Cowboy Carter
By Beyoncé
For fans of Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons” from the album Lemonade, the announcement of Cowboy Carter promised an exciting extension. The album delivers on that - and much more. Cowboy Carter is a stunning genre strutting album, combining her soulful southern style with classic bravado. The number of songs is striking at first, but even more so as you realize how many you constantly return to.
“Jolene” is powerful both in the story’s relation to her own past, as well as her original verses - respecting the classic song, while making it her own and distinctly modern. The lyricism, melody, and transitions to Italian opera in “Daughter” make the album truly high art. The appearances by Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson add a legitimacy to those questioning a Beyoncé country style album, and the duet with Milly Cyrus on “II Most Wanted” is a true classic. “Flamenco” and “II Hands II Heaven” are also two both beautiful can’t miss tunes.
Almost the perfect album, the album disappoints in its attempted cross-overs with hip-hop, which she has done so successfully in the past. Overall, the album is a masterpiece, Beyoncé’s best complete work of her incredible career.
- Alex, May 30, 2024