While Rihanna seems to have forgotten about her first job, her long-time rival is making a comeback. Two years after the release of her last solo album, Renaissance, Beyoncé announced the upcoming release of her new album, initially entitled Renaissance Act II, on Instagram and in a commercial during the Super Bowl, last February 11th, 2024. It was enough to almost overshadow Usher’s half-time show... Since March 12th, we know for sure that this new opus will in fact be titled Cowboy Carter.
“Cowboy Carter”, Beyoncé’s new country album scheduled for March 2024
The new opus is the second act of a trilogy and will come out on March 29th, 2024. The singer has also shared two amazing exclusive tracks on YouTube, the country-inspired 16 Carriages and Texas Hold’ Em, as a reference to Wim Wenders’ film Paris, Texas. More minimalist and with less house sounds than the Renaissance tracks, the songs are inspired by the singer’s Texan roots and hint at a more rock’n’roll album. She covers Dolly Parton’s cult classic Jolene, while country legend Willie Nelson is featured on Smoke Hour. Other songs include Spaghetti, Protector and Bodyguard.
Beyoncé has made implicit references to her new country aesthetic with recent Instagram posts of her wearing chic cowboy looks and her public appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony dressed in Louis Vuitton by Pharrell Williams.
Beyoncé - 16 CARRIAGES (2024).
Following the announcement of Beyoncé’s country album release, rapper Lil Nas X joked on the platform X: “Beyoncé finna make me put my cowboy hat back on.”
On March 19th, 2024, Beyoncé gave more information about her new record via her Instagram account as she shared the album cover art. It shows the singer dressed as a cowboy and riding a white horse. In the caption, she explains: “I have a few surprises on the album, and have collaborated with some brilliant artists who I deeply respect. I hope you can hear my heart and soul, and all the love and passion I poured into every detail and every sound. I focused on this album as a continuation of Renaissance... I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop.”
The album Cowboy Carter (former Renaissance: Act II) (2024) by Beyoncé, available on March 29th, 2024.
Traduction Emma Naroumbo Armaing
Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM (2024).