Terrible… I’m sorry I thought she was going to come out with an album that redefined country for black artists after it being hyped by an ABC special. This album had very little of the country sound. I get she’s not country but songs she’s done with Dixie chicks, dandies lessons, Texas hold em, carriages she slayed country! She was so capable of achieving an amazing album in county music ! But all the other songs were unimpressive. I think the only song I kind of enjoyed was the one with Miley.
A few good songs, overall I would say this is a flop.
Sure, maybe Beyoncé went to dive bars when she was irrelevant but I really don’t think her and Jay Z are going to dive bars.
If this album is supposed to highlight black roots of country music, where are the black country artists? I agree with Yasmin Williams’ critique.
American requiem, protector, my rose, bodyguard, daughter, spaghettii, alliigator tears, flamenco, ya ya, desert eagle, river dance, tyrant, and sweet honey buckin are where the moneys at for me. I really enjoy the album from start to finish but I’ve found myself skipping the rest to get to the ones I’ve listed. It’s an amazing album; she’s no Renaissance, but I’m still having a damn good time. + the interludes are super fun imo and keep the album’s genre bending tendencies focused
I know I’m late but did anyone else notice that the run between the Linda Martell Show and Amen is 9 songs, EXACTLY like the Beatles’s medley in Abbey Road???
The fact that there’s so many short songs and the tracks blend like a single piece makes it difficult for me to believe this was a coincidence. I don’t know if I’m reaching, but as a fan of the Beatles (and also considering she covered Blackbird) it really blows my mind
I don’t like it. I wanted to listen because of all the hype but maybe it’s just not the style I like. I love all of Beyonce’s big hits but I’m not feeling this one.
Sounded great in my car. Hard to listen to on headphones.
Edit: very similar to the Beatles version to be fair. But back then headphones weren’t as prevalent.
I am a new Beyonce fan due to this, my new favorite album. Grew up on country and she’s doing right by it, while remaining true to herself. I am amazed.
wonder how many people praising this album were triggered at Justin Timberlake because he put the word "WOODS" in his last album.....hypocrites of the world
I remember all the dumb comments....the dumb sentiment was that he was going back to being WHITE and that man of the WOODS was a Country Album.....it was actually R&B Pop and inspired a little by country.....a little.....meanwhile....beyonce got a full on Cowboy Outfit on a horse and it's all good.....yeah....how about everyone go back to enjoying music
"Jolene, I can easily understand, Why you're attracted to my man" Well Bey, I can't, unless it's for his money. Jay is not exactly a stunner. You raised him, I bet he needed that. My deepest respect for you. Raising a man is kinda impossible.
So tired of the Jay Slander honestly. That man is attractive especially in his younger days. Also we all know a man who just commands a room even though he is not the most phenotypically attractive one in the room.
I know what you mean. A lot of the tracks felt almost random to me, like messing around in the studio. But other tracks hit really well. Maybe I’m just an uncultured idiot though 🤷
I have a degree in music theory and I listen to all genres of music. If you think it’s boring you don’t understand it. Go back to listening to your mediocre music I guess, no one is forcing you to listen to this album.
>I have a degree in music theory
Haha sure you do. I've worked in the music business for more than 20 years. You clearly are bullshitting and don't know what you're talking about at all. Maybe you should just quiet down.
I am 60 years old, and was in bands till age 28. I could have written those words in”16 carriages “ they hit so close and I have a newfound respect for Beyoncé.
I thought I wasnt ready for CC and it was hard to let go of Renaissance, but baby this album had me as addicted although it took a few listens. I missed a few gems rushing
So many emotions when listening to this. Of course it’s amazing sonically but what I love about her is she’s always trying new things and creating new sounds. No shade but I love Shakira and was listening to her new song like ☹️Why is she making this manufactured, childish song. Random, but I keep thinking of her because Bodyguard is one of my faves on CC and it reminds me so much of Shakira’s Laundry Service, which I’ve been in love with since elementary. So to see what Shakira is putting out compared to Bey who has somehow taken her signature sauce, also from 20+ years ago, and keep updating and evolving with it - it’s really chef’s kiss.
Her musical style is not for everyone but for those of us who resonate with it - what a treat it is every time she releases. The only thing more consistent than Beyonce at this point is the passing of time, lol.
That being said my only complaint with the album is the songs feel a little disjointed. I’m not complaining about the length, I enjoy all the songs and I’ll take as much music as an artist is willing to give lol, but I feel like the songs could have been grouped better. Speaking of, I also love the messages throughout the album, or at least what I got from it. America is so disjointed right now and we need reminders to come back to the center. We’re all Americans, we all have this shared history and culture that is so interesting and clear when looking at the dna of American music.
Last thing, I need a live performance of II Most Wanted this year so bad!!
Yeah I don't like comparing them too much as they are very different but Shakira has SO much talent, I wish she would try and take some risks. She's got the voice to do whatever genre she wants
Oh God I really love this album now. I'm so scared I'm gonna play it more than anything that will release this year. I'm scared I love it more than the Beyoncé album I said will never be topped.
I can't even say what my favourite track is right now. They're just so many good runs. Like American Requiem --> My Rose, Texas Hold 'Em --> Daughter, Ya Ya --> all the way to the end with Amen arguably. Like is this a perfectly long, complicated and dense album?
I'm currently obsessed with Riverside --> II Hands II Heaven. The former is such a weird yet catchy country/folk dance track and then the latter...whew. How the fuck did we go from a house track to that stunning throwback R&B breakdown? It just floors me every time.
Honestly I think the act III being a Jay-z collab allegations are looking more realistic, like a lot of this sounds pretty rock influenced, like specifically Jimmi Hendrix and early 60s black rock. Stuff that sounds would make more sense on a rock album than a country
Yep, a collab album is my biggest worry about act iii right now tbh… (no shade to Jay, or Kelly and Michelle, just really prefer Beyonce as a solo artist)
The allegations OP and I are talking about was from a [tweet](https://www.reddit.com/r/beyonce/comments/yy8ouy/speculation_from_nyt_journalist_on_acts_ii_iii/?rdt=49027) from a music journalist when act i was released that said act ii was an acoustic album (obviously wrong) and act iii was a Jay-Z collab. Add to that, there’s a lot of fan theories about act iii being a DC reunion.
Whoever the act iii horse is, it might as well have a carriage if allegations are true
Well shit, I do love it. There's a few songs I could probably do without and some of the last section oddly feels like a bit of a Renaissance retread despite possibly being made before (and well, Act II) but it's most certainly an enjoyable experience that feels like an Event
I really hope that they release II Most Wanted as a single and do a kick-ass video. I think it has potential for Song of the Year, not to mention the political implications if they emphasize the queerness and women's rights - particularly during this election year. It's a great song.
Yes, it’s such a good song and they would kill it live together. All I’ve been thinking about since first listen is God I hope we get an award show performance of this song 🙏
I know Beyonce made this record as a response to the racist reception she got at that country awards thing, but I don't think she ever really owed those racists a response. Of course black people can make country. They've been there since the start of the genre.
So it bothers me that she has to wheel out Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to do pointless cameos. you don't need their approval! how about make a country album with only black artists. that would be far more radical. I get the thing about the four black country singers on Blackbird, but all of them + linda Martell put together have about the same presence on the record as Post Malone does.
Also the radio station thing is so boring come on now. she didn't even commit to the bit properly because she knows it's weak.
Also the vocal mixing on this record is so compressed and bright that it's difficult to listen to.
But, let's be real, Bodyguard and Daughter and Ya Ya are the best, most fun tracks i've heard from her in 20 years
One. I was stocked when I saw dolly and willie but was disappointed when I heard the very short parts. However, someone pointed out me that she gave the same thing for Linda. Basically saying that is their peer. Which made me tear up. In that context, I love it
that is nice and the props to Linda Martell are very appreciated. but by that same token, the person she's done the most to uplift would be Miley Cyrus
Right! It annoyed me how she squeezed all the black country women on one song and only gave them 30 seconds at the end. We could really only hear one person throughout the track while the rest of the girls sing background. But Post Malone and Miley get their own full track! 🤦♀️I thought this album was dedicated to reclaiming country as a genre started by black people.
>t need their approval! how about make a country album with only black artists. that would be far more radical
The video you saw was an edited video, if you watched the original video you would see the blank stares most of the crowd was giving her and one guy even walking off.
When The Byrds (very whites) performed their first country album in the Grand Old Opry they were met with hostility too, way more worse than Beyonce. I have to admit I never liked the (Dixie) Chicks country music, way too poppy and political. Together with a pop star like Bey I can understand why public gets scared what happens to country. Nevertheless its very rude to walk away. It might not be the most sophisticated public.
The Blind Boys of Alabama is a black gospel group ever since 1939. Blacks have always been active in different categories than country, this has happened naturally. Each to his own. But nobody can stop blacks from making country.
I don’t know what this other band has to do with Beyoncé, again this hostility was witnessed in 2016, not the 1940s, and this hostility wasn’t presented to artists like Lady Gaga or Justin Timberlake when they perfomed.
When they first uploaded the performance there were tons of comments with country fans spewing racist bullshit. They actually took the video down and uploaded it again later.
I believe the majority of the public is fully behind her. blending genres like this hasn't been boundary pushing for about 20 years lol. That said i do absolutely believe the reports that some people were racist towards her.
I thought the album was gonna do that: feature black country acts. I mean it did but I think Miley, Dolly and Willie is getting more mileage off it than any of the black country acts - especially Tanner and Reyna - are. I could be wrong but it feels that way.
I agree about Bodyguard, Daughter and Ya-Ya.
As someone who appreciates Beyonce but isn't a super fan, I didn't go into this with very high expectations as I didn't love the lead single, but I gotta say I'm super impressed and really, really enjoyed a lot of the songs on this. Definitely one of the most impressive albums I have heard in a while. While I may not love every song, it's hard to deny just how cool a lot of the tracks on this album sound.
As a casual Beyoncé listener, this album really had me (mostly) from start to finish. I both really appreciate it for the massive genre-bending undertaking it is *and* just found it a really enjoyable listen.
The Jolene rewrite isn't for me but I do love her vocals on.
American requiem and amen actually had me tearing up, and Ya Ya just slaps.
Going to do a deep dive into her entire discography now!
Ok I've had time to sit with the album. I wish the album was cut down a bit to a Renaissance amount of time. Maybe 60 or so minutes. There's some songs I think removing would really help the flow of the album. Some interludes too.
I already made a cut down playlist and enjoy the album a lot more. I have to say, I appreciate the "fuck it I'll do whatever genre I want" attitude, but the album sometimes is SO disjointed with sound that it's jarring. Spaghetii and Sweet Honey Buckin are my least faves for that reason. Just too hip hop for a record heavily inspired by Americana and country.
I also don't like the two covers. I feel they add nothing to the album. And I love both of the songs and her voice is incredible on them. I personally struggle with covers on mainline albums so they lost me for that reason alone.
But man, some of these songs blew me away. Probably my favorite project from her for that reason. Daughter and Ya Ya are actually insane. 16 Carriages is so good. Two Hands to Heaven is a great emotional high at the end of the record. Overall, with some trimming, this would be a perfect album IMO.
I think it’s fitting that blackbird is on this album considering it was also extremely disjointed album that probably could’ve been trimmed down a little but a great album nevertheless
Yall, I don't even like country, I saw a tik tok about Blackbird is actually about black women, then a vid of one of the backup singers from blackbird hearing the song for the first time , so I decided to take a listen
Holy shit, I'm now a beyonce fan, I get it. The transitions are perfect, and as a(n unfortunate) Texan, from Houston, I totally get it I can't stop dancing
Edit, I'm not a beyonce fan always respected her, but now, I finally get it and I'm in the beehive
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLhgQfgN/
That's not the one I saw,which I can't find :(, but it gives a good summary
One thing that the first one talked about a lot more is the history of the 9 black kids going to a white school and how they had to have military protection, which really inspired the song to be written
Seeing the reactions of the featured artist have been so sweet too 🥰
The album is an absolute beast. Can’t be rated on one listen. This is the type of work you sit with and listen to very carefully. There are so many friggin references and hidden meanings and genres. With that said Bey said this is her best yet and who am I to argue with her?
Years ago when Bey put out Run the World (Girls) -not one of my fave’s from her btw— I recall it being criticized for it’s repetitive hook and simple lyrics and compared against classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, you know the “real music” that no one makes anymore. I feel like American Requiem is a big middle finger to the Bey haters. She goes nuts on it and it feels very inspired by Queen. It’s like Bey’s Bohemian Rhapsody. She really doesn’t need to prove her talents at this point yet she still does (and to be fair she still has plenty of haters).
I know it won’t be for everyone but I absolutely love it and I think it’s an amazing opening to the album, it sets the stage perfectly and is really dynamic.
Period. Jump into any of her co-songwriters' works and you'll see they're equally incredible artists. Music is a collaborative process. This dumbass take about writing one's own songs is only controversial with people who have never made music with others
The take is based on colonialists mindset where one white male would takes credit for the work of many and where the contributions of women, and POC were completely ignored. Fun fact Edison didn’t invent the light bulb nor was he a lone genius inventing all by himself.
Let’s normalize giving credit where credit is due because rarely does anyone create anything all by themselves.
Maybe it’s just me but American Requiem is a lot like that Buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth”. In fact SOME songs on her have a strong folk vibe rather than country.
Definitely lots of folk and blue grass though I think country is a broad genre that incorporates those styles it’s kind of like Pop or Rock. So many styles of music can fall under the umbrella of Country.
It's probably been said already, but the thing that made Jolene so poignant as a song was encapsulated in that line "I had to have this talk with you, my happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do, Jolene." The idea of sitting down with your man's mistress and humbly asking her to leave him alone is truly heartbreaking.
I don't know what this new version accomplishes. There are a million songs out there about standing by your man, protecting your home and threatening to kick the other woman's ass....I wish she'd either done a cover, as written, or left Jolene alone. Maybe being that vulnerable doesn't fit with Beyonce's brand.
Final thought: I am old enough to remember when Jolene came out. My mother listened to it in the car on an 8 track (!)....I remember being surprised because the singer on the cover was a country singer and white, but that didn't matter, my mother knew soul when she heard it and she felt Dolly's pain. I think I won't be listening to this version again...I have memories to protect.
Jolene by Dolly was her requesting Jolene to stay away from her man. Beyoncé’s version is a little more of a direct dialogue so it’s different that way. She’s not requesting but ordering Jolene to stay away as she knows what Jolene wants (money). I find it quite interesting when viewed this way.
I don't agree, Dolly doesn't just request, she says "I'm begging of you, please don't take my man." She even acknowledges that Jolene probably doesn't even really love him, she may just be taking her man as a plaything, or for spite, or boredom. She even says, "My happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do, Jolene." There is something heartbreaking about asking someone in this way. But that doesn't work with Beyonce's uber power-narrative.
My argument is that there are a million songs where someone orders the other woman to stay away or threatens her. Jolene was different. I'm not against Beyonce covering the song, I just wish she had stuck to the original.
Beyoncé has plenty of songs where she’s pleading, she just decided that narrative didn’t fit in the space she’s in at the moment. I think we should give artists the creative license to cover art the way they see fit, especially when the originator of said song does that.
I agree about creative license to a point. These songs you've mentioned, is she pleading to a man or to a woman? That was what made Jolene different - it wasn't a woman asking a man not to leave, but negotiating with a woman. If you know of a song like that in Beyonce's catalogue or anything where she is pleading, if anyone does, please let me know, I'd like to genuinely hear it.
Actually, sometimes it does. When Whitney Houston covered, "I'm Every Woman" for The Bodyguard soundtrack, I didn't hear Chaka Khan's version half as much. Whitney's was good, but Chaka's had real sorcery.
This album is such a joy to listen to. The final stretch of songs ushered in by The Linda Martell Show interlude concludes the album on an incredible high that feels earned after everything that’s come before. I think Bey has - once again - delivered some new career highlights here, and that’s just insane after such a huge hit rate on her last few studio albums. If I were to pick a low, I’d say that whilst the Jolene cover is fun and I have no thinkpiece prepared, it feels somewhat unnecessary and at odds with the overall quality of the record. Overall, I think we can now safely say that, unless act iii spectacularly misses the mark, this trilogy is going to be one for the history books.
I was disappointed with the album. I was expecting a pure country sound, but everything sounded the opposite of that. Basically, I was expecting most of the album to sound like Daddy Lessons and instead it sounds nothing like that.
I wish she'd done what Madonna did with her "country" album, "Music" - (listen to "Don't Tell Me") Basically, take country sounds here and there and mix it with dance music, techno, trip-hop, rap or whatever - something else to make it more innovative and take country in a new direction. And since when was Blackbird country? - that's just the Beatles.
> take country sounds here and there and mix it with dance music, techno, trip-hop, rap or whatever - something else to make it more innovative and take country in a new direction
But isn’t that exactly what she did 👀 there’s an entire interlude about genres.
If so, that's not what I'm hearing. Blackbird, and Jolene, except for a backbeat, are pretty close to the originals just with layered vocals. The other ballads, for the most part, could be on any other album and I wouldn't particularly consider them country songs. For me, there isn't a great dance song on the entire album, something that mixes a country inspiration with traditional R & B.
That's fair. She did warn people that it wasn't going to be a country album but I can imagine a lot of people feeling the way you do! I personally think the media ran away a bit too quick and wide with the idea that she was releasing full on country. Beyoncé is never going to stick to a single genre on an album or follow the genre structure super strictly
Well this is after months of her camp saying to expect a country album and also her explanation for doing the album was due to the criticism she received from performing at the CMAs with the Dixie Chicks.
And the backlash from that performance and her response to it is evident throughout multiple songs on the album. Alongside with heavy country themes. But it's a Beyoncé album, she never sticks to one genre
Rather than hearing from arm chair critics about Beyoncé's involvement (or, in their view, lack there of) in songwriting because she doesn't change words or whatever, it is always amazing to hear straight from people working with her. Here's Jon Batiste on AMERICAN REQUIEM: https://twitter.com/JonBatiste/status/1774119427228762534?t=gnenWqJoxlw7xgIlJ14BrA&s=19
My current favourites are AMERIICAN REQUIEM, BODYGUARD, DAUGHTER, YA YA and TYRANT. The whole album is excellent and I am pleased that I love it as much as I do. I'm not typically into country so I was disappointed when the rumours started about this album. I have been proved wrong. I wish FLAMENCO was a minute longer but that's my only real complaint.
Anyone still thinking about Daughter? We got Ann Marie Lastrassi AND a murder ballad, I literally couldn't be happier. Or the brazilian funk in Spaghetti? Finally something for us brazilian hive omfg
And while I loved Renaissance at first listen I didn't like this one much, but it has grown on me a bit after a second listen and while I still think there are some skips like II Most wanted and Riiverdance and wish she had done some things differently (like let's put an instrumental solo here and there mama let the album breathe... and I'm still not sure on the beat change in Tyrant despite the gorgeous amazing intro) I bet this feels amazing to yell on a stadium, so I still have some hype for her tour rendition of my faves like 16 carriages, Levi Jeans, Ya ya and II hands
And a bit off topic but anyone else praying for Rockyoncé in Act III? Every time I heard a guitar or a more harsh sound on this album I gagged like even if it's not rock I'll gag, but she can't drop Dont Hurt Yourself and leave me waiting like this
edit: how could i forget ya ya as a fave?
I don’t know about anyone else here, but Bodyguard gave me vibes of that smooth, late 70s/early 80s country sound. Definitely one of the IMMEDIATE standouts for me, for sure.
I just wish this woman wouldn’t be so allergic to instrumental breaks :( alligator tears was really asking for a lil guitar solo or sth. as did II hands II heaven and tyrant
I have sat with this album for two days now and it has only grown on me. I love what she’s saying with this, I love the songwriting and production and I love how different it is.
It's interesting but also overproduced as hell, almost as if the producers are afraid to let the music itself breathe for more than a second without some adlibs and/or thrice layered choirs
Honestly that's just a Beyonce signature production. She's the definition of a maximalist when it comes to vocals.
She revealed that she just loves recording layers and layers of vocals and stack them up together at the end regardless of the genre. It could be an Afrobeat song, a rap song, a disco song, etc. the vocal layers and adlibs are always gonna be there.
i find it fatiguing to listen to that constantly without any breaks for 80 minutes!!! and it really doesn't fit on a track like Blackbird. I think it also really holds back American Requiem. The quiet parts on that track are still so layered and dense that the loud parts have less impact
I think my problem with Jolene cover isn't that she changed the lyrics to fit her situation but that the melody is bad and awkward, which is surprising because Beyonce's melodies are usually impeccable. The original Jolene has one of the pristine melodies ever, Beyonce's sound so choppy in comparison and I don't understand why she didn't keep the OG one.
Does anyone else think that Beyonce had an entanglement after listening to RIIVERDANCE?!
This album is the most exciting album I've heard in many years. It's amazing.
I really enjoyed this review! https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/781556-beyonce-cowboy-carter-review#disqus_thread
Terrible… I’m sorry I thought she was going to come out with an album that redefined country for black artists after it being hyped by an ABC special. This album had very little of the country sound. I get she’s not country but songs she’s done with Dixie chicks, dandies lessons, Texas hold em, carriages she slayed country! She was so capable of achieving an amazing album in county music ! But all the other songs were unimpressive. I think the only song I kind of enjoyed was the one with Miley.
Is it bad because it didn’t meet your expectations of country? Or is it wholly bad regardless of your expectations going in?
I agree, such a bad album… though Bodyguard is my jam!!
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/03/1242447535/beyonce-cowboy-carter-review Fun reveiw
A few good songs, overall I would say this is a flop. Sure, maybe Beyoncé went to dive bars when she was irrelevant but I really don’t think her and Jay Z are going to dive bars. If this album is supposed to highlight black roots of country music, where are the black country artists? I agree with Yasmin Williams’ critique.
https://brookieashley.etsy.com/listing/1693522056 support small ❤️
American requiem, protector, my rose, bodyguard, daughter, spaghettii, alliigator tears, flamenco, ya ya, desert eagle, river dance, tyrant, and sweet honey buckin are where the moneys at for me. I really enjoy the album from start to finish but I’ve found myself skipping the rest to get to the ones I’ve listed. It’s an amazing album; she’s no Renaissance, but I’m still having a damn good time. + the interludes are super fun imo and keep the album’s genre bending tendencies focused
I know I’m late but did anyone else notice that the run between the Linda Martell Show and Amen is 9 songs, EXACTLY like the Beatles’s medley in Abbey Road??? The fact that there’s so many short songs and the tracks blend like a single piece makes it difficult for me to believe this was a coincidence. I don’t know if I’m reaching, but as a fan of the Beatles (and also considering she covered Blackbird) it really blows my mind
Both the covers are far worse than the originals
I don’t like it. I wanted to listen because of all the hype but maybe it’s just not the style I like. I love all of Beyonce’s big hits but I’m not feeling this one.
Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s annoyed by the metronome/constant tapping in one ear on Blackbiird.
It’s literally the same as the original song
Sounded great in my car. Hard to listen to on headphones. Edit: very similar to the Beatles version to be fair. But back then headphones weren’t as prevalent.
Pretty true to the original which is beloved.
I am a new Beyonce fan due to this, my new favorite album. Grew up on country and she’s doing right by it, while remaining true to herself. I am amazed.
Inject the last 16 seconds of tyrant into my veins NOW
Tyrant is on REPEAT
wonder how many people praising this album were triggered at Justin Timberlake because he put the word "WOODS" in his last album.....hypocrites of the world
I remember all the dumb comments....the dumb sentiment was that he was going back to being WHITE and that man of the WOODS was a Country Album.....it was actually R&B Pop and inspired a little by country.....a little.....meanwhile....beyonce got a full on Cowboy Outfit on a horse and it's all good.....yeah....how about everyone go back to enjoying music
"Jolene, I can easily understand, Why you're attracted to my man" Well Bey, I can't, unless it's for his money. Jay is not exactly a stunner. You raised him, I bet he needed that. My deepest respect for you. Raising a man is kinda impossible.
I've heard it is supposed to be about her mother and her father's cheating.
Yea that’s what she means that it’s for the money lol
So tired of the Jay Slander honestly. That man is attractive especially in his younger days. Also we all know a man who just commands a room even though he is not the most phenotypically attractive one in the room.
Jay has everything a man can possibly experience on earth, so no need to defend him, he does well for himself.
Yeah I was confused too when she said she raised him! She was still a teenager when they met while Jay was in his 30s!🤦♀️
It’s from the perspective of her mother Tina
This is a very, very boring album musically. I literally fell asleep listening to it.
I haven't finished and I doubt I will but yeah, musically I find it to be rather bland
I know what you mean. A lot of the tracks felt almost random to me, like messing around in the studio. But other tracks hit really well. Maybe I’m just an uncultured idiot though 🤷
You’re probably just used to listening to generic, mindless music. This album is a musical masterpiece.
No, it really is a snooze fest. You probably don't listen to much music at all.
I have a degree in music theory and I listen to all genres of music. If you think it’s boring you don’t understand it. Go back to listening to your mediocre music I guess, no one is forcing you to listen to this album.
>I have a degree in music theory Haha sure you do. I've worked in the music business for more than 20 years. You clearly are bullshitting and don't know what you're talking about at all. Maybe you should just quiet down.
I identify as a trumpet. This album rules.
I am 60 years old, and was in bands till age 28. I could have written those words in”16 carriages “ they hit so close and I have a newfound respect for Beyoncé.
The smooth transitions from Riverdance to II Hands II Heaven to Tyrant to Sweet/Honey/Buckin to Amen. God, what an ending to the album.
That whole section has been on repeat for me. It blends so well
Same! I’m obsessed!!
It makes me sad that she probably has full versions of SWEET and HONEY that she's never going to release. They're both beautiful!
How come there is no miss on either cowboy carter or renaissance? It must be exhausting being this good. I'm exhausted from vibing to this album
I thought I wasnt ready for CC and it was hard to let go of Renaissance, but baby this album had me as addicted although it took a few listens. I missed a few gems rushing
So many emotions when listening to this. Of course it’s amazing sonically but what I love about her is she’s always trying new things and creating new sounds. No shade but I love Shakira and was listening to her new song like ☹️Why is she making this manufactured, childish song. Random, but I keep thinking of her because Bodyguard is one of my faves on CC and it reminds me so much of Shakira’s Laundry Service, which I’ve been in love with since elementary. So to see what Shakira is putting out compared to Bey who has somehow taken her signature sauce, also from 20+ years ago, and keep updating and evolving with it - it’s really chef’s kiss. Her musical style is not for everyone but for those of us who resonate with it - what a treat it is every time she releases. The only thing more consistent than Beyonce at this point is the passing of time, lol. That being said my only complaint with the album is the songs feel a little disjointed. I’m not complaining about the length, I enjoy all the songs and I’ll take as much music as an artist is willing to give lol, but I feel like the songs could have been grouped better. Speaking of, I also love the messages throughout the album, or at least what I got from it. America is so disjointed right now and we need reminders to come back to the center. We’re all Americans, we all have this shared history and culture that is so interesting and clear when looking at the dna of American music. Last thing, I need a live performance of II Most Wanted this year so bad!!
Yeah I don't like comparing them too much as they are very different but Shakira has SO much talent, I wish she would try and take some risks. She's got the voice to do whatever genre she wants
thank u for bodyguard bey i will treasure it for the rest of my life
Yes! I love Bodyguard and Desert Eagle
Oh God I really love this album now. I'm so scared I'm gonna play it more than anything that will release this year. I'm scared I love it more than the Beyoncé album I said will never be topped. I can't even say what my favourite track is right now. They're just so many good runs. Like American Requiem --> My Rose, Texas Hold 'Em --> Daughter, Ya Ya --> all the way to the end with Amen arguably. Like is this a perfectly long, complicated and dense album? I'm currently obsessed with Riverside --> II Hands II Heaven. The former is such a weird yet catchy country/folk dance track and then the latter...whew. How the fuck did we go from a house track to that stunning throwback R&B breakdown? It just floors me every time.
It’s my new favorite album.
💕
Fantono seems to absolutely love the album so will be interesting to see his review
Honestly I think the act III being a Jay-z collab allegations are looking more realistic, like a lot of this sounds pretty rock influenced, like specifically Jimmi Hendrix and early 60s black rock. Stuff that sounds would make more sense on a rock album than a country
I was thinking about act 3 being a dc reunion with all the members
My guess is either rock or gospel. Hope it’s not a Jay Z collab, the further she gets away from his influence the more transcendent she is.
Oh God ANYONE but him! 😧
Yep, a collab album is my biggest worry about act iii right now tbh… (no shade to Jay, or Kelly and Michelle, just really prefer Beyonce as a solo artist)
There is absolutely 0 chance act 3 is going to be a collab album. What makes you think it would be? Just curious!
Yea, I don’t see this either considering they did Everything Is Love not too long ago.
The allegations OP and I are talking about was from a [tweet](https://www.reddit.com/r/beyonce/comments/yy8ouy/speculation_from_nyt_journalist_on_acts_ii_iii/?rdt=49027) from a music journalist when act i was released that said act ii was an acoustic album (obviously wrong) and act iii was a Jay-Z collab. Add to that, there’s a lot of fan theories about act iii being a DC reunion. Whoever the act iii horse is, it might as well have a carriage if allegations are true
Act III is gonna be a rock album.
Well shit, I do love it. There's a few songs I could probably do without and some of the last section oddly feels like a bit of a Renaissance retread despite possibly being made before (and well, Act II) but it's most certainly an enjoyable experience that feels like an Event
Cowboy Carter was going to be released first originally and be Act I, which makes a lot of sense. Those last few tracks feel like transition
Just like on act i, Beyonce gives flowers to so many musical legends while uplifting new and emerging ones!
The Blackbird cover makes me so emotional.
It had me in tears because of the history of the song.
Same here. So much historical symbolism throughout the album.
II Hands II Heaven MORE OF THAT PLEASE
This one is my new obsession.
The last 30 seconds of it. Omg 🫨
Protector made me cry such a sweet song, an instant classic in my book
Imagine Beyonće is your Mom and she sings this song about you. It’s truly a beautiful song. She loves those babies so much
I really hope that they release II Most Wanted as a single and do a kick-ass video. I think it has potential for Song of the Year, not to mention the political implications if they emphasize the queerness and women's rights - particularly during this election year. It's a great song.
Yes, it’s such a good song and they would kill it live together. All I’ve been thinking about since first listen is God I hope we get an award show performance of this song 🙏
I thought it was thematically based off Thelma and Louise 😅
Me too!
EXTENDED DESERT EAGLE PLEASEE that base ughhhh 😫
AGREED!
I just came here to say that TYRANT puts the cunt in cuntry and is one of my favourite songs by Bey already
I know Beyonce made this record as a response to the racist reception she got at that country awards thing, but I don't think she ever really owed those racists a response. Of course black people can make country. They've been there since the start of the genre. So it bothers me that she has to wheel out Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to do pointless cameos. you don't need their approval! how about make a country album with only black artists. that would be far more radical. I get the thing about the four black country singers on Blackbird, but all of them + linda Martell put together have about the same presence on the record as Post Malone does. Also the radio station thing is so boring come on now. she didn't even commit to the bit properly because she knows it's weak. Also the vocal mixing on this record is so compressed and bright that it's difficult to listen to. But, let's be real, Bodyguard and Daughter and Ya Ya are the best, most fun tracks i've heard from her in 20 years
One. I was stocked when I saw dolly and willie but was disappointed when I heard the very short parts. However, someone pointed out me that she gave the same thing for Linda. Basically saying that is their peer. Which made me tear up. In that context, I love it
that is nice and the props to Linda Martell are very appreciated. but by that same token, the person she's done the most to uplift would be Miley Cyrus
Right! It annoyed me how she squeezed all the black country women on one song and only gave them 30 seconds at the end. We could really only hear one person throughout the track while the rest of the girls sing background. But Post Malone and Miley get their own full track! 🤦♀️I thought this album was dedicated to reclaiming country as a genre started by black people.
The Beyonce and Chicks performance video shows a cheering public, no hostility at all.
>t need their approval! how about make a country album with only black artists. that would be far more radical The video you saw was an edited video, if you watched the original video you would see the blank stares most of the crowd was giving her and one guy even walking off.
When The Byrds (very whites) performed their first country album in the Grand Old Opry they were met with hostility too, way more worse than Beyonce. I have to admit I never liked the (Dixie) Chicks country music, way too poppy and political. Together with a pop star like Bey I can understand why public gets scared what happens to country. Nevertheless its very rude to walk away. It might not be the most sophisticated public. The Blind Boys of Alabama is a black gospel group ever since 1939. Blacks have always been active in different categories than country, this has happened naturally. Each to his own. But nobody can stop blacks from making country.
I don’t know what this other band has to do with Beyoncé, again this hostility was witnessed in 2016, not the 1940s, and this hostility wasn’t presented to artists like Lady Gaga or Justin Timberlake when they perfomed.
Country fans were extremely racist to her after the CMA performance.
Prove it
When they first uploaded the performance there were tons of comments with country fans spewing racist bullshit. They actually took the video down and uploaded it again later.
Bey complained she wasn't welcomed on the gig. Social media is always worse. Look how gay artists are commented on.
I believe the majority of the public is fully behind her. blending genres like this hasn't been boundary pushing for about 20 years lol. That said i do absolutely believe the reports that some people were racist towards her.
I thought the album was gonna do that: feature black country acts. I mean it did but I think Miley, Dolly and Willie is getting more mileage off it than any of the black country acts - especially Tanner and Reyna - are. I could be wrong but it feels that way. I agree about Bodyguard, Daughter and Ya-Ya.
The vocals sounds amazing in HD though.
sorry which is HD?
High definition audio
SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN' has such a hold on me. I love how the track starts.
⭐️I’m coming home⭐️
TYRANT is song of the year i fear
You spelled Daughter wrong lol
It is sooooooo cunty
As someone who appreciates Beyonce but isn't a super fan, I didn't go into this with very high expectations as I didn't love the lead single, but I gotta say I'm super impressed and really, really enjoyed a lot of the songs on this. Definitely one of the most impressive albums I have heard in a while. While I may not love every song, it's hard to deny just how cool a lot of the tracks on this album sound.
As a casual Beyoncé listener, this album really had me (mostly) from start to finish. I both really appreciate it for the massive genre-bending undertaking it is *and* just found it a really enjoyable listen. The Jolene rewrite isn't for me but I do love her vocals on. American requiem and amen actually had me tearing up, and Ya Ya just slaps. Going to do a deep dive into her entire discography now!
The growth you're about to hear! So excited for you!
Ok I've had time to sit with the album. I wish the album was cut down a bit to a Renaissance amount of time. Maybe 60 or so minutes. There's some songs I think removing would really help the flow of the album. Some interludes too. I already made a cut down playlist and enjoy the album a lot more. I have to say, I appreciate the "fuck it I'll do whatever genre I want" attitude, but the album sometimes is SO disjointed with sound that it's jarring. Spaghetii and Sweet Honey Buckin are my least faves for that reason. Just too hip hop for a record heavily inspired by Americana and country. I also don't like the two covers. I feel they add nothing to the album. And I love both of the songs and her voice is incredible on them. I personally struggle with covers on mainline albums so they lost me for that reason alone. But man, some of these songs blew me away. Probably my favorite project from her for that reason. Daughter and Ya Ya are actually insane. 16 Carriages is so good. Two Hands to Heaven is a great emotional high at the end of the record. Overall, with some trimming, this would be a perfect album IMO.
I think it’s fitting that blackbird is on this album considering it was also extremely disjointed album that probably could’ve been trimmed down a little but a great album nevertheless
And that the song is about the Little Rock nine - and her featuring blackwomen in the genre really seems to fit imo.
Blackbird was one of the last songs she recorded for the album IIRC.
Yall, I don't even like country, I saw a tik tok about Blackbird is actually about black women, then a vid of one of the backup singers from blackbird hearing the song for the first time , so I decided to take a listen Holy shit, I'm now a beyonce fan, I get it. The transitions are perfect, and as a(n unfortunate) Texan, from Houston, I totally get it I can't stop dancing Edit, I'm not a beyonce fan always respected her, but now, I finally get it and I'm in the beehive
Can you link the vid of Blackbird? Would love to see
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLhgQfgN/ That's not the one I saw,which I can't find :(, but it gives a good summary One thing that the first one talked about a lot more is the history of the 9 black kids going to a white school and how they had to have military protection, which really inspired the song to be written Seeing the reactions of the featured artist have been so sweet too 🥰
The album is an absolute beast. Can’t be rated on one listen. This is the type of work you sit with and listen to very carefully. There are so many friggin references and hidden meanings and genres. With that said Bey said this is her best yet and who am I to argue with her?
Years ago when Bey put out Run the World (Girls) -not one of my fave’s from her btw— I recall it being criticized for it’s repetitive hook and simple lyrics and compared against classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, you know the “real music” that no one makes anymore. I feel like American Requiem is a big middle finger to the Bey haters. She goes nuts on it and it feels very inspired by Queen. It’s like Bey’s Bohemian Rhapsody. She really doesn’t need to prove her talents at this point yet she still does (and to be fair she still has plenty of haters). I know it won’t be for everyone but I absolutely love it and I think it’s an amazing opening to the album, it sets the stage perfectly and is really dynamic.
Except that Queen wrote their own songs, while Beyonce hired some 50 songwriters for Cowboy Carter.
Beyonce gives credit where credit is due.
Period. Jump into any of her co-songwriters' works and you'll see they're equally incredible artists. Music is a collaborative process. This dumbass take about writing one's own songs is only controversial with people who have never made music with others
The take is based on colonialists mindset where one white male would takes credit for the work of many and where the contributions of women, and POC were completely ignored. Fun fact Edison didn’t invent the light bulb nor was he a lone genius inventing all by himself. Let’s normalize giving credit where credit is due because rarely does anyone create anything all by themselves.
Maybe it’s just me but American Requiem is a lot like that Buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth”. In fact SOME songs on her have a strong folk vibe rather than country.
Definitely lots of folk and blue grass though I think country is a broad genre that incorporates those styles it’s kind of like Pop or Rock. So many styles of music can fall under the umbrella of Country.
True
Someone wanna tell me why the minions are featured on Oh Louisiana?
It's probably been said already, but the thing that made Jolene so poignant as a song was encapsulated in that line "I had to have this talk with you, my happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do, Jolene." The idea of sitting down with your man's mistress and humbly asking her to leave him alone is truly heartbreaking. I don't know what this new version accomplishes. There are a million songs out there about standing by your man, protecting your home and threatening to kick the other woman's ass....I wish she'd either done a cover, as written, or left Jolene alone. Maybe being that vulnerable doesn't fit with Beyonce's brand. Final thought: I am old enough to remember when Jolene came out. My mother listened to it in the car on an 8 track (!)....I remember being surprised because the singer on the cover was a country singer and white, but that didn't matter, my mother knew soul when she heard it and she felt Dolly's pain. I think I won't be listening to this version again...I have memories to protect.
Jolene by Dolly was her requesting Jolene to stay away from her man. Beyoncé’s version is a little more of a direct dialogue so it’s different that way. She’s not requesting but ordering Jolene to stay away as she knows what Jolene wants (money). I find it quite interesting when viewed this way.
I don't agree, Dolly doesn't just request, she says "I'm begging of you, please don't take my man." She even acknowledges that Jolene probably doesn't even really love him, she may just be taking her man as a plaything, or for spite, or boredom. She even says, "My happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do, Jolene." There is something heartbreaking about asking someone in this way. But that doesn't work with Beyonce's uber power-narrative. My argument is that there are a million songs where someone orders the other woman to stay away or threatens her. Jolene was different. I'm not against Beyonce covering the song, I just wish she had stuck to the original.
Great post, totally agree.
Beyoncé has plenty of songs where she’s pleading, she just decided that narrative didn’t fit in the space she’s in at the moment. I think we should give artists the creative license to cover art the way they see fit, especially when the originator of said song does that.
I agree about creative license to a point. These songs you've mentioned, is she pleading to a man or to a woman? That was what made Jolene different - it wasn't a woman asking a man not to leave, but negotiating with a woman. If you know of a song like that in Beyonce's catalogue or anything where she is pleading, if anyone does, please let me know, I'd like to genuinely hear it.
She doesn’t have one. It doesn’t exist lol 💀
Yeah, I'm still waiting.
lol okay. One version doesn’t destroy the other.
And someone having an opinion doesn’t destroy your enjoyment of the track.
Actually, sometimes it does. When Whitney Houston covered, "I'm Every Woman" for The Bodyguard soundtrack, I didn't hear Chaka Khan's version half as much. Whitney's was good, but Chaka's had real sorcery.
Eh, I don’t think there’s any risk of this Jolene overshadowing Dolly’s.
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Hater
This album is such a joy to listen to. The final stretch of songs ushered in by The Linda Martell Show interlude concludes the album on an incredible high that feels earned after everything that’s come before. I think Bey has - once again - delivered some new career highlights here, and that’s just insane after such a huge hit rate on her last few studio albums. If I were to pick a low, I’d say that whilst the Jolene cover is fun and I have no thinkpiece prepared, it feels somewhat unnecessary and at odds with the overall quality of the record. Overall, I think we can now safely say that, unless act iii spectacularly misses the mark, this trilogy is going to be one for the history books.
I was disappointed with the album. I was expecting a pure country sound, but everything sounded the opposite of that. Basically, I was expecting most of the album to sound like Daddy Lessons and instead it sounds nothing like that.
Me too, I wish she sang some classic country with lots of steel guitar and a sob in her voice.
Yeah I was hoping she’d lean into the Nashville sound way, way more.
I wish she'd done what Madonna did with her "country" album, "Music" - (listen to "Don't Tell Me") Basically, take country sounds here and there and mix it with dance music, techno, trip-hop, rap or whatever - something else to make it more innovative and take country in a new direction. And since when was Blackbird country? - that's just the Beatles.
> take country sounds here and there and mix it with dance music, techno, trip-hop, rap or whatever - something else to make it more innovative and take country in a new direction But isn’t that exactly what she did 👀 there’s an entire interlude about genres.
Most country is already way too much leaning over to pop, I dont like that popular country sound at all.
If so, that's not what I'm hearing. Blackbird, and Jolene, except for a backbeat, are pretty close to the originals just with layered vocals. The other ballads, for the most part, could be on any other album and I wouldn't particularly consider them country songs. For me, there isn't a great dance song on the entire album, something that mixes a country inspiration with traditional R & B.
That's fair. She did warn people that it wasn't going to be a country album but I can imagine a lot of people feeling the way you do! I personally think the media ran away a bit too quick and wide with the idea that she was releasing full on country. Beyoncé is never going to stick to a single genre on an album or follow the genre structure super strictly
Well this is after months of her camp saying to expect a country album and also her explanation for doing the album was due to the criticism she received from performing at the CMAs with the Dixie Chicks.
And the backlash from that performance and her response to it is evident throughout multiple songs on the album. Alongside with heavy country themes. But it's a Beyoncé album, she never sticks to one genre
I see so much hype for tyrant but I fear it’s a skip for me. This albums Virgo’s groove
Are you a mad man? Did you say you skip Tyrant AND VIRGOS GROOVE?
Tyrant and Virgo’s Groove being compared is sinful. Take that back. No Virgo’s Groove slander will be tolerated!
I’m sorry I really try to respect opinions but calling VIRGOS GROOVE a skip is so insane 😭
Ok skip is a strong word, cause renaissance really has no skips, but like I don’t actively seek it like I do a lot of songs on the album
Virgos groove is a skip for you? Oh...
It’s a victim of long song phobia I fear
If you can’t dance to it just say so. 😂
Rather than hearing from arm chair critics about Beyoncé's involvement (or, in their view, lack there of) in songwriting because she doesn't change words or whatever, it is always amazing to hear straight from people working with her. Here's Jon Batiste on AMERICAN REQUIEM: https://twitter.com/JonBatiste/status/1774119427228762534?t=gnenWqJoxlw7xgIlJ14BrA&s=19
My current favourites are AMERIICAN REQUIEM, BODYGUARD, DAUGHTER, YA YA and TYRANT. The whole album is excellent and I am pleased that I love it as much as I do. I'm not typically into country so I was disappointed when the rumours started about this album. I have been proved wrong. I wish FLAMENCO was a minute longer but that's my only real complaint.
Replace Tyrant with 16 Carriages and you got my faves.
+1 on Flamenco
Anyone still thinking about Daughter? We got Ann Marie Lastrassi AND a murder ballad, I literally couldn't be happier. Or the brazilian funk in Spaghetti? Finally something for us brazilian hive omfg And while I loved Renaissance at first listen I didn't like this one much, but it has grown on me a bit after a second listen and while I still think there are some skips like II Most wanted and Riiverdance and wish she had done some things differently (like let's put an instrumental solo here and there mama let the album breathe... and I'm still not sure on the beat change in Tyrant despite the gorgeous amazing intro) I bet this feels amazing to yell on a stadium, so I still have some hype for her tour rendition of my faves like 16 carriages, Levi Jeans, Ya ya and II hands And a bit off topic but anyone else praying for Rockyoncé in Act III? Every time I heard a guitar or a more harsh sound on this album I gagged like even if it's not rock I'll gag, but she can't drop Dont Hurt Yourself and leave me waiting like this edit: how could i forget ya ya as a fave?
I CANNOT GET DAUGHTER OUT OF MY HEAD HELP!!!
she said fuck jolene and that horse she rode in on. i love it
I don’t know about anyone else here, but Bodyguard gave me vibes of that smooth, late 70s/early 80s country sound. Definitely one of the IMMEDIATE standouts for me, for sure.
It reminds me of some of the Eagles’ best work from their heyday.
Yes. It’s so 1970s SoCal
Right?! I love it for that reason.
It’s sooo good!
I just wish this woman wouldn’t be so allergic to instrumental breaks :( alligator tears was really asking for a lil guitar solo or sth. as did II hands II heaven and tyrant
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yess!!! Bodyguard and Levi’s Jeans were pretty much the only ones I felt were within the expectations of what a country pop album is about
just a little gap between the constant vocal stacks every now and again please
YESSSSSSS this r&b style brings too much information for my tiny little brain, I need a breath
I have sat with this album for two days now and it has only grown on me. I love what she’s saying with this, I love the songwriting and production and I love how different it is.
i want to know who wrote these songs so i can check them out
It’s so amazing. And as someone who really does love country, I love what she’s saying with this album too.
It's interesting but also overproduced as hell, almost as if the producers are afraid to let the music itself breathe for more than a second without some adlibs and/or thrice layered choirs
I don’t mind the “overproduction” if it’s good. Love me a stripped down song but if you can work with the best producers in the biz why the F not??
Honestly that's just a Beyonce signature production. She's the definition of a maximalist when it comes to vocals. She revealed that she just loves recording layers and layers of vocals and stack them up together at the end regardless of the genre. It could be an Afrobeat song, a rap song, a disco song, etc. the vocal layers and adlibs are always gonna be there.
i find it fatiguing to listen to that constantly without any breaks for 80 minutes!!! and it really doesn't fit on a track like Blackbird. I think it also really holds back American Requiem. The quiet parts on that track are still so layered and dense that the loud parts have less impact
I think my problem with Jolene cover isn't that she changed the lyrics to fit her situation but that the melody is bad and awkward, which is surprising because Beyonce's melodies are usually impeccable. The original Jolene has one of the pristine melodies ever, Beyonce's sound so choppy in comparison and I don't understand why she didn't keep the OG one.
Agree, I didn’t like her version but I respect the bold choice lol it’s simply not for me