“Genres are a funny little concept aren’t they?”- Linda Martell

Born out of feeling unwelcome in a place that at times prides itself on being the most welcoming genre, Beyoncé has spent a lot of time and a lot of hard work creating the album Cowboy Carter since her release of the song Daddy Lessons with The Chicks released back in 2016.

Beyoncé isn’t claiming to be a country artist, she simply has released a country inspired album and that shouldn’t be mocked but more celebrated. For a world where many are trying to be more inclusive, we shouldn’t be dictating who or who isn’t welcome within the country music genre.

What Beyoncé will do for country music remains to be seen and may not even be relevant but you can bet she will definitely be bringing more awareness to what we know is a wonderful genre and many country artists will benefit from this and also support this. There was a time when Taylor Swift was ostracized within the genre but it can’t be denied how much revenue she brought into the genre and not just fan wise but paving the way for many artists to follow her! If country artists can experiment in other genres then why can’t it be the other way around? There are so many artists already in country music who mix in a bit of R&B and Soul, in particular Breland and we love Breland!

Country music has a bit of a bad reputation for not being very inclusive despite its claims of being so at times (it’s very contradictory) and women in country music particularly struggle at times to get on the likes of country radio and US festival line ups. Let’s hope this changes now!

There are some really great collaborations on this album from artists we have come to love in country music over the years. One stand out track in particular is her cover of The Beatles Blackbird in which she invites Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy. All artists who are spectacular in their own right and bring breathtaking harmonies. Already, just two songs in Beyoncé isn’t just showing that women belong in country music and need to heard but that black women belong in the genre too. It actually feels ridiculous having to say that! Other appearances come from one of our favourites Cam who worked on five tracks on the album lending vocals, writing, production and engineering. The songs Cam was involved in are Ameriican Requiem, Daughter, Protector,Tyrant and Amen.

The songs 16 Carriages and Texas Hold ‘Em as people know, were released prior to the album release and hold strong elements of country music blended with a pop/R&B sound. There is a lot of pop-country charting at the moment and has been the case for a number of years with many arguing that those artists aren’t country, so Beyoncé isn’t really hearing anything new when people say the same about this album.

Protector is a fantastic track which includes her daughter Rumi Carter. The track is that of an old styled bluegrass/soulful/gospel country sound which is timeless and emotional. The beauty in the words of being a mother who of course is a protector and knowing one day her daughter will shine on her own is wonderfully relatable and highly emotive. With Cam being involved on this track, it is no wonder it’s a stand out for us.

An introduction from Dolly Parton on the track Dolly P flows into Beyoncé’s version of Parton’s Jolene. A great yet interesting adaptation on the original track, Beyoncé has made the track her own in many ways, changing some lyrics up here and there. However, making the song completely your own is somewhat of an impossible task given how iconic the song is and no artist can ever best the original but let’s face it, no one is or will ever try to. The change in lyrics show a woman warning Jolene rather than begging. New fans to country music should definitely check out the response song to Jolene by Chapel Hart called You can have him Jolene!

Another strong country track comes from Daughter. Penned in part by previously mentioned Cam who always has such in depth and powerful lyrics in her songs (Burning House, Palace, Village, Redwood Tree) it’s no wonder this song is so masterful and lyrically daring in places. The instrumentation highlights the country elements in this song which also delivers a beautiful Blues styling to it and a surprise operatic close which really showcases how much range Beyoncé has vocally! Lyrically this song is very in depth and speaks of violence. It’s well worth listening to the lyrics of this song!

As a huge supporter of Willie Jones who quite frankly should be a high charting artist (His song Bachelorettes on Broadway is such a potential big hit maker) I hope his inclusion on this album gives him the recognition that he deserves. This song, Just For Fun, in which he features on, is a stunning country infused ballad and an early favourite from the album.

II Most Wanted featuring Miley Cyrus is another early favourite. This duet is something I never knew I wanted. Miley is an artist I have wanted to release a country album for years. One of the more country sounding songs off the album, it is simply a brilliant track. Beyoncé and Miley’s vocals blend so perfectly together on this powerful mid tempo ballad. It reminds me of early Ward Thomas music in places and has a fierce cinematic way about it!

YaYa the rodeo, These Boots are Made For Walkin’ track is heavy with live music appeal! One of the funnest tracks off the album, this song whilst heavily produced is full of excitement, energy and good times!

Country/Hip-Hop artist Shaboozey features twice on this album (Spaghetti and Sweet * Honey * BuckIIn’) and proves that various genres can and do work with country music at times.

With a fair few soundbites across the album (that includes Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Linda Mantrell ) as well as full length tracks, the album is collectively a thoroughly enjoyable album that blends various genres. Beyoncé has delivered yet another exceptional album that is vocally, lyrically and sonically sublime.

Is Cowboy Carter a country album? I don’t think that’s the entire intention here, it’s more country inspired. The album is very enjoyable, well crafted and has a lot of country influence weaved throughout. Cowboy Carter is simply an album to enjoy from start to finish with some truly standout tracks that will be loved for many years to come. You can expect that many country artists will be covering some of these songs online, at their shows and so on.

Beyoncé has made a point to involve so many talented artists in the country music genre on this album and we recommend checking out every single one of them.

The Linda Martell soundbite The Linda Martell Show says it all – “this particular tune stretches across a range of genres and that’s what makes it a unique listening experience”. Replace tune with album and Linda has covered the album’s purpose in its entirety. Cowboy Carter is a unique listening experience!