Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: • Beyoncé - 16 CARRIAGES...
A bit bloated and defensive with its country direction, but still a great installment in this trilogy.
More pop reviews: • Pop Reviews
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Team: Jeremy - Lead Edits / Anthony - Final Cuts / Austen - Proofing, Posting
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FAV TRACKS: AMERIICAN REQUIEM, 16 CARRIAGES, PROTECTOR, TEXAS HOLD 'EM, BODYGUARD, JOLENE, DAUGHTER, SPAGHETTII, II MOST WANTED, YA YA, RIIVERDANCE, II HANDS II HEAVEN, TYRANT, AMEN
LEAST FAV TRACK: SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN'
BEYONCÉ - COWBOY CARTER / 2024 / PARKWOOD / COUNTRY POP
8/10 www.theneedledrop.com/loved-l...
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@auhsejj]

can't wait to hear Beyoncé doing hyperpop and rage hip-hop on her next installment !

[@MAmin-ze1mw]

With a Carti feature!! WEEHH! 🦇🧛‍♂️Seeyuh

[@joshuasutton983]

She should do a rock album, jazz album, and boom bap album.

[@rolandorodriguez45]

I think that I had the same thought as you 😂😂

[@k00_ma]

legit tho if she did stuff similar to what she did on utopia, id be so down for it

[@itsjonathangray]

Nah, it'll be grunge, lol. 😂

[@123rockfan]

third album needs to be a blend of jazz, soul, and hard rock. That would go so hard

[@SteadyNUnremitting]

No. Rock, heavy metal & alternative rock

[@orlock20]

If she is going to do that, she should sit down with Beth Hart who is a multi genre artist and she knows the people that can make it happen. They were in different categories on Star Search, but the same year. Beth Hart won her category.

[@badbadgilead2552]

jazz, metal, soft/psychedelic rock, soul - I think its all possible

[@theshowdown9355]

My guess is that the third album will be Afrotunes, Amapiano and other African genres.

[@ossiejon-nwakalo8644]

The next album apparently will be a collab with jay z again

[@jamesburgess2k]

She's going to do a Death Metal album next and will be riding a horse skeleton with fire coming out of its eyes on the next album cover.

[@jess-jd5iz]

Manifesting this 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@gabriellecas8308]

need this bad

[@emie1170]

that’d be dope to say the least

[@pshsa5]

That's why she's teasing the mosh pit on Bodyguard. Get ready, y'all. 🪩🤠😈

[@dor4376]

So i'm not the only one waiting for that to happen😂 i'm pretty sure she could learn to growl in one hour. Imagine the features 😅

[@ethan7293]

Levii’s Jeans DOES have depth. Back in Destiny’s Child day, no fashion houses wanted to dress them. They were seen as the curvy black girls from Texas. Beyonce says they even considered them “plus sized.” The first brand to dress them was Levi’s Jeans. That’s why there’s lines in the song like ‘you don’t need designer’ and ‘all dressed up in a plain white tee.’

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

you guys are fighting for your life in the comments trying to add substance to this album

[@eternityriley1833]

@@user-xl4xy4xg8r You seem like the only one fighting for your life commenting under dang near every comment lol it's kinda pathetic how much attention you crave

[@ethan7293]

@@kevinrudy stop acting like books and film don’t need context to explain things too. It’s literally just art…

[@Whackadoo1]

​@@kevinrudy That's very disingenuous to say. Albums and songs have context behind all the time that may not be privy to a listener if they don't research the context or meaning. In one example, The Benefit of Mr Kite by The Beatles is literally about Paul and John reading off the billing of a carnival poster they found. It's a silly, psychedelic pop song about a poster. Of course Levii Jeans can have context behind it that the average listener may not know offhand. Stop playing or being dumb please.

[@grapegrave]

@@kevinrudyare u dumb?

[@midlaho]

beyonce's career is so interesting to me. for an artist her age and stature you'd expect her to settle into legacy act status and kind of phone in her music and just ride off of the success of her previous music but as time has gone on she's become even more versatile/adventurous/experimental with her music all while still achieving massive commercial success with it. 4, in my opinion, was the catalyst for her current career trajectory. making an r&b album in 2011 amongst a sea of generic edm showed that her ONLY priority was to make music that she was proud of and if it sold well then that was also a bonus. 4, self titled, lemonade, renaissance and now cowboy carter? whew she's amazing

[@dakotak51]

Agreed i was thinking about this same thing the other day. For those veeeery few artists each generation that get to hold the spotlight, she's one that I can be proud of looking back for pushing things forward.

[@bruh......2005]

Agree with this take, not to say that Beyoncé was bad before, She had some amazing bangers but that's the thing....She was a hit artist, not the kind you would listen to a whole album for. And honestly I'm glad she changed her career trajectory instead of having many hits and becoming washed out like alot of pop artists from the early 2010s.

[@Grr8jon]

I feel like she's actually getting better. I can't listen to her first albums, but the last 4 - are so good.

[@Grr8jon]

​@@bruh......2005yes, good way to put it. I enjoyed a song here and there, but now she's putting out albums that are great.

[@peterm.4355]

Her ego is too thirsty for those precious Grammys.

[@jygglypuffdaddy]

"Look at that horse" literally the best line on the entire album. High camp.

[@Tanwolly]

Fantano fans are so unfathomably cringe. “High camp. This needs more camp unironically. Beyoncé’s seamless blend of genres and fusions is truly a sonic adventure through pop electronic country gabagoo🤓” This isn’t a country album in anyway whatsoever. It is a straight pop album with a tiny bit of hip hop lmfao.

[@FlorenceBstrd]

@@Tanwolly huh hip-hop when she sang opera? Come on

[@jygglypuffdaddy]

half the album is very straightforward country and the rest is deeply rooted in it, some people are telling on themselves with ignorant comments

[@dor4376]

​@@Tanwolly that's why she said: it's not a country album, it's a Beyonce album 😉

[@glazersfest]

@@Tanwollythere are two songs on there that sound even remotely hip hop, yall are so dumb ugh

[@bootleg_24]

im disappointed that you didnt wear the hat the whole video

[@matheussemiao2592]

Dude's got to proudly show the Mellon head

[@leecalmdown]

i know right! it looks great on him

[@sunnyorange180]

@@leecalmdown he looks great in everything 😍😍😍

[@emomu]

he's too scared adrianne lenker would copystrike him :/

[@speccx]

who

[@NikkuManAMVs]

Hated PURE/HONEY and now SWEET/HONEY/BUCKIN?! This is homophobic…

[@vincentslashmarshall]

sister songs

[@NikkuManAMVs]

Praying for a third version of HONEY on act 3 👀

[@braindeadbasil]

This album is gonna grow on him so bad and will overtake Renaissance as his fav Beyonce album

[@mati.p172]

because actually "PURE/HONEY" ex aequo with "ENERGY" was the worst song on "RENAISSANCE"

[@phag4eva]

​@@mati.p172it's easily church girl or move but alrighttttt

[@emomu]

Act I -- pop/rnb/dance/electronic/hip-hop Act II -- country/folk/soul/singer-songwriter Act III -- rock/punk/metal hopefully🤞

[@vrw5901]

A metal beyonce album sounds risky. Idk whether to dread or love it.

[@tlou_msmsmsm]

Act III is gonna be Nu-Metal

[@bannedplaylist]

@@vrw5901how? she’s done don’t hurt yourself, and she had some rock moments throughout this album.

[@hermano_mario]

She’s going full King Gizz

[@treysonmcgrady4750]

Reggae and dancehall album next

[@fentanylfrog8403]

I hope Cal never leaves again, I missed him so much 😌

[@sjeanmacleod]

Yaw hee!

[@Guymanbot97]

​@@sjeanmacleod Yoo Hoo!

[@adderon7476]

He's stepping up

[@sjeanmacleod]

@@adderon7476 out of the whack Cal zone and livin' it up in the melon patch.

[@tlou_msmsmsm]

SWEET HONEY BUCKIN on Least Favorite Tracks is a criminal offense.

[@NikkuManAMVs]

Fr! Like…look at that horse!

[@ianhh23]

He was twerking to that song on the reaction Edit: I just remembered he didn't listen to that track live 😭

[@danyul4u186]

LIKE A MECHANICAL BULL

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

Yeah there are definitely worse tracks

[@arm6856]

like what ​@@georgeandfriendsadventures5073

[@scottmceachern5673]

I'm so glad Cal is back in full force.

[@agapanthus2024]

Not good enough he needs his own show. And we need the new CALassic 2

[@HackysackTrav]

That isn't Cal

[@moc-king-bird]

in full horse 🤠

[@GustavoSilva-mn1dp]

Even Anthony looks happier

[@aphexfinn]

in full horse🤠

[@moonukki]

My dad refused to listen to the album bc it was being touted by everyone as strictly country. I played it to him today and explained it’s a country/folk fusion album and he was shocked with how much he loved it lol. If I hadnt forced him to listen to it he would’ve ignored it,,, stubborn old men man

[@gregnuttall7421]

Is that cause he’s a country purist or a country hater?

[@fastfire1702]

​@@gregnuttall7421its cause he is a stubborn old men man

[@qwer8907]

Leave your dad alone stop imposing your views on your father

[@mkjjoe]

@@qwer8907 on the other hand he ended up liking something he would have ignored by stereotype, I guess it's best when people meet halfway

[@itzjay116]

I think I’m going to have to drag my mom through this. She listens to the radio and judges the whole album off of “this ain’t Texas”

[@TheCamSays]

If we’re going in different genres at this point, I want Bey to tackle a rock/metal album and see what happens.

[@Souleyme]

Me too lol 😂

[@ashleywilliams1988]

I’m like 73% sure (but 100% hopeful) that act 3 will be a Tina Turner/Prince-esque rock album. Ya Ya teases it and makes me want it so much!

[@ishdjdjshdudhe]

Ironically there’s actually been some hints and speculation that act 3 is gonna be a rock album so you just might get that in twoish years from now LOL

[@muskrat_glomus]

there is a very high possibility we're actually getting a rock-album from her

[@whip1720]

@@ashleywilliams1988I think that and a bunch more. She might do pop rock grunge heavy metal older rock all of that

[@jessicapirnat]

ALIIGATOR TEARS is such a highlight of the record. One of the best instrumentals on the album, Beyoncé’s lower register, and that bit at the end where she’s singing ‘I adore you’ over and over… UGH so good. Just For Fun is also wonderful imo

[@demarcuslee10]

Exactly idk what he’s on…

[@DannyMilianPart2]

Alligator Tears is the only song I like on the album

[@merilee4998]

It's really good! Goes to back to her Louisiana roots too, sounds like you're on the bayou

[@nonalolagirl]

I think that is her worst song to date. Can someone explain why they like it so I can understand why she included it and start to appreciate it more? I agree about her lower register and the intrumentals are very much Beatles inspired, so I do enjoy those bits but the lyrics are so weak and song feels misplaced after Spagettii.

[@nonalolagirl]

@@DannyMilianPart2 The only song?! you wilding🤣

[@connorw2k]

The vocal bits with Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton made me think of the country radio station in GTA V

[@roxannemapache826]

Same!!

[@jamiedisu727]

I think that was the point l. Whereas Renaissance was supposed to be a DJ set, this is supposed to be a country radio station (KNTRY RADIO)

[@MinecraftCow345]

@@jamiedisu727I’m hoping she frames the alleged metal/rock/Beyoncé album as a live concert, imagine the collaborations starting off the track list as faux ‘openers’

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

Same!

[@thisisforvids]

Yeah. To hear Fantano Bitch and moan is annoying, but not really surprising. He complains "people who like music only want to hear music!!!!" Uhm, I like music but I also like theatre & arthouse... her album IS cohesive. Try removing the interludes and listening through -- it's less cohesive.

[@hiya1569]

Personally, I felt like the amount of times she justified herself on this album was completely intentional and necessary. Yes, she drills it into the ground but that's just the life of a woman of color. And even still, people are crying to the masses about how she isn't country and shouldn't be doing it

[@martinebonita2658]

I think the point that tnd was making was that those haters were going to hate regardless of her justifications.

[@nct127songsarebops7]

Yeah. She wrote it after cma

[@saphire2214]

Cowboy Carter was completed before Renaissance and was meant to be released as act i. She changed the release order, in order to release something a bit more uplifting just coming out of COVID. If you listen to the end of Amen, you can hear a smooth transition into Renaissance which makes more sense sonically.

[@realfan3565]

Wanted to say the same thing but was too lazy to type.

[@seatedovation4982]

No it doesn’t, cowboy ends with a full stop - and loops with itself. Leading from amen to Requiem. A lot of the songs on this album end with the same sonic sound The only way to have the transition is if you purposely change the cross fade to a certain amount which is not intention but general music tempo/fade

[@finlayvicar4619]

@@seatedovation4982 Yeah it's not smooth at all

[@koreaboo1437]

Yes I felt that way

[@koreaboo1437]

​@@seatedovation4982yes it does

[@eee9266]

5:00 heavily disagree. The interludes are a key to the world building of this album. They are sounds you would hear throughout your day. This entire album is about an appreciation for life as you live it, those interludes signify transitions throughout the day. The unexpected happenings of the day. I think you analyzing it as Beyoncé trying to prove herself when she doesn’t need to is just another example of you absolutely feeding into media discussion around an artist and not fully immersing yourself… which I’ve unfortunately seen you do a lot more frequently.

[@abigailcsikos5663]

I totally agree with you. I felt she was using the interlude to world build the country music culture she grew up with. Back when radio was where you got a lot of music culture from the radio host introduction mattered. Back when your so desperate to find a radio station that isn’t static or talk radio; that you’re excited to find a song ( even if it’s outside your normal genre)

[@thenickyradiance]

exactly! the fact that he thinks she sounded “insecure” on the album is very weird lol. a country album wont have the same bite as a powerhouse body of work like Renaissance.. they’re basically completely opposite genres, different sounds.

[@ashleywilliams1988]

Yes! I also think it's rarely a good take to call someone insecure when you can't sympathize with their experience. Being booed by a crowd would be painful to anyone. Beyonce is no exception. Even still, I don't think she's trying to prove herself in these interludes at all. Totally agree its world-building and she's done this in many of her previous records. The background country-esque sounds are making a lot of people forget that she does this kind of stuff all the time.

[@eee9266]

@@abigailcsikos5663This! I also think she wanted to take that element of world-building that she had with Renaissance via the genre specific personalities (in Renaissance, it was the commentators) that would absolutely be in the space that she’s embodying. With Renaissance, the nature of Ballroom is seamless. ‘Cowboy Carter’ is a lot more down to earth, and closer to home… of course it’s going to be more disjointed and I genuinely believe the album would’ve suffered from a lack of world building and a little bit of confusion if Beyoncé didn’t add these extra elements. ‘Cowboy Carter’ isn’t seamless, and it would be extremely confusing if she tried to make it as seamless as Renaissance. This difference helps the album flow a lot better. Moments can be seamless, but most days aren’t.

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

"world building" nothing about this album has world building in it

[@Robyn_Retro]

The BUCKIIN’ section of SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’ is by far one of my favorite moments of the record. It references her CMAs performance that was the catalyst of it all (‘patience is thin, hormones is right at the rim, you was just going in’) and the general criticisms in such a Beyoncé way. Referring to her haters as hissing snakes that get stomped down (or as she says it, ‘dine’) when she’s buckin’, doing her thing, letting go. Plus the beat on that is tough!

[@yveje9720]

I’m coming home in the intro she’s saying hello country is where I came from!

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

Omg referring to her haters as hissing snakes was SO ORIGINAL I don't even think a sixteen year old songwriter could come up with that analogy. This truly is the pillar of metaphorical songwriting

[@sonjaswanson8951]

Buckin gives me the campy vibes of Renaissance that I love so much

[@khemikims4058]

​@@user-xl4xy4xg8rWho said it had to be original? Like. Who are you fighting? Your own demons?

[@eternityriley1833]

@@khemikims4058 🤣😂 That person's been going through the whole comment section replying negativity to ppl lol It's kinda funny but also sad at the same time

[@Gnolle082]

Listening to this album then listening to mgk’s new album right after was probably the biggest instance of whiplash I’ve ever experienced in my life. It’s like having the best meal you’ve ever had in your life, then the next meal is just a bowl full of needles.

[@JD-hx7yd]

Is the new MGK and Trippie record really that cheeks? Wasn't holding high expectations for it just wondering how bad it is compared to their other works.

[@GerbsCE]

What do you mean? Their albums are on the same level.

[@JD-hx7yd]

@GerbsCE Pointless question IMO. OP clearly meant they enjoyed the Beyonce album more than the mgk one, therefore implying they don't think both albums are on the 'same level'.

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

😂💀

[@tinhippi]

the electronic tracks toward the end of the record were a really pleasant surprise. ii hands ii heaven is a career highlight for beyonce imo. also really loved the miley duet!

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

I personally disagree. I feel like why would you do that, thematically? Did you run out of ideas for the country motif? Like it’s just kinda weird and ruins the cohesion of the heehaw aesthetic

[@bannedplaylist]

@@chiarosuburekeni9325bc this album was recorded before renaissance. so those last couple of tracks would be a good choice to transition into renaissance which is house themed but it also allows listeners to listen to the trilogy in different orders

[@ashleywilliams1988]

I think it makes sense if the report is true that Cowboy Carter flows into Renaissance. If true, the second half of CC makes more sense thematically. Even if it’s not true, I don’t find the switch that jarring since it still caries motifs like the Dolly/Patti nail percussion.

[@sophiewitch]

​@@chiarosuburekeni9325It's a fusion album. As part of a trilogy focusing on reclaiming black genres. She didn't run out of ideas. She continued to execute her idea. She fuses country with hip hop, dance, and folk all over the album. If you think her fusing country and dance is running out of ideas, you're missing the entire point of the album.

[@Purplefoxsoul]

@@ashleywilliams1988 Cowboy Carter was originally supposed to come first but since we were mid-pandemic Beyonce chose to release Renaissance first because "we all needed to dance."

[@nickyheart]

If this album was called "Cowboy Carter VI" it would've been a 10.

[@uoadwfou]

If this album was called "To Cowboy Carter a Butterfly" it would've been a 10.

[@vayalelyn4277]

Wait you listened to Daughter of Darkness?

[@nickyheart]

@@vayalelyn4277 yea

[@vayalelyn4277]

@@nickyheart kinda respect bro, that shit long af

[@davidemarconi9146]

If this album was called “Tickets to Cowboy Carter”, it would’ve been a 0

[@NikkuManAMVs]

Easy AOTY for me. She’s done it again. I can’t wait for Act 3! American Requiem alone is just insane. Who would’ve thought the girl that put out Halo would do this.

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

We’re still 1/4 through the year, still more albums to come

[@lithw01]

Halo is a strong song with strong vocal tho

[@NikkuManAMVs]

@@lithw01 sure, but it’s pretty generic compared to everything she’s done post self-titled

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

AOTY is such a spineless Beyonce stan take. It's April dude. Grow up

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

@@user-xl4xy4xg8r Yeah ikr it’s 1/4 through the year, and plenty of great artists have yet to drop

[@d4ni_8oi]

Anthony is so good at choosing the worst “worst track”

[@astoldbynickgerr]

✅

[@summerwoodsmusic]

I remember when he picked Ring A Bell as the worst track on Bottomless Pit, and it’s literally my favorite Death Grips song!

[@ihaveapanda7608]

@@summerwoodsmusic i think this everytime i look at his worst track pick. Ring A Bell is one of the top dg of all time

[@giovannidejoie8618]

The reason why post malone was accepted with open arms by the country scene despite being a pop artist his whole career & beyonce isn’t is simply because of race…it’s kind of weird when you think about the history of country..black people created it & now they want to gatekeep it cause it’s the only mainstream genre not dominated by black people at the moment

[@fernandoparadacastillo5901]

I'm not american so i'll never truly understand the historic issues they have with racism, but i would argue that the fact she's a woman is a strong reason too. I've seen many examples of women artists that become immaculate by sacrificing overall popularity and exposure (Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Nina Simone, Erykah Badu). And then, when someone wants to be more defiant, she gets hate from all sides, like Madonna and now her. There must be other things that make people don't agree with them, like their business moves, personal beliefs or their politics, but those issues are very rarely mentioned or cause any negative effect when the artist in question is a full-grown heterosexual man. You need the police waiting at his door for the hate to come. It's a racist world, and a very misogynistic one too.

[@zachariah7114]

@@fernandoparadacastillo5901next time you have a chance to talk, don’t

[@fernandoparadacastillo5901]

@@zachariah7114 you should follow your own suggestion, works better on you. Edit: But you know what? You're right. Why do i have to take sh*t from a complete unknown in a faceless social media platform? I got better things to do with my life, and i have people that love me for who i am and appreciate what i think. I'd rather share my life with them than waste it here with faceless embittered people like you. Adiós 😘

[@godofnothing428]

@@zachariah7114you missed with this one

[@nickabockanumber9699]

Sweet honey buckin being least favourite is a crimeeeee

[@Elizeusarvin]

Beyonce proving again why she's one of the few major artists from the nineties to still be relevant. This is era is the DEFINITION of artistic reinvention.

[@ryanmeagher6143]

It’s just great marketing, not the second coming of Christ. Everyone is so dramatic lol

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

"This is era is the" what?

[@jujuliliath]

@@ryanmeagher6143if that was the only reason i’m pretty sure more problematic or overly exposed artists from that era would be relevant topics, but 99% are not. it’s okay to admit an artist’s impressive longevity, and beyoncé is one of the names for that

[@RadicalTadpoles1000]

@@ryanmeagher6143but I mean, the albums are also pretty damn fucking good lol

[@ryanmeagher6143]

@@RadicalTadpoles1000 I find it overproduced as hell personally but to each their own. I just think people latch on to their current generations stars and want to imagine everything they put out is the most amazing thing done yet.

[@nonalolagirl]

While I do see the Dolly Parton parts as a co-sign, I honestly think the addition of Willie, Dolly, Linda, and other country artists as overall appreciation and her way of honoring some of her favorite artists. Even Blackbird and many of the Beatles inspired undertones throughout the album speaks to her great love for the music. Tie in the meaning of the song Blackbird, what Linda Martell went through in the industry, and what Willie and Dolly mean to the Black community as they've been great allies, then you fully understand many of the choices that she made, none of which had anything to do with appeasing her haters or the white American audience that opposes her movements through multiple genres.

[@BenjaminDover2024]

Cowboy Chuchesta album when

[@edmundpope6415]

Fax we need more chuchesta of any form in general

[@JamesKovacic]

The New Cowboy Calassic

[@Nick-ft4dk]

OMG HE ACTUALLY RELEASED ONE

[@betinafortes3145]

The comments on here complaining that CC didn't sound like a country album completely missed the point. She did not intend to make one, at least in the conventional sense of the genre (and even expressly stated so) ☠️

[@terrenspencer4439]

She is marketing it as a country album 😆

[@betinafortes3145]

@@terrenspencer4439 just because she's wearing cowgirl outfits, it's already marketed as a quintessential, conventional country album? That's precisely her point. A record/song can have country influences AND STILL be blended with sounds and influences from other "genres". Of course it will not sound like traditional country music! That's why Spaghettii is there on the record with Linda Martell saying at the beginning "Genres are a funny little concept". While I understand labels are there to help comprehend things a bit easier, labels and genres shouldn't be used to limit and confine how particular art should sound like.

[@terrenspencer4439]

@@betinafortes3145 Totally agree with you that she can blend genres etc. however, my point was that she is listing it in the Country genre on streaming services. Why put it in the “Country” genre if she doesnt believe it to be a Country album?

[@betinafortes3145]

@@terrenspencer4439 I think that's more on the current limitations of existing streaming platforms. She doesn't exactly have that much of a choice other than to pick what's the most predominant influence on the record, which is evidently country, because that's how streaming platforms work. Again, this goes on our (or society's/humans') tendency to lean and cling on labels [genres]. But I don't think that limitation takes away how Beyonce created something entirely different and something that cannot be simply said to be country.

[@terrenspencer4439]

@@betinafortes3145 I get that but I’d argue the album is 75% pop and 25% mix of other genres so why not just list it as a pop album? Especially since she doesn’t consider it a Country album?

[@jamesgrandjean6138]

Look at that horse, look at that HORSE, LOOK AT THAT HORSE 🐎 I literally can’t stop smiling at that part. You have no swag, Mr F

[@Hohorik]

Pretty as hell, Á naturale;

[@user-yj7cu5sk2w]

@@Hohorikdining on FARCE.

[@meganevans3899]

That's a fair criticism honestly but I took the "bloated" feeling as all additional world building. Bey doesn't usually have this type of record flow but with the knowledge that she built this record before renaissance I think it makes total sense why she padded it with heavier handed marketing and a wide range of guests. To me its almost a cinematic experience, even more so than her previous records that actually had movie companions. I think it's just another iteration of her expansive abilities

[@myles7453]

If you ask me, this is Beyonce's best. From tracks like the opener, Ya-Ya, Blackbird, Bodyguard, Tyrant ii Most Wanted, Daughter. It's addicting. Also, I was shocked that you listed S/H/B was your least favorite, I loved that track. This album has me hyped for Act 3, which I hope is the rock album people are predicting.

[@bubbles2215]

I really, genuinely hope album 3 is a rock album. But I really loved this one.

[@ryanxamp]

i have to rant because ppl will really listen to the 🗑by blake shelton, luke bryan, jason aldean, florida georgia line, morgan wallen, etc. (trucks, beer, corn, girl) all objectively terrible music, and have the nerve to criticize beyonces new album which is more country than any of that. i can feel myself losing brain cells anytime im forced to listen to bro country idk why tf it exists.

[@karmicobsession1636]

No such thing as objectivity in this context

[@BigOwl51]

Pro tip: if the same country fans who listen to Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Jason Aldean hate a country album, it’s probably amazing.

[@jessie6600]

how is this album country tho?

[@BigOwl51]

@@jessie6600failed bait

[@Spanishdog17]

@@jessie6600Better question: Why do you think that SunnyV2 makes good videos?

[@jessie6600]

@@Spanishdog17 why u no respond to my question 🥺

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

​@@BigOwl51non answer and avoiding the question because you don't know how to answer

[@cmmangione368]

In American Requiem Beyonce states “that in order for things to grow, they need to change” - which I think serves as the thesis for the album. I even think the covers are used to portray this point. Blackbird has subtle changes, but Jolene becomes a story of revenge and anger with the following song Daughter. But I think that sonically follows on the album: she presents country as it was, then as it currently is, then as what it could be in the later part of the album. The Willie Nelson radio dial is one of my favorite parts, as the songs move between gospel/blues, rockabilly, then more traditional country/ early rock in roll, all by black artists. Which serves as a reminder of the ways black artists have inspired and been stolen from. This is a lot, I wasn’t expecting to be so touched by an album. Don’t even enjoy country that much. I watched Lemonade after this. My life is just better now.

[@ichangedthename]

If this album was called “To pimp a cowboy” you would have gave it a 10!

[@user-nn5ie1gs1w]

wow how original

[@MMXKHXCP]

Just shut up

[@martinebonita2658]

Y'all are never bored

[@douglasw10]

About YAYA, to me it really sounds like an early janelle monaé song, archandroid but more rock

[@fierclyrae9537]

Soooo Tina Turner?

[@69avenue]

Its got Tina written all over it, but i can HEAR wut u mean

[@vincentslashmarshall]

sweet honey buckin as your least favorite is WILD

[@happypuppyyumyum]

I dont think the interlides were to pander to country fans or beyonce haters, its more to set up the atmosphere of the album. Shes celebrating the country/americana genre and showing the history of it. I thoughy she sounded confident throughout the whole record.

[@nicolemciver914]

I've never heard someone sound *more* like they know what they are doing than Beyonce during SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’

[@crazziii_]

Cowboy Carter was written, and was supposed to be released, first. Hence why the album gets more experimental towards the end and would naturally flow right into Renaissance

[@yolinhoz1724]

small correction: SPAGHETTII actually samples and could be considered (?) a brazilian funk song! while she is rapping in the song (spazzing may i add), the instrumental is basically brazilian funk to its core.

[@Hohorik]

🤠🔫👈🏻

[@c.saldana8345]

ALIIGATOR TEARS is legendary idgaf

[@leecalmdown]

AGREE

[@demarcuslee10]

Period

[@kaudsiz]

You clearly don’t understand the meaning of words

[@andy.78]

a 20minute review!? Damn Beyonce really pulled out all the stops

[@dyll_pyckle]

I really hope Part 3 is a jazz album. Or rock/metal/punk. That would go so hard. I'm not the biggest Beyoncé fan, but it's undeniable that she's making exciting projects/music! Such an interesting artist that I can't help but respect the hell out of for her constant reinvention. Renaissance was incredible and I can't wait to listen to Cowboy Carter!

[@nonalolagirl]

You have to remember that this technically was created before Renaissance. This is moreso the continuation of Lemonade, so many of the trap/krump/dirty south songs are the continuation of the track Formation and that antebellum, bayou vibe. I was able to connect many of the tracks directly to Lemonade like the graduation of the themes she's exploring there. They are not misplaced or disconnected at all if you know the "lore" or at least understand the big drawback that she is constantly doing since Lemonade to her african roots and heritage.

[@codyjackson7579]

I know he had the disclaimer that there's more discussion to be had but i feel like he didn't even talk about the true and necessary depth of songs like Blackbiird or Alliigator Tears😢

[@Robyn_Retro]

Now I’m curious, could you expand on Alliigator Tears? That one I feel like I don’t fully get what it’s about.

[@codyjackson7579]

@@Robyn_Retro Alliigator Tears gets at one of the central themes of the album which is that genres are labels that limit artists, chiefly black artists and black women like herself. It is pointing out how no matter how impressive, innovative, and groundbreaking her work has been, she's always been painted into a box (whether it be RnB artist, someone who makes "black music," or someone who can't compete for album of the year). In this song, she's pointing out how much she has had to toss and turn, twist and perform just end up not being taken fully serious (which is why she ventures so far into country on this album, sort of as an "FU, I can body this genre" type of move, while also blending so many other genres, making the album incredibly difficult to pinpoint/box-in/label.

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

That's because there is no depth to be found. You guys are trying hard to make this superficial album meaningful 😂

[@Synthysynthsynth]

Uhhhh. That’s cuz Blackbird is a Beatles cover. That song has been discussed quite a bit over the past 50+ years

[@andreastory800]

⁠​⁠@@user-xl4xy4xg8rYou don’t have to like the album but it’s certainly NOT “superficial”

[@melsyoutube]

17:50 it’s so funny watching you completely miss the point of sweet / honey / buckin lmao. it’s literally the perfect encapsulation of the concept of the album - a drunken stumbling through a radio station. it’s intentionally jarring, it’s supposed to push the boundaries of genre - “genres are a funny little thing aren’t they? to some, they’re simple. others may feel confined.” it’s also a great segue into renaissance, and it’ll be a highlight of the future film.

[@2011hwalker]

The album is a bit too self aware. It's quite try hard. That's said I begrudge artists attempting new things.

[@aleenabradley9798]

@@2011hwalkerme when I don’t know what I’m talking about:

[@OrangeCircIe]

It’s fine to have your opinions, but I don’t think it’s right to give the album a 0/10 just because it wasn’t called Yeehawncé

[@Robbay363]

I normally hate Fantano comment humor, but this one made me laugh.

[@ambergardner5223]

I love Riiverdance and II Hands II Heaven! I feel like a lot of this album isn't so much straight up country so much as country influenced in the instrumentation. I enjoy it.

[@hi_skitch]

her next album should be a 3-hour single-track harsh noise project

[@cosasdefalloutboy7451]

3 hours of white noise

[@Bartholomule01]

Maybe she could do a collab with Dreamcrusher to do a Noise record.

[@Hohorik]

@@cosasdefalloutboy7451cover would be her sleeping on a sleeping horse cuddling.

[@marthson4235]

Cowboy Carter will probably end up being my favorite Beyoncé album. Sure, it’s long but I feel like it had to be for what this album represents and I wouldn’t trim any of it down. ALLIIGATOR TEARS and JUST FOR FUN are my favorite tracks. It’s unfortunate you didn’t like them.

[@yveje9720]

I love Just for Fun too and Alligator Tears imo Leviis was kinda weak if I had to remove something it would be that

[@andreastory800]

Yes, love this two tracks!!

[@augustdoessomething8292]

So the Adrienne Lenker album wasn’t important enough for the cowboy hat melon??!

[@eliasmg9144]

Wdym, it's right there, in the thumbnail /j (just in case)

[@yveje9720]

16 Carriages is so amazing on this record I totally fell in love with it again hearing it on Cowboy Carter

[@Ceeayejayy]

I thought the interludes added to the overall experience - it didn’t feel like just listening to an album, it was a bit more immersive because of the interludes IMO. I thought it added some historical context to the albums genres she’s inspired by too. I’m pretty surprised you didn’t appreciate those. Sweet Honey is a complete masterpiece IMO as well - the first 2/3 of the song (sweet and honey) feel so full of joy that it honestly makes me want to cry lol and then the last section (Buckiin) is just SO incredibly energetic and fun. How can you not dance to that?

[@Ceeayejayy]

The only song I’m not a huge fan of is Alligator Tears. I didn’t like Levii Jeans at first but after a few listens, it grew on me. Definitely do a video on country as a genre, I’d be super interested in that!

[@masonisgrey]

@@Ceeayejayy you have the exact same opinion as me lol. alligator tears is just too poppy and it doesn't feel like it knows what it is. levii's jeans also grew on me but i didn't love it first listen.

[@calhih]

Honestly I wish she had more bluegrass like maybe Billy strings or sierra ferrell. I do like her feature with Brittany Spencer, a country artist and black lady from my hometown Nashville Tennessee!! I work at the grand ole opry / ryman!! Seeing bey rep country music is exciting

[@brittanytiera3299]

Agreed I was shocked no bluegrass on here.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@brittanytiera3299yeah, where's the research she mentioned? I'd be super interesting how bluegrass could sound in her world.

[@dannyjarold1056]

i hate these hour long albums but i loooved this. it didn't feel as long as it was

[@cecekays7980]

You n me both, i cant stand long albums, but Beyonce is an exception

[@alejotinganell5653]

📌 POLITICAL COMMENT: There's a BIG issue that makes understandable for Beyoncé to have approached this album quite differently than Reinassance. In Reinassance she delved in a genre that, even if adventerous for a pop artist, was a genre whose main target audiences include LGBT and black people. Audiences that are closer to a figure like Beyoncé, and were willing to enjoy her. When it comes to country though, there is a strong US settled white audience whose dynamics are very different from the ones of house/dance/R&B audiences. Specially on a country genre that various conservative communities have co-opted for their own agendas and are not going to be friendly with someone like Beyoncé. Beyoncé is a maketing genius at trying to please everyone and make room for her to be both able to avoid political anger and be as "neutral" as possible while stepping on political ground. I think that neutrality ended up making her shoot herself on the foot a little bit on this one. Still, great album.

[@jhansen658]

The lyrics on multiple tracks on this album make it clear she doesn’t care about being neutral. She’s been thumbing her nose at the industry/ppl who hate her for years now through her music lol.

[@athenax]

I don't think Beyonce cares about making people angry when it comes to politics. When she dropped her song "formation" and performed at the superbowl dressed in Black Panther inspired attire, she upset a lot of people to the point they were calling her a terrorist on Fox News and the Daily Wire 😂, she already pissed them off

[@Moshimoshijade]

As a black person living in the south. There are many black people who listen to country here. There's definitely an audience for it and a space for beyonce.

[@pissgod666]

*slur*

[@alejotinganell5653]

@@athenax There defenitely is an audience for Beyoncé, of course! One because of popularity and influence, she is huge and a billionare. Two because as you said, there is a black country (something some white people have tried to erase).

[@JaredV_]

Hey, I think while I kinda understand your biggest criticism said in the beginning of the video it overlooks the historical context those skits Willy and Dolly helped place. Long time from now on people look back on this album that weren’t around to enjoy it during its time they might be confused as to why people were upset with Beyoncé making a country album. I think the skits and co-signs were perfect especially for someone who doesn’t listen to Willy and Dolly like that. Also, I guess I'm a Miley Cyrus fan now? Like that was so good.

[@CeePlayss]

Beyhive here! Even though I personally disagree with your critique re: Sweet Honey Buckin' (hahaha I jokingly thought - "he might need a little more seasoning in him to see the vision on that one" 😅), I genuinely appreciated your review and agreed with all the other critique!!

[@DavidBallin]

Renaissance strong 9 redux confirmed!

[@komodogd]

he said this was close and it was a decent8 lol, he would prob give renaissance a light9 now

[@eezo9316]

I was reluctantly cautious as I approached the album but it offered a perspective of my Southern roots greatly appreciated with that soul & rhythmic flow that timelined & told a story that everyone could relate to. Master piece.

[@baileybirdsong3432]

i was agreeing with almost this whole video and then you called sweet honey buckin a nightmare hello 😭

[@shelbysmith5106]

I know, I really liked that track 😩⚡️

[@juanmoraesx]

I agree with your point on the interludes saying she doesn’t need to explain herself, but I kinda liked them as some sort of break on the big moments to give some context. Other than just “prove” herself, I’ll say she’s just trying to pay homage to them. But yeah.. these moments might be kinda boring in the future experience when you want to listen random tracks

[@SwitchbladeNine]

Queen B doin death metal would be fuckin crazy

[@YupOkayThx]

I like these reviews, but I do think often times he digs for reasons not to like something that he knows the majority of people like/are going to like. I think the criticism of having Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton on the album coming off as insecure is kind of unfounded. From a marketing standpoint, their features added buzz to the album and got more people to take notice, and I think their parts add an element of fun to what could otherwise be seen as an album with a more serious tone.

[@ToniWellons]

I don’t think it was insecure at all!! If anything Beyoncé was smart enough to add country legends to the project to give it legitimacy and levity. Because ppl were already questioning if she’s country or not and showing that the legends are on her side and that she can achieve any style she needed to have them on their especially for the hard core white country community

[@thenickyradiance]

calling Sweet Honey Buckin a “nightmare” is so dramatic and just.. incorrect lmao

[@biggnome4653]

I agree if the album got rid of some of the interludes it would be PERFECT. I just feel like tracks such as desert eagle and flamenco are really good and have strong ideas but they kind of feel pointless seeing how short they are. It would have worked better if she combined them into the other songs some way or made them more fleshed out.

[@T0mBr1dg3]

Hey everyone, writing from the future here. It’s so crazy to see a much humbler Fantano compared to 2034. In our time, he goes by the title “Lord Fantano” and the patches on his yellow flannel are made from goldleaf and Vantablack respectively. A little gaudy if you ask me but I guess the money really changed him. I guess he went and forgot where he came from.

[@torashi._]

I don't think the singer-songwriter phase ever ended , but that the songwriting changed based on the type of subgenre she was dipping into. The whole thing felt like watching a movie or more accurately attending a play or even watching a documentary, a documentary that could be on country music and its black roots but also about america itself because it does so many things so well at the same time. Dolly and Willy did feel like they were on the albulm as confidence boosters but not of her going country to me but of the vision that she's offering to the ones who led her to feel like she had to break out of the chains they were trying to put on her. Change, the death of what was for the celebration of what is and what can/should be is found throughout this whole albulm to me and more... Anyway, all that to say that I could write a dissertation on the thoughts this masterpiece evoked me but there's a lot and it doesn't even start with the music itself and that while I agree on certain points the analysis that led you to these conclusions feels a little shallow to me but it's a testament to how good this album really is if it's still gets an 8/10 even when you feel like she lost the thread at some point.

[@JordanNMusic]

I’ve always had an appreciation for Country music but just never really my thing. Beyoncé has proven herself that she can go from R&B, Soul, Pop, Hip Hop, Electronic, Latin to now Country. And if Act III is a rock album I’m absolutely there.

[@hannahchichester6089]

The vinyl and CD are trimmed down due to literally physical space. I’m so excited to listen to it trimmed down and hear what the other version of the album is. That said, great review as always and honestly in full agreement

[@yuhgetintoit3190]

Love this album and love her but the trimmed version is cutting The Linda Martell > Ya Ya > Oh Louisanna part of the album which is a highlight for me. Idk what she was thinking. Apparently it's the album in its original format

[@NathanHautain]

It's not trimmed due to space but because the 5 cut songs were added too late. CDs can go up to 1h20min, this album is only 1h18min

[@ashleeerin1886]

OBSESSED with II Most Wanted. I’m now in love with Just For Fun and II Hands II Heaven

[@Denis-89]

I don't think you got the album. It was never about proving herself, ( she don't need that (, it's more about playing with the concept of genres, both being country and not being country. The interludes are there to create a narrative and a sense of camp humour which country is known for. It is not just random thrown in

[@Blietzflame845]

Genuinely I feel like Beyoncé doesn’t get enough credit on her writing. I’d love a more singer songwriter album that’s reflective and reminiscent of songs like sandcastles.

[@Synthysynthsynth]

That’s because her songs involve 5 other songwriters.

[@andreastory800]

It’s crazy cause most of the time, it’s the producers or the people she samples that take over the credit. Remove them and it’s just Beyoncé and her main co-writer (The Dream)

[@billiealexander3480]

Hey this has been out awhile but have you reviewed Black Rainbows by Corinne Bailey Rae? Can't find it. Jazz/Punk/R&B.

[@C23_L]

Alligator Tears and Just For Fun are great wdym

[@thekalenichannel1812]

Sweet honey buckin is one of the best songs on the album...

[@Anatural4ever]

Perfect review!!!! I also gave it an 8!!! The only thing I disagree on is Sweet*Honey*Buckin....simply because I love Renaissance....this track fits perfectly in that world for me and is almost like a secret gift she's giving to fans of Renaissance who might have trouble getting into Cowboy Carter. But either way, you are spot on with your take on this album!!!

[@moonsinterlude]

think anthony would give renaissance a 9/10 if revisted'; seems like he loves it more now

[@cassandral.5840]

I will say on first listen some songs seem "out of place" or clunky, like Sweet Honey Bucking. But I promise you, when you listen to it more it all starts clicking and making sense. Even the interludes I can't imagine cowboy carter without cause they really DO tell the story and help keep it moving all in beautiful and different ways. Renaissance was an instant 10 for me and now, after a couple more listens, Cowboy Carter is at a 9.5. But if she drops music videos it will def go up 😅

[@arisandra]

Cal returning regularly on reviews wasn't on my 2024 bingo card

[@djstretchtone9851]

I want to buy the album and own it. I don't want to stream it or only be able to play it on iTunes. I want to be able to play it on any devices. Where should I buy it from?

[@cheerio2012]

Kind of agree on the sounds. To me I can easily break it down into 3 different albums/EPs. The back half makes more sense to me once you take into consideration that it was supposed to come out before renaissance. It was def supposed to be a bridge between this album and renaissance

[@honestopinionspill]

Collab with Miley is my favourite ❤ Miley is credited as composer, writer and producer of the song so i hope she will make an entire album of songs like these 🥲❤️❤️❤️

[@soyelmismisim0]

If this album was called "to Carter a Cowboy" it would've been a 10

[@lolaripoll3062]

I truly believe bey is going to do rock/blues/psychedelic fusion for her next renaissance instalment. She loves to play homage to the great artists that came before her and is a great music historian! She’s also always said how much of a Tina turner fan she is, shown her love to Prince etc etc. I just feel like it’s the next logical step in what seems to be the overarching story of these 3 sister albums; a music journey that pays homage to black artists in America

[@jimmiewashington9363]

I think you missed the history and intention about alot of pieces of the album like by having dolly introduce jolene, willy nelson be the radio host, and linda martell. Willy is the radio host, because historically country music has been controlled by the radio. So she created her own radio on the album and had this country idol as the host as a statement…. She also mentions the chitlin circuit, which was a space for black artist during the jim crow era to play their music because they were not accepted in mainstream outlets at the time. The meat of the album is about genre bending, and this album was supposed to be the first part of the trilogy. She mentioned delaying cowboy carter because of covid and releasing renaissance instead because thats what the world needed. But thats why on the second half of the album you begin to transition into these songs with multiple genre influences. Because she’s setting us up for renaissance it indeed is a bridge. Listen to cowboy carter and renaissance in sequence. All in all I think you could do some more research.

[@cookieeaturface]

My dad's a lifelong country fan, and was really resistant to trying this album, but I finally convinced him to give it a try and I'm happy to report that he did not enjoy it one bit.

[@sammfshields]

Hahaha

[@DrRAZI99]

Bruh from that stream i thought he'd give it a 9

[@123rockfan]

Well during the stream he didn’t listen to his least favorite tracks

[@jlee902]

With this rating he should boost renaissance to a 9.

[@leojclarke]

Is there a theory on whether there is any symbolism to the "II" in all of the track names? Is it 'cause it's the 2nd in a trilogy...?

[@eliakimbalolot241]

She was criticized, per se, by the Country music industry, of course she's going to defend herself. Why do we highlight the fact that she's on the defense? Can't a person respond to hate?

[@vishuprathikanti9352]

I do think this album has a LITTLE too much to be a 10/10 but some of these songs feel like the greatest Beyonce has ever made. Haven't heard it enough times but I could see it being my new favorite Beyonce album.

[@thepepperpig42069]

If this album was called “Cowboy Vultures”, it would’ve been unreviewable

[@sergioandresverdugomontene6150]

I believe the album’s flow is exceptional, brilliantly transporting listeners back to an era where analog reigned supreme-a time marked by a slower pace than today’s frantic hustle. The meticulous cuts and transitions set it apart, evoking a sense of renaissance where flow and continuity are paramount. The album’s arrangement leaves no room for complaints, seamlessly blending each track to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

10 views after 0.1 seconds of the video being posted? Fantano fell off

[@user-xl4xy4xg8r]

This didn't get the play you thought it would

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

@@user-xl4xy4xg8r Yeah ikr

[@quinncyisqueer]

i gotta watch the video now before twitter spoils the score for me