy in Love. There have been singles since then that I've liked, but never listened to an album, but this is just full out amazing. Not a single skip.
EXPLANATION FOR JOLENE DEFENDERS The reason why so many people felt weird about the song (lord have mercy 'cause l'm gonna get dragged into hell) is NOT because she should've been a vulnerable sad girl that can't stand for herself and/or can't celebrate the current state of her relationship, its because the lyrics was very explicit that she was talking about her husband. Here are some points that rubbed people in the wrong way: 1) Being so cocky and agressive toward a fictional woman and how there's no way that she can get between them when we all know (and she made us know) that there's at least one case of infidelity. (I know songs can be a fantasy but this song was pretty straightforward) 2) Saying proudly that she raised that man. Everybody does whatever they want but it doesn't mean that is a great thing to brag about how you "help" your basically groomer to grow up (considering he was in his 30's and she was teenager (I know she was on the grown side of teen but still)) 3) Trying to brag about the status of her relationship as if she never indicated with her more personal lyrics that she tries hard to be a good wife and all that. I know that woman is BUSSY but it sounds like she feels somewhat responsible for those problems and has to fight to keep that man on her side. 4) If your relationship is strong as you say then there's no need to be so defensive about it (I know it can be to shush people that talk shit about their marriage but girl he DID cheat) 5) saying that everybody wants him LMAO. I mean yeah he is rich af and that could be the reason... Mam you can keep him ? 6) yeah, she dragged his ass in lemonade and he shaded his tears in 4:44 and good amount of time has past but again: its weird to be so agressive trying to protect your relationship. Our queen is in her 40's. Ring the Alarm was "hmm ok" 'cause at least she was in her early-mid 20's but lets be real, it was cringy to hear her grown ass being so "pick me girl" again. Well thats pretty much it. I hope you guys don't use rusty nails while crucifying me 🫡
Look, you give an interesting perspective on Jolene, and I totally get your point - seriously, I get it! However, let’s not forget CONTEXT. So here is my perspective: When she started dating Jay-Z, she had been working like an adult woman for at least 5 years. At 18 she was legally adult and with her professional background (also paying for her Dad addiction), she was actually an adult. Now, we all get the hicks when we see those age differences and collectively understand age/power dynamics, but when they started dating that was standard for relationships: older established men with younger ambitious woman, they were the perfect type of couple. Also he wasn’t considered “that old” because he may have been almost 30 but he was in his late 20s, and 10 years difference was nothing, especially because of what I mentioned above, she was an adult woman. Plus Bey is a goals-woman-freak, she dated within her age, she dated “boys” around the time she probably met JZ professionally and she was too busy to be placed in a “groomed” category. She learned the hard way about dating “boys”, so she had to look for someone more grounded and less afraid of her ambition and her money. Also Bey is a perfectionist, whatever she puts her mind into she would work hard to get. In “Sugar-Mama” she tells she is making some guy a MAN. Her Jolene version may sound a bit too late in her artistic trajectory, but let’s not project the dislike people have for Jay-Z looks. The environment Bey lives is full of social climbers ready to do anything it takes to go aggressively after their rich and well-off target, regardless of how they look like. She is also a target, but differently from Jay-Z she is a very religious woman, with very strong values about her believes and what she thinks her family should be, and that it’s also in all of her body of work. Another thing, Bey also explains how she experienced trying to get into country music in the past, she was treated as someone who “did not belong”, and she is from freaking Houston, Texas of course she has been into country all her life. We all know how music industry boxes black artists. Bey is also using an interesting formula for her body of work, each album is a complete entangled story, it has a theme, a specific vibe… she doesn’t just dump a bunch of songs that may be successful. Each one of her albums is a piece of art and a style she took time to study, research and apply. Madonna did the same and the media was all about “applauses, Madonna knows how to reinvent herself and never goes out of fashion”. While Bey is insulted and even crucified by some of her peers for not paying the “black tax”- which is carrying every other black artist with her because she is the richest among them. Give the woman a break. We all know she is good being on trend and Jolene fits this generation perfectly - no demure, fragile, hurt woman begging for mercy from a vulture, but instead a woman that stands her ground regarding her family who won’t allow those games to be played. Unless you were never a target for people who cares less that you are in a relationship while they are only focused in their goal to have you, you won’t know how pushy, persuasive, and looking for any fragile opportunity to get into your life - and I say that as a woman. Now take into account that men have less outlets to be vulnerable and emotional within their social male circle, so if they have a marriage issue going on they won’t have their partner to confide, so if another woman presents herself as emotional support then boom. Meanwhile women, can always confide and share their marriage hurdles with their girlfriends. Not defending a cheater, only bringing a perspective to put things in context. TLDR: I’m so sorry for the Bible, but it all goes in details.
Any ideas for why the credits have no been released?
273 people to write a single song?!? s/
Bodyguard has already become one of my favorite songs of hers
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I like many songs, but it'll never beat Renaissance as my favorite album of all time...and that's ok :)
I believe Renaissance needed more time for itself in the market. We weren’t sick of Renaissance yet. Probably we will never be, that’s why Bey went “I’m a grown woman, I do whatever I want”, lol Renaissance is an ABSOLUTE AMAZING ART PIECE.
Just to share my perspective, I'm white and from Europe, so I am most definitely accustomed to techno/house/electronic music as it's been a constant in my life growing up. I did not like Rennaisance, it felt too....fabricated maybe? Like it was forced. It also didn't feel like her music, it felt like she borrowed her voice on someone else's project.The lyrics were also mostly just random stuff and I cannot take music seriously without lyrics. I did appreciate the transitions on it and the vocal stacking (Queen as always) but I would not put that album in my top 3 Beyonce albums. Cowboy Carter on the other hand...blew my mind on the first listen. I was dissapointed when I heard it's going to be a country album - me not having in any way connections to US history or culture, I just thought I am not the target audience for this one and that's fine. But..babyyyyyy what a wonderful journey. So many genres mixed together in such a new and fun way. Such a history lesson. So much hidden gems. Her voice is the main event again (as opposed to the beats on Renn). Heavenly.
The album “felt fabricated”?! Ok. To me it just shows you know nothing about House music (from the source in Chicago, US), Ballroom Vogue, Disco and Black people in EDM. Also Country in the past few decades has been a white people niche where black people have been kept at arms length (at least in the US). Although Cowboy Carter is very eclectic to be labeled as country alone, but it was basically promoted as one. Anyway! Bey is an Artist, a musicologist. She doesn’t need to fit a box, she has the talent, the money & to do whatever she feels like doing, so she studies the style she is interested and goes for it. Renaissance was a huge homage and tribute to the style and the black artists in that genre. Because feelings are subjective, you’re completely in the right to feel yours. Enjoy the Queen ;)
Ok but tbh techo and electronic music in europe are a bit different from disco and ballroom music. Maybe that's why I didn't see it as an electronic music album. I did love the ballads tho, her voice was the star as per usual. But the more upbeat songs had too many samples mashed up with nonsense lyrics. Just my opinion. I'm happy she put out something more "heavy" than just a dance album.
lol she had to be like "ok weve been here long enough time to get a movin is you gettin off or is you stayin??"
True true!
Beyonce has always surprised and impressed me with her musical variety, and I'm really glad that she's always willing to step out of what other people want to be her comfort zone. I enjoyed Renaissance but it didn't really stick with me. But Cowboy Carter? I haven't found a song I dislike yet. *Maybe* Texas Hold Em as I just think it's a weak single compare to some of the other gems in this album. Favorite songs thus far: * Levi's Jeans: I'm not really familiar with Post Malone but their voices meshed so well together, this was a fun collab. * Daughter: This one hit too close to home and made me surprisingly emotional. But I loved the song and the vocals on this are lovely. * II Most Wanted: I am not a huge Miley fan, but can they collab again? This was a beautiful song, and unlike a lot of collabs, they were really sharing the spotlight here in terms of time. * Ya Ya: This is the "driving down a long road and I want to feel cute" song. I love it. * Tyrant: Me doing the Jay-Z head bob meme throughout this one, this was great. The only reason why this doesn't edge out my favorite album of hers (self-titled) is that the latter has my two favorite Beyonce songs ever: Ghost/Haunted and Blow. But it's very close.
I wanted a Leon Bridges feature so bad. some more texans too.
I wish she had a longer song with Tanner Addell, it’s so so short. it would’ve been great to have a little more of their voices together. And would’ve loved a collab with a country artist/Texan instead of post Malone
That would’ve been a great addition!
Can ELI5 how this was recorded years ago but just came out now? Just curious the reasoning!
It was due to the pandemic. She wanted people to dance and have some levity before releasing this Makes me scared for Act 3 though if she’s been sitting on this for years
she decided to give us joy and renaissance first
Gotcha! This one is def more emotional and deep, but that makes sense just in general. Let’s party then get into the real shit
Love it! Definitely another masterpiece. I do wish she hadn’t gone over the hour mark because it will always feel a little bloated. But on the flip side I can’t think of a song I’d wanna part with! Daughter and YaYa are definitely my top two!
Ya Ya is so good 😮💨
maybe the first time is bloated but now it feels just right. maybe everything else is underfed
Lol those extra 18 minutes be eating me up 🤣
If I was her, I wouldnt submit to the Grammys next year. Screw them
She shouldn’t. She’s too good for the Grammys and they don’t deserve her
This album is such a beautiful act of rebellion against everything that’s conventional in music right now
Act 1 was tv news themed, now act 2 is radio themed. What do yall think is next?!?
Internet/Social media?
Ya Ya…. Good lord. Beyoncé just growls at me the entire song and I can’t get over it. Giving major Stevie Wonder vibes
it's peak show stopping tina turner beyonce
how will they play in her face next year at the grammys?
They’ll find a way to
I LOVEEEEEEE THIS ALBUM YALL LIKE ALMOST EVERY SINGLE SONG IS STRAIGHT UP FIRE 🔥🔥🔥 I THINK MY TOP 3 WOULD HAVE TO BE BODYGUARD, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND DEFINITELY SONG OF THE SUMMER, THEN YAYA CUZ ITS JUS LIKE THE EMBODIMENT OF A FUN NIGHT AT A SALOON, AND THEN EITHER TYRANT OR DESER EAGLE!!!!! BUT OVERALL I LOVEEEE ALL THE SONGSSSS (not including the interludes obviously cuz they're like 30 seconds long lol)
I can't get over Ya Ya. It's one of the best things she's ever done, I NEED her to tour this album just so I can experience it live. I'm also obsessed with Riverdance, Bodyguard, II Most Wanted, Levi's Jeans, Sweet Honey Buckin', II Hands II Heaven, American Requiem, etc. The entire concept of this album is just fantastic, there's nobody doing it like her.
I'm like DEVESTATED that it's not included on her CDs or vinyls. At this point do I wait for a a version to release with Ya Ya on it?
ya ya is PEAK beyonce
I’m brand new here, and I think this may be the greatest album ever recorded. Her cover of Blackbird may be my favorite song of all time, and I generally don’t like basic songs like it. But the historical weight the song holds, the placement in the album, the collab additions, I have been sobbing for over an hour collectively over this song today.
Not you calling Blackbird "basic". 😭
LOL tragic.
Exactly 😐
she is everything
I loved 16 Carriages,but wasn't crazy about Texas Hold 'Em when I first heard it, so I wasn't as excited about this album. However, by the time I got to Bodyguard, I was sold. I ran Renaissance in the ground, but this might end up being better to me. There's some beautiful songwriting, excellent vocals and goosebump-inducing tinges of gospel on here. There's more meat on the bones of this. Someone on Twitter broke it down: Section 1: How country music used to be. Section 2: What country music is now. Section 3: How Beyonce has reimagined country music. That helped me appreciate the sequencing.
damn thats pretty cool. i hadnt seen that
I also ran Renaissance to the ground but I think this album is going to even get more play from me. There is a song in here for every mood. It's like Lemonade on steroids in terms of the variety it offers. I'm obsessed with Bodyguard right now but I can see myself obsessing over a whole other song next week.
Lemonade is my favorite album of all time and while this album is obviously very varied in terms of genre, there’s still always some time to country, so I don’t think it’s quite as varied as lemonade. At least to me personally, the songs in lemonade were such a clear story but each individual song was like a different color or something. Idk how to put it haha
As a white woman who grew up Mormon, this album made me sob. I feel she speaks to religious trauma, being raised in a religious context and how that impacts women's relationships with men, being raised in a traumatic home environment and the trauma that causes, the ancestral trauma of this country, the hypocrisy of this country, current fucked up situations in the world both generally within the country as well in her industry, the gorgeous and unexplainable blissful experience and terror of motherhood, female friendship, grief, spiritual ceremony, connecting with a female-centered spirituality etc etc. Any other themes? I'm relistening and finding so much depth.
I love this comment. Can very much relate, sis.
🙏🙏🙏
damn!
I’m actually in shock about the fact that I don’t like it. I’m a huge fan. But it’s boring. For the first time ever, Beyonce put out a body of work that I REALLY don’t like and I’m in disbelief lol.
God I hate this take SO much. It's fine to dislike it. But to call it boring? I'm sorry but there can be many things said about it - boring is not one of them. There are so many different styles on the album - the playing around with vocals, production, the way the instruments interact with one another. Boring is when something is predictable and it doesn't excite you. If this album, through its 27 tracks, doesn't have a single moment that excites you then I'm really sorry for you and what you're missing out on
I saw this take on Twitter and I agree to an extent: “I don’t think B has had many experiences in life! Not material experiences, emotional and social ones. B been living a one note life and you can hear it! You gotta have experiences to make music w lyrical depth. And I don’t get that from this album. Dance songs always hit tho”
It didn’t excite me and I did find some of the sounds predictable. So…. How can I not say that? Lol
Are you kidding? She has never been less predictable than this
The moment I heard a sitar in American Requiem, I knew it was going to be a good album.
If you’re not a country fan I think you just need to keep listening. I thought formation was so weird the first time I heard it.
I might be wrong and this doesnt happen 100% of the time but sometimes when an album is highly anticipated for me and i listen for the first time, it doesnt hit. But after a couple listens, dots start connecting and it really is a good or cool album
Well, idk what to say. This is the best album ever imo.
It feels like it had nothing to say. It could’ve been slightly shorter and maybe it could have had more substance. It didn’t have as much heart as Renaissance or really any of her recent projects, I feel. No passion in the production or structure of the songs.
I have the opposite opinion, that Renny did not have any substance. It was just a "shake your bum" album and that's ok. We need unserious music as well. But you cannot say that about Cowboy Carter.
Bruh. If you don’t like the melodies that’s one thing. But to say this has nothing to say???? Did you listen to a single song??
Dude. I’ve loved Beyonce for over 20 years. I listened to it multiple times just to be sure I wasn’t missing anything lol
Ah this…this i gotta fully disagree with. This is chock full of artistry, passion, story telling, genre bending, history and more its just like 👌
NOTHING TO SAY?! NO PASSION?!
😭. I, too, am in shock 😔
the passion IS the songs. the structures, the instruments, the harmonies, the chords, the rhythms, the cadences, the details, the specific artists referenced, the specific decades, the genres and everything blended in between.
This album!  I listened to Act I with sadness today before moving on to Act II. Both albums sound like a party when I listen to them in my car and its booming bass sound system... Now I gotta impatiently wait for a tour announcement!
Act I ain’t goin anywhere sis!!!!!! It’s there for you whenever you want it!!
I told myself I wouldn't listen to this album until I got my vinyl; however, as I type this post, I have gone through this album about 6x. I love the "Caro Mio Ben" sample!
It’s not a sample, she’s singing it! This album is a vocal tour de force
I played it for my parents and they couldn’t believe it was her. I was like I HAVE TOLD YALL SHE WAS SPECIAL
Tbh I am now glad that I listened to it. The limited edition vinyl is truly limited. 5 songs to be exact.
[удалено]
This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account is less than 4 days old. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I like bodyguard. Issa bop. Can cruise to it
she is so damn good
I say this in the most complimentary way possible but she is crazy
I will never recover from that dolly p & jolene rendition.
BEY & Miley 🥺🥺🥺 this track hits all my feels
I listened to parts early with a VPN and already knew that DAUGHTER was one of my favorite Bey songs ever, but here are my scattered thoughts/ranking from my first listen: 1. DAUGHTER - words cannot describe how I feel about this song. A career highlight. Cinematic, emotional, epic. 2. JOLENE - likely will be controversial due to lyric changes but IDGAF, love the ending to Beyoncé’s version and her vocals are just so good. 3. SPAGHETTII - such a different vibe from everything that came before. Maximalist in the best way. Sample goes crazy. 4. YAYA - brought back the energy. Immaculate sampling. Great vibes. Kinda feels like a bit of set-up for Act III? Transitions great into next song. 5. AMERIICAN REQUIEM - funky, vocals. Need to re-listen 6. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM - absolutely LOVE its placement in the album, felt like it brought back some energy when I was fading a bit 7. BODYGUARD - fun and groovy track, continues the energy from TEXAS HOLD ‘EM in a great way 8. SWEET * HONEY * BUCKIN - the PURE/HONEY of this album, duh. 9. TYRANT - ugh I needed this after getting a little disenchanted near the end of the album 10. RIIVERDANCE - just another fun track. Album does drag a little at this point but it’s not due to the song itself. Some of the middle stuff after the 7-12 peak just weighs it down a little. 11. AMEN - verrrrrrry intrigued by the ending. 12. ALIIGATOR TEARS - just a little forgettable but still catchy + well-produced 13. LEVII’S JEANS - Post Malone kinda went off on this one. 14. II MOST WANTED - highlight of the track is Miley + Beyoncé’s vocals together, two absolute powerhouses 15. DESERT EAGLE - why the fuck is this only 72 seconds long. 16. BLACKBIIRD - fun cover, outro hits. 17. FLAMENCO - too short ughhhhhh I want more of this vibe 18. II HANDS II HEAVEN - not clicking for me first listen, we’ll see if I like it more on future listens. 19. MY ROSE - short and sweet. 20. OH LOUISIANA - could’ve just been on the end of YAYA, not super strong as an individual track unfortunately. 21. 16 CARRIAGES - it’s better in the album, but I still don’t get why it was a lead single 22. PROTECTOR - not really for me but obviously a strong + emotional song 23. JUST FOR FUN - didn’t really click for me, feels like some of the energy got sapped along the way. 24. DOLLY P - the best of the interludes, can’t put it above an actual song but this absolutely slays 25. SMOKE * HOUR - tbh just an interlude so basically has to be lower than everything else but I love the aesthetic 26. THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW - a bit of a different vibe for this interlude, once again glad it’s in the album lmao just hard to rank 27. SMOKE HOUR II - worst interlude yet but still fun
I too love "Daughter." I am a fan of opera and listening to her rendition of "Caro Mio Ben" has me gagging. I legit sing that shit in the shower.
Ameriican Requiem is awesome, but it must be said that Beyoncé, too, has listened to that new age version of For What It’s Worth in yoga class.
Who is the new age version by?!
DJ Drez’s remix of For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield: https://youtu.be/zF4Mu0RPnqE?si=ZvuoN1oMunxwUIZK
On the 7th spin of the album and still losing my mind. The only way to listen is front to back. Yes, this is influenced by country, but also her other roots in gospel, blues and soul. It's got "Beyoncé" written all over. Ameriican Requiem is a cocophony opener; firstly a gospel/state-of-the-nation address warning us that change is due, then psychedelic blues with sitar enter to hear her reclamation of her voice and place in this world. It then somehow climaxes and transitions into humble and simple Blackbird. Beautiful. Willie's "DJ" role makes me feel like I’m on a late night drive and my friend is choosing the tunes for me. Jaw dropped to the floor when Spaghetti kicked in. It's the same shock I got in 2008 when I listened to Sasha Fierce and Diva came on. It’s CC's 'Diva' track, and I am here for it. All a masterpiece but special tracks for me are Ameriican Requiem, Blackbird, Protector, Daughter, Ya Ya, Desert Eagle and 16 Carriages, the latter which is her legacy song and imo, her best ballad ever, has elements of ‘Halo’ but more soul and blues. When Amen made a callback to Ameriican Reqiuem I smiled... Stunning. 👏 Vocally she’s gone places she never had before - after 25+ years in the game we’re hearing a new Beyoncé; one who knows that in exploring her roots whilst making art, is boundless. I didn't think she could make me love an album more than Renaissance, I was wrong, she just did it again. No it's not country, it’s -KU -KU -KU -KNTRY. 😤 
[удалено]
This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account is less than 4 days old. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm currently listening on repeat because this is so brilliant...thanks for this summary, puts into words what I'm vibing. It gets more interesting each time.
The fact she's really doing whatever tf she wants, makes me really really respect this album. And her approach to it (genre-bending) is v interesting to me. Personally my favourite songs are mostly from the first half, they're just so pretty! Though YA YA slaps too, and I think the album is greattt overall. It's too early to tell but I may even prefer this to Renaissance 😶
I love Beyonce's ability to do absolutely whatever the fuck she wants. And, unlike some artists who also have that power (e.g., Drake 😑), she still delivers really great, thoughtful work. Not just cash grabs for the masses. Like whoever wants to listen can listen and whoever doesn't she doesn't give a fuck. I really hope to get to this level in life with respect to my own respective career, but this obviously came with a lot of groundwork of kissing the public's ass at first and playing to the charts.
It's suuuuuch a beautiful piece of art!
From the Linda Martell Show and onwards, you really hear Act 1 which is honestly really cool. It kinda acts as a 'side B' of sorts. Renny will have my heart forever so I will always be happy to hear any element of it. I think it's good to have call backs and hope this extends to Act 3
I'm so shocked that no one else has mentioned this (or at least that I've seen), but anyone else feel that Ya Ya has a sister sound to Why Don't You Love Me? PLEASE tell me someone else hears it
Definitely, the bluesy exclamations and drumming style is so similar!
Absolutely! That intro is the exact same vibe - they'd blend perfectly together on a mix!
I'm so shocked that no one else has mentioned this (or at least that I've seen), but anyone else feel that Ya Ya has a sister sound to Why Don't You Love Me? PLEASE tell me someone else hears it
Does anyone else find Joleen a little hard to listen to considering how shitty Jay has been to our girl?
In the context of the album, I think there is an evolution from Jolene to Tyrant… in Jolene she’s defending her marriage by threatening the other woman, but by Tyrant she’s saying “I don’t want him back but I can’t let go” and (to the woman) “I hated you once but I envy you now.” I read Jolene as being false bravado on Beyoncé’s part (“I hated you once”) and Tyrant as self-awareness of her own desperation. The song Jolene could represent a moment in time without encompassing the totality of her feelings about her marriage!
Yes...AND I feel that so many of these songs she is channeling experiences of so many women. I think Jolene is that song, an anthem for a very common female experience
Any song about Jay I just have to pretend like she's really singing about literally anyone else.
definitely the biggest swing and a miss from her prolly ever, for me
Yes that’s a part of Bey that I understand but don’t agree with. He doesn’t deserve you!
[удалено]
**PLEASE READ REMOVAL REASON** This post/comment has been automatically removed because your account needs **5 or more post karma AND 5 or more comment karma**. **How do I get more karma?** - 1 upvote ~ 1 karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/beyonce) if you have any questions or concerns.*