Does Beyonce's Cowboy Carter Slay? | Review + Anaylsis

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Sony made me cut out some of the 16 carriages footage so if it sounds garbled. Blame them.

[@SebzDevYT]

Ok, but.. what did you have to say about it? 😭

[@paolo2411]

Album has not even been out for 24 hours and you already listened to it 3 times, analyzed each of the 27 tracks in deep, made a video about it and gave a final score. Nobody is doing it like you hahaha. Very good video! Imma need more listens but this is such a monumental project from Beyoncé wow.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you so much! I barely slept but I needed to get the discussion rolling so I could read other people’s thoughts! Like I’m trying to emulate Ms. Grace Randolph 😭

[@paolo2411]

@@EljohnMacaranas LOLLLL you’re simply the best!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@paolo2411thank u so much, reading this comment really did make my day and staying up most the last night worth it!

[@paolo2411]

@@EljohnMacaranas you’re so welcome! You’re really one of my fav KZbin channels, really love your track by track review format cause it helps me understand the music deeply. Thank u so muchhh for your work :)))

[@annaphallactic]

People out here clutching their pearls about this album like mainstream country artists didn't adopt disco drums in the 70s and 80s 😂 As a country fan the purists crack me up, they're so toxic and have no clue of the genre's history. I enjoyed this album a lot more than I expected! I find that I prefer Beyonce as an album artist rather than a singles artist. Her songs just make more sense in their album context.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh agreed with her fully embracing being an albums artist, I adore her singles but they make infinitely more sense in the context of the whole record! And yes… how can they be purists if like country itself consistently borrows instrumentation and rhythms from other prescient genres

[@smurfyboy92]

If Beyonce & Miley don't win Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys next year, I'm gonna be very upset about it lol

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s so good, I’m gonna be mad if the Academy thinks it’s “pop”, no it’s country!

[@PinkDesertEagle]

This album is so dense it will take years for us to fully understand it. I liked how she showed her haters that she can do old school country really well, she can do current countr really well and she can do future/experimental country sounds really well too. My favourite section was the experimental section from YaYa onwards. People who love Country Westerns will love this album. Great Review!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like we’re not gonna get the whole picture without the visuals, I know that for sure and still feel it with Renaissance! But I adore the fact she really made the genre and the record her own, the meta commentary on what it means to be country really means a lot! I went out to the Autry museum in Los Angeles and saw so many different black and brown and queer voices contextualize the west in their own way! The experimental stuff (esp Spaphettii which is growing on me) is gonna be fun to look back on years from now! Thanks for watching and for your detailed thoughts! 🤠

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@criticalhomerliterally by default because we need act iii to fully get it but ok thanks for the comment

[@henriksrensen3220]

It's not a good album. Zero substance

[@markgiordonello6710]

it took me 5 minutes to understand that it's crap😂

[@smileyface78]

No cause the cliffhanger at the end of amen HAS to lead into ACT III, if not I’m gonna cry.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s how I feel like there’s a cool techno sci fi feel to it that I think could lead to a rock opera!

[@gissellept]

The acts aren't in chronological order. She originally said that she wanted Cowboy carter to come out first but after the pandemic she felt we needed to dance and have fun which is what renaissance was. My idea is after Amen at the end of cowboy carter, renaissance was supposed to be next that's why it has space/ interstellar vibes.

[@Calibeybitch2006]

I feel like it leads into Renaissance

[@Lonelylovelywestindian]

I read that it’s all in reverse and that once act iii is out we get the visuals or movies, 🤠🩷

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@gisselleptthat honestly tracks

[@sunl6539]

I was never a fan of Beyoncé up until Renaissance (I respected her, music was just not my thing at the time). When Renaissance came out it blew me out of the water and Cowboy Carter is doing the same, and now going back in her discography here and there; so yeah it absolutely slays!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I really feel like these last two records are filling in some of the missing context of the older records, this one really made B’Day 💯 more magical to me. You can almost hear this fulfill the seeds she planted there!

[@RNM-bu4rj]

@@EljohnMacaranasyes!!!! It definitely has Bday elements!!! Love it!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@RNM-bu4rjB’day seriously needs a mainstream reevaluation bc like the tracks aged beautifully

[@alexballard5496]

Slays?Not so sure about that.After listening to the album it's more of like a coming out album,not to be titled a country album.But just a more intimate encounter.

[@kylereddell]

this album is WILD in the best way, all i can say is adding some twang really sent her to the moon!!! thanks for another video eljohn!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

This album and her natural sweet twang and different registers. The technician in me is just marveled, but the soul… I need to revisit this a year from now and maybe AFTER attending the tour! Thank you for watching! 🤠🐴

[@alexballard5496]

Not that great but I respect her efforts.

[@MB832]

Thank god im not the only one who love bodyguard

[@EljohnMacaranas]

We must force it to be the next single! It’s the country Cuff It! She needs to start playlisting it immediately!

[@smarrtie2571]

It's the only good song on the album 😭

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

Her raspy raw voice is so good on it

[@evebennett6041]

I loved it too!

[@scoobydubious1432]

maybe i’m speaking too soon but this might be my favorite beyoncé album! which is wild because i don’t even listen to country!! but somehow this album is what hits me hardest and even if the transitions between tracks aren’t as seamless as renaissance, i find myself gliding across the songs and itching to keep cowboy carter on loop a lot more. thank you for your insights, this really helps me appreciate so much nuance behind each track and the overall project! i can’t wait for all of us to have more time with this masterpiece and unveil even more depth to it all

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh I’ve only had it for a day or so and like I know years from now we’re all gonna realize smaller details that add up. It’s really a modern classic much like Ren and at this point whatever act iii will end up

[@Megavizz2213]

I just feel so ashamed that I still continue to doubt any direction the queen chooses despite her never failing to deliver…still wish this album was called “Texas Bama” but we cant have it all 😌

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Texas Bama would have been a cute title! I cannot name an artist who has consistently hit the mark this hard 😭 soon to be 8 straight solo number 1 records

[@Megavizz2213]

@@EljohnMacaranas couldn’t agree more, she isn’t just the MJ of our generation she is the soundtrack of our generation she is the queen of music periott 😌💕

[@noneapplicable1327]

ok but to the ppl who said she could not do country… what now?! 😂 she is from houston and she’s beyonce how tf was she gonna miss?!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Literally I have yet to dislike a single record of hers, each one (even and esp 4) has its place!

[@Therealcleo.]

Love how you really talk in depth of the album and each song. I love the time you take in these videos to really tell beyonces story as well and you do it so well which I love in a creator. Keep up the great work!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you so much, I’ve loved her forever. My mother introduced me to her when I was a kid, she was the original Beyhive member of my family, she also taught me how to read stories and interpret music. So ofc I have to sit there and give this effort. Thank you so much! 🤠🐴

[@minalabani5562]

insanely impressive review! it is insane to me how you produced a video with this much quality so quickly - so impressive

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you so much! I stayed up all night! But I kept the faith… and I’m glad I did just because I really wanted to read everyone’s thoughts and it has not left my head!

[@Starriaaa]

This album is amazing, and Beyonce revealed that CC was originally act i and you can definitely hear the album transition into renisance at the end, I also hear a bit of rock influence on some of the songs and we all know what act iii's theme will be. This album in my opinion works better as a predecessor of Renisance and an opener of all 3 acts but I also belive thatit's better than act i in some ways. Really glad that she's still topping herself once again

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh that makes way more sense, I’m glad that it’s out and I guess she dropped Renaissance earlier just to perfect this one or time it better. 2022 was about rebirthing post pandemic, this one’s about healing and tumbling through tough times in 2024 where the price of food is insane! Though chronologically it makes more sense for CC to be the lead!

[@a.lumpia]

Whenever they talk about ivy league universities hosting courses on Beyoncé's discography...this is what it feels like.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I should be teaching those classes! Me!

[@BeautyAnarchist]

@@EljohnMacaranas Yeah you bet you be teaching em! I'll be the first student to attend.

[@markgiordonello6710]

you both need professional help😂

[@RicardoAlexandre-e9f]

GIRL THERE IS NO QUESTION ! BEYONCÉ KILL EVERYTHING AND NOBODY CAN SAY SHIT ABOUT IT❤ THIS ALBUM REMAKE MY ENTIRE LIFE ! I KNOW I DON'T READY FOR ALL THIS SLAY

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I knew she would demolish country but I didn’t know she was coming for all corners of country, she even got Flamenco and Opera in there! LET US BREATHE!

[@h.c5824]

On Twitter I saw that MY ROSE is titled MR.SIR on the CD which probably means that MY ROSE is dedicated to Sir Carter!!!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

OMG wait! That’s perfect! Rumi has Protector

[@MeganiumForever]

I did watch this the first day btw, I just needed time with the album. HOLY CRAP. This is an ABSOLUTE masterpiece. I am absolutely obsessed. No skips, just pure art. I keep listening to the whole thing through, and I do not see any other album getting AOTY. Like the songwriting, the style, the vocals, the story, the history lesson; it really is just pure art. I'm so starstruck (baby cause you blow my heart up, lol). For my favorite tracks, I mean I guess I have to narrow it down but I don't want to. 16 Carriages, Texas Hold Em, Bodyguard, Daughter, Spaghetti, II Most Wanted, Levii's Jeans, Ya Ya, Riiverdance, II Hands to Heaven, Tyrant, and Sweet Honey Bucking. LMAO that's like the whole album. My favorite is II Most Wanted though. Holy crap that is one of my favorite Miley songs ever. I just can't get over how amazing this album is.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

No joke, I cannot listen to anything else this week. I’ve been really relishing the joy of the record. Like no joke, I’ve come around on so many tracks I was “ok” on

[@Sequoya]

You did a great job explaining the provenance of the record. Everyone should know who Sister Rosetta Tharpe is! I adore the guitars and vocal arrangements. Daughter is my fav at the moment. So beautiful and haunting.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you! I think the trilogy she’s making is underscoring the forgotten pioneers. Sister Rosetta Tharpe herself was a blueprint for modern rock and RnB! Daughter is a chilling track I can’t not give my full attention to, a friend of mine who doesn’t love Bey or country was taken by it!

[@ThomasWillett1]

While my initial listen was mostly "a good album with some filler," I found a second listen really opened the record up to me. I've often more appreciated Beyonce than loved, but this record is really connecting with me. The production is phenomenal and every time the harmonies come in, it's pure bliss. The highlights to me are some of the best work I've heard from her and I love how playful everything is. Even if this is a conversation with country music's history, I think there's something that feels revolutionary. The sound fuses so many genres and I think makes me excited for the future of pop music more than any Top 40 record has in a long time. Her vocals are so rich and I love how every song carries an intimacy that makes you feel like this is a journey of self-reflection. It's so celebratory and alive. Easily one of the best records I've heard so far in 2024. Good work as always. I'm curious if I'm the only one who thought the opener featured a loose interpolation of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" because I think it does add an interesting spin. Given the use of Beach Boys and the Beatles later, I wouldn't put it above her to include artists that were less expected.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I like the fact that there’s a studied yet emotional connection to the past that’s not nostalgia bait. I often feel like popular music and movies only really regard the past from a reverent and infantile sort of POV that prevents actual conversation with history and text beyond “here’s what was cool then.” On this record, there’s a substantial and critical tone that reframes the past. Even her covers manage to reinvent the songs by interacting with their actual text. Rejecting Jolene’s inevitable win or retaking Blackbird and embodying the subject. I didn’t even catch that interpolation until your comment and a friend who loves Buffalo Springfield sending me a side by side comparison! I feel like the choice of references on this record allude to Act iii’s rock slant!

[@victoriabell6330]

This!!!

[@noneapplicable1327]

did not realize tyrant and partition were sisters! i feel like this record has a small little connection with self-titled! the vinyls have the word “Beyince” so maybe cowboy carter was an album name change?! idk my conspiracy brain makes me think that lol

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Hold on, I actually think I see the vision, I think the tracks have a similar-ish feel, I normally dive into producers I don’t think they have the same producer but I do feel like the vibes were similar enough!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Also neat theory on the whole album name thing… a mutual on Twitter of mine thinks so too!

[@charismao5515]

What a wonderfully constructed review of this masterpiece by Beyonce! Thank you 👸🏾🐝🔥💕

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you for watching! We are so blessed to live in the same time as Bey

[@herauthenticself7749]

I dont know where to start! Im obsess this entire album is a masterpiece the production, vocals, samples ,genre bending opera to rap? lyrics everything i didnt think beyonce could outdo herself but shes absolutely did with this one she better get her albums of the years or we riots.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Literally the academy will find a stupid loophole or just do it out of spite at this point, like she’s done 4 back to back classics that each sorta grew seeds and it’s like… still crickets

[@ThePMMpc]

thank you for your thought on this album. for me it's 8.8/10 also after 3 listens

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s a very lucky score to me! Love 8’s! And also thanks for watching! I do think if I only gave it one or two spins, I would have not liked it as much, but it’s a bit longer and denser than her other records.

[@pennydink72]

I'm gonna need an entire Beyonce Opera album now after daughter

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Like seriously… she needs to have a brief visit to the stage, get that Tony award

[@pennydink72]

@@EljohnMacaranas YES!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s finally here: Cowboy Carter! What was y’all’s favorite track? Lemme know 🤠

[@noneapplicable1327]

BODYGUARD, SWEET HONEY BUCKIIN’

[@RicardoAlexandre-e9f]

@@noneapplicable1327 I LOVE EVERY SONG ON THE ALBUM BUT "TYRANT" , "YAYA" , "SPAGETTII "AND "TEXAS OLD EM" ARE MY FAVES FOR NOW😁

[@herauthenticself7749]

body guard ,and tyrant.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@herauthenticself7749the taste exhibited!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@noneapplicable1327Sweet Honey Buckiin is just a bop!

[@ronip_baddiebarbzrihanna5083]

I think she is going to release the visuals after the 3rd act, it only makes sense! 1. Daughter-Best song on the Album-it’s her singing in Opera and in another language :) 2. II Most Wanted 3. 16 Carriages 4. Spaghettii 5. LeviI Jean’s 6. Alliigator Tears 7. Interludes-They are Funny and I like how they introduce the next song 8. Ya Ya-Sounds Like Tina Turner 9. Desert Eagle-Should be longer 10. II Hands II Heaven-Second Best Song on the Album 11. Texas Hold Em 12. TYRANT- A BOP! 13. SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN' -the transitions 14. American Requiem/Amen- The Ending to Amen leads to Act III!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Daughter definitely is the one I see everyone talking about in terms of just shock value and vocal technique! But ii hands ii heaven… YES

[@imtired7849]

This already being out?! Your work ethic is nuts, need you to have more subscribers. Great work!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you haha, I don’t sleep! Esp on release nights!

[@melsmithmel]

This is such a delicious and detailed review and as an Australian I greatly appreciate all the cultural references I would have missed in her songs . I’m not a fan of country music and it’s probably why I like this album as it’s not too country . Despite all the Karen’s and haters online .. Beyoncé continues to be the incredible force of nature as an artist . I just hope she visits us in Australia soon !!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you so much! Haha, it’s a very American album yet somehow pretty accessible. I do think she’ll visit y’all in Australia soon!

[@melw9147]

I looove the sound of bodyguard. from the OG songs: ya ya, riverdance and desert eagle also slap. It’s not my #1 Beyoncé album but it’s experimental and refreshing.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I agree with it not being #1 but it’s genuinely one of her strongest gems. I’m glad she’s taking the time to genuinely go out and experiment, to harvest the seeds she planted. Because so many artists refuse to grow and change much which is their right but you don’t survive this long in this business to survive, you do it to THRIVE!

[@victoriabell6330]

Love your reviews so much, quick yet thoughtful on all accounts 🤌🏻🫡Agree with another commenter below, the sounds on this record are crazy forward. Heavy on the it’s a Beyoncé album, but some elements felt so 60s rock/psychadelia-esque, and if that’s any inspo for act iii - it’s really gonna be something. She truly could do any genre or vibe, and it’s really something to be said how comfortable she feels floating through each song musically and lyrically. The vocal arrangements are insane 😭 I literally go from jamming to crying every couple of songs lmao. Since it’s so lush in tracks and sounds, it also took me about 3 full listens to soak up everything. Top 5 has to be Bodyguard, Alligator Tears, 16 Carriages, Ameriican Requiem, and II Most Wanted. Honorable mentions to Riiverdance and II Hands II Heaven, but the whole album is really something, I’m an electronic disco girl at heart but I might love act ii more than Renaissance 🙈 Love her shoutout to Janet on Ya Ya ❤

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you so much! And yes! I adore how forward thinking this album is! It’s insane how fluid Beyoncé had become in the past few years, none of her work ever feels constrictive. Everything builds atop what came before yet shifts! I found myself extremely touched at times then literally dancing the next haha! Love your top 5 picks sm! Riiverdance has creeped up for me just because of the insane 8 verse arrangement that’s really unique. I still have an itty bit more love for Renaissance but Cowboy Carter makes me wanna check out artists like Tanner Adell! Country can genuinely be a healing and powerful genre when context is applied.

[@jet687]

I haven't watched it but already, here's a like.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you 🤠🐴

[@Azooe]

LIKE IF YOU WANT ACT 3 TO BE A ROCK ALBUM 😇🙏

[@josephtafur]

Ooooo, that would great

[@EljohnMacaranas]

We need the rock album yesterday, her performance of Don’t Hurt Yourself where she smashes the camera at the VMAs… iconique

[@noneapplicable1327]

I NEED A ROCK ALBUM! BLACK FOLK INVENTED ROCK!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@noneapplicable1327 keep spilling

[@jet687]

This album takes me back to B'Day! When she came out with Deja-vu running in the cornfields in couture? She's been on a mission.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

OMG, B’Day i need to revisit on here because… the Spanish tracks, the effort and vocals, the songs! I’m so glad she’s back to being freeeee

[@jet687]

@@EljohnMacaranas YES!!! I went back to B'Day history. There's "Creole" bonus track, the musical influences and the TEA! It was wild. I'd love to see it.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@jet687oh i need to queue that up… how coincidental Act ii is somehow dna linked to B’day her second album…

[@RicardoAlexandre-e9f]

I'M SORRY BUT AFTER 7 ICONIC AND BREATH TAKING ALBUM BEYONCÉ CAN'T JUS COMING AND STILL KILLING ME WITH THE 8ST ONE😅 ! LIKE I LITERALLY CAN BREATH AND IF SHE GIVE ME ROCK GOR ACT III... I WILL PROBABLY GO CRAZY😂

[@EljohnMacaranas]

SHE WONT LET ME REST BUT I WILL STAY UP FOR MOTHER YONCE

[@RicardoAlexandre-e9f]

@@EljohnMacaranas BEYONCÉ KNOW'S BETTER TO NOT COME PLAY WITH ME ! CAUSE I KNOW ACT III GONNA SEND ME TO CHURCH 😂

[@Kamoraworld]

Sphegetti, Tyrant, daughter, protector, the question is what song don't I like? I like them all, they all bring different emotions to me, I just listen over& over

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I can’t name a single skip 😭

[@herauthenticself7749]

Okay ive just realized bodyguard kind of reminds me of the song kill you to try by daisy jones ,and the six which is inspired by fleetwood mac sooo yeah im obesssed.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Omg that show was my obsession last year!

[@herauthenticself7749]

@@EljohnMacaranas same bestie

[@DavyYap]

Great job! Thank you so much for this analysis. :D

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you for tuning in! 🤠🐴🥰

[@NateSullivan813]

i think after act lll i have to say it but i think she will announce her retirement

[@MB832]

i hope not

[@EljohnMacaranas]

She cannot retire 😭 but if she does… it’ll be after delivering a 5 album streak for the record books

[@noneapplicable1327]

if she retires, i’m praying she still does features and releases little stand alone song from time to time… i do get why she’d retire but too soon 😭

[@princessjellyfish98]

I don't think that at all! This is music made by a woman who is obsessed with her craft. I can see her slowing down touring and taking a hiatus, but this does not sound like music from someone who could hang it up anytime soon. Apparently she originally wrote 100 songs just for this album. She's not stopping she's just changing and evolving

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@princessjellyfish98100 songs, we’re gonna need the google drive password

[@Bl00db3nder]

another excellent analysis

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you for tuning in! 🥰

[@mharley3791]

My understanding of the lyrics for “Tyrant”: “Hangman” in the song refers to someone who steals men, kind of like a “Jolene”. In the intro Beyoncé is singing to the “hangman” asking them to return her man, tell her how. The beat drops and then takes on the perspective of the “tyrant” singing about why the tyrant is so good at taking men - they love they way the “tyrant” rides it

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Omg I think you cracked it! It fits the themes about fidelity and protecting the roots of the family and trust

[@marlenna215]

No my dear its deeper than that

[@yourfavoriteoompaloompa139]

Your take and sped in doing this is impressive. I’d like to contour and say I think My Rose is fir her woman, fem-presenting fans telling them to love themselves but it can be interchangeable with a personal message to a lover as well.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Omg this reading is gorgeous. I love that message to femme presenting fans. It fits so well!

[@yourfavoriteoompaloompa139]

@@EljohnMacaranas yes!! 🙌🏽💓

[@gloriaredmon2134]

Wonderful review.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank youuuuu!

[@00pium_kingvampstan]

I really adore this record, it’s not silky smooth, and it wasn’t supposed to be. Artistically, it doesn’t feel like a good follow-up to Act I, bc Act I was smooth, it had perfect transitions, and this one is less clean, but that makes sense ig since the country isn’t clean or smooth. (This was also my first Beyoncé rollout, and I still have only listened to one Beyoncé album, being Renaissance, I need to do a discography dive on her) Also, superb video! Really loved your analysis, and it helped me understand it more.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I love how “messy” it is! I think she’s earned the ability to not put out machined records the way her contemporaries still feel pressured to. Def give B’Day a listen, I’ve seen so many in the comments and my own self use it as a guide as to why this album leans way hard into those influences.

[@sk8trstar21]

Beyince is actually her family name on her mothers side. Her cousin Angela still has the surname. It was her mothers birth certificate where they spelled it wrong so on paper Beyoncé is actually mama Tina’s maiden name.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s so cool (and sad on the hospital’s end like spell the name right!)

[@sk8trstar21]

@@EljohnMacaranas so sad and wrong !! They were told they were lucky to even be getting a birth certificate

[@EljohnMacaranas]

What the actual hell… man I hate this country

[@charlie0319]

Great analysis!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you!

[@mohamedAgacem]

Just finished listening to the full album, her best album for me, it's her first album to immediately click for me, I didn't have to sit with it, loved it from the get go My Favorite song is daughter

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Daughter really comes off as a highlight! And I’ve seen so many non Yonce listeners say this was the first full record they loved! Wow!

[@crystalcastillo7575]

Just finished listening to it (and now feel confident to give it a review) . I took my time with it. Listened to a bunch if times so i could fully grasp what i was listening to. And while I loved how much she experimented with new sounds .. a huge part still felt .. flat. The album had a couple of gems but looking at it as a whole.. it feels bloated. And every single time i listened to an interlude i couldn't help but think this was like a metaphorical "middle finger" to the gatekeeper country fans & was kinda like her saying "see the greats embrace me, you should to". I get the usage of interludes.. but my God .. a little less of "introduction" type of songs/audios wouldve been nice. I feel like there were so many songs that could've been better executed. Not even the miley feature sounded right. And i as most excited for that particular song too. Like the two different ranges of both Miley's and Beyonce's voice threw me off. Idk i dont think they meshed well. And even when she brought black country artists on certain songs I was like .. why put them all together on a song.. it sounds so bloated. But yeah, this album was a lot and not in a good way (in my humble opinion). I cant wait to hear act three. Also my favorite song was Flamenco (but it was waaaaaay toooo short. Side note: it sucks that many of my favorite songs were the short songs ) Id give it a 6 . But im biased because i love Beyoncé. But low key low key id give it less. 😭😭😭 All in all for me it's an album with some gems . But super bloated Excellent analysis though!!

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

This isn’t my type of country music (I prefer country pop or country pop rock) but I respect it. I wish the Dolly P interlude was just attached to Jolene because Spotify keeps giving me ad’s between those two. I don’t think I can really say anything else because I really don’t listen to pure country that much

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s OK, I am glad you gave it a listen and that sucks about Spotify putting an ad in between!

[@noneapplicable1327]

Spotify with ads is the worst 😭 I relate they did the same to MEEEEE

[@ThyCatalystRaves]

Okayy, so when I heard those first two tracks she released, I immediately thought of Patsy Cline and how much Bey's energy mirrors hers... I sure called it! She sampled her, and that is gawgessss. NO ONE, can say a thing about this album too when Willy freaking Nelson himself featured on there AND directly edorsed it. I mean... that is countries cool uncle.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

The Patsy Cline call out was so earned! And Willie Nelson’s one of the coolest outlaw country guys around. I’m glad progressive country is becoming more mainstream!

[@ThyCatalystRaves]

Yess, same! 🤩@@EljohnMacaranas

[@jillsarah7356]

LOVE the album. Such an emotional and immersive experience. I do wish there were way less gun references and less cigarette references (I can think of so many other topics to reference country/The South). I wish Desert Eagle was longer and Riiverdance was slightly shorter. Otherwise, WOW. The features? The Miley and Post Malone tracks are INSTANT classics as is her version of Jolene. Love the track with Willie Jones too.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think there’s this need to satirize the stereotypical cowboy hats, guns, and cigs aesthetic. And agreed Desert Eagle needed an outro or something. I love the collaborative nature of the record. She really reached across different generations and voices

[@jillsarah7356]

It’s possible that “ALLIIGATOR TEARS” is her perspective talking to her kids

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Wait that’d be a cool read

[@iAMJM27]

100%

[@rockyallen9745]

Ya Ya is literally the most American song I’ve ever heard! 🇺🇸

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Combining all eras across space and time

[@slystone4892]

I have to say that is her best album yet. Great songs really although I really wish songs so great as My Rose and Flamenco were longer.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think the shorter songs definitely should be extended out like they feel so promising! Like Flamenco ended JUST as I got into it

[@slystone4892]

@@EljohnMacaranas yes I hope she give us extended versions in the future

[@CrisIvan]

That country accent at the end 😭🖐️

[@EljohnMacaranas]

The Florida comes out from time to time

[@glasstablegcrls]

This album reminded me of when I took a road trip from texas to Oklahoma. Never knew that I could get down to country music , until I realized I don’t like the gentrified version of it. 8/10 P.S. Beyoncé, hear me out… Act iii: collabs with Hayley Williams, stevie wonder, lady gaga, Brian may and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Emphasis on Hayley and Gaga. PLSSS

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Act iii being rock does mean she needs to crank out Hayley and Gaga like… c’mon! And yeah, she really breaks away from the sort of generic flanderized post 9/11 country music. I feel like country as a genre broke after that, esp telling how the Chicks were treated after it!

[@daggerdionmusic]

off topic I enjoyed this video but when are you getting into Chappell Roan?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I’m in process of recording 😚

[@leacharbonnier2008]

Looks like all your favs are the ones written by Ryan Beatty (same). You should check his last album 😊

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh def have to check him out!

[@mariiomecatii]

the answer is yes

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Trueeee

[@vanjinathan5877]

not the accent at the end 😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Listen… I’m from Florida 😭

[@1234willali]

Beyoncé please wait for Lana to release her country album.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Lana’s album is gonna be really interesting, I do think it might miss the same Grammy submission period bc Lana tends to be late

[@mother_of_wasps]

I feel like cowboy carter may not be an alter ego, but is a bit similar. Whereas Sasha Fierce is a character Beyonce becomes on stage, cowboy Carter feels like a facet of beyonce as a person, but blown up and dramatized. Like pre PD Ethel Cain. Hayden said she cut off this vile, hurt side of her, and nourished it. Ethel is essentially a tumor in Hayden that was removed but continued to grow while away from her body. Cowboy Carter is definitely not a tumor. But I think there can be parallels drawn, soecifically taking a piece of yourself and blowing it way up beyond what ut ever would naturally be.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh I actually really love this take. The record seemed to originally or at some point be named Beyince based on like physical copies not having certain songs and the spine saying that. So I agree to a degree, Cowboy Carter is an extension or compartmentalization of Bey’s inner self manifested. I think all characters to a degree are always an extension of the author or their worldviews!

[@khaidarbekezhanov4735]

can you make the "parwood/columbia" watermark smaller and more tucked in the corner? it's a bit too distracting especially when there are other text elements shown at the same time

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh yeah, that was a nightmare to edit together but just covering my butt for copyright stuff! Def will for any future work

[@cybersmoker9931]

OK, FINE. She made the second good album, I'll give it that 🙄 The holy trinity from this album would be for me: Ameriican Requiem, Riiverdance and Tyrant 🤠

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Hahaha, I’m hoping Act iii hits the same chords! Ren still sorta tops it for me just because I prefer dance a bit more but yessss omg your top 3 🤠🥰

[@davidpachecogarcia]

Beyonce did country for the black community as, another Queen Diva, Selena did for the Mexican/American community back in the day. Which I think Beyonce talked about the influence Selena had on her. Would def make sense since Selena def stoped in Houston when she toured. I’ll say that Texas is quite the cultural melting pot and country itself doesn’t only have one sound. There’s so many cultures that contributed to that genre and to try to tell any artist to stop trying is ridiculous.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s so cool and meaningful. I didn’t even remotely consider Selena’s influence. And agreed fully on the melting pot aspect, I think monoculturalism is the enemy of progress and understanding. Genre purists really are foolish. The version they claim to love has already been formed from what came before!

[@lc4375]

I'm just going to make this clear that I'm not a hater of Beyonce and I do like most of her music but Cowboy Carter maybe one of her most inconsistent records to date. Hear me out. First of all it's 27 tracks and there are a few interludes that are just random filler. Second of all , it's not as strong as Renaissance vocally and lyrically. I appreciate where she's going with this country era but it's just not my cup of tea. To be fair , there are some highlights for example Bodyguard , Texas Hold Em and Amen.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think that’s fair! It’s not going to be for everyone but I admire how she took the swing! Renaissance definitely was after she found her groove with this

[@lc4375]

@@EljohnMacaranas thank you for respecting my opinion I thought I'm gonna get attacked 😂

[@blackrose-kt3ed]

Dose Beyoncé write her music?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

She has credits on a bunch of tracks, I think she does participate in the process!

[@smarrtie2571]

Is it unpopular not to like this album

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I def see a few people with legitimate complaints! It’s not a welcoming record to casual listeners who probably will find a few tracks they like and cut the rest out. I feel like compared to Renaissance, there’s a bit of a gap in enthusiasm and outright praise, I do think CC will grow on a few but 27 tracks IS demanding. Even SOS which I adore was getting wacked for being 22!

[@slystone4892]

I don’t like Ya Ya is her second worst song here after Spaghetti

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think YAYA and Spaghettii were last minute additions to the record, peoples vinyls and physical copies arrived and those songs, Oh Louisiana, Flamenco, and the Linda Martell Show are cut

[@archivesunset4214]

not like Yaya is crazy work

[@jgr2637]

Really underwhelmed by Jolene, felt like hollow corporate feminism. The song worked because it was full of longing and longing and vulnerability. The empowering angle is becoming repetitive imo

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think it can come off as that but I liked it as a capstone to Lemonade’s story, I felt part of why that album was so cool was that whole vulnerability and insecurity Bey finally let us know about. The cover feels like an epilogue to the Becky with the Good Hair saga she started.

[@阑肖恩]

u know dolly herself is the sole lyrist on the new version right? that means her want it that way

[@marlenna215]

Definitely not what alligator tears is about

[@bankm4856]

Jane toussaint 2.0

[@EljohnMacaranas]

School Daze is such a good movie omg

[@raindear5342]

I Alsto wa erased😂

[@EljohnMacaranas]

🫣

[@slystone4892]

Spaghetti is her worst song here.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think it’s tonally the most mismatched track, but I do like how oddball it is

[@TeenaDavis101]

Beyonce writes? 🤣🤣🤣

[@archivesunset4214]

she's been writing since destiny's child

[@Christian-ql7uq]

its not good. the vocals are way overproduced while the background music is very monotonous and doesn't really go anywhere. most of the songs build to absolutely nothing. i appreciate the sentiment in the album, and what it means to beyonce on a personal level, but if you're going to do an album like this, you have to fully encapsulate the essence of country, otherwise it just sounds half-assed. is it experimental? yes. does that make it good? no. this album might actually be beyonce's worse album, and thats unfortunate because it could have been so much better considering the money that was thrown at it to make it sound good, only to come out sounding overcooked and unfulfilled. definitely wouldn't listen to it again.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ooop

[@阑肖恩]

ahh typical overproduced and money-comsuming bullsh*t, can you guys use another type of vocabulary? if u really want plain sounding poppy-trendy music, pls dont mind ppl calling u boring and dull

[@archivesunset4214]

saying her vocals are overproduced when this is some of her most raw vocals on a album ever...literally the only album overproduced vocally (on purpose) is renaissance 😭🤦‍♂️u g@ys just say anything

[@kevinrudy]

it's a huge miss for me

[@EljohnMacaranas]

how so?

[@阑肖恩]

then dont listen

[@jillsarah7356]

“Old a$ $ guy?” Please educate yourself on Willie Nelson. He’s probably cooler than you. The unchecked ageism amongst most of Gen Zers is odd.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

lmao it was a joke… i honestly can’t wait to get old

[@queenbutterfly4888]

This album is horrible in my opinion and she has a monotone voice

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Beyonce’s vocals on this… monotone?!

[@阑肖恩]

dont mind us calling u tasteless?

[@henriksrensen3220]

The album sucks. Zero substance

[@EljohnMacaranas]

K

[@EljohnMacaranas]

😐

[@Ms.Pin-Cushion]

LOL

[@RapNB2011]

The album is trash. I said what I said 😊

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s OK to be contrarian

[@euphoriantraveller8651]

Lol

[@zyajones9360]

Beyonce is begging to win best album ...but this Wanna be country album trash mess , won't be it 😮...

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think she’s aware she’s persona non grata, they’ll likely toss it to Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, Ari G 😭

[@gleamingtwinklingandsoinviting]

I loved the album so much it overthrew B-day's reign on my ranking😟this deserves to win imo... act l wasnt deserving, this is. (MY opinion, not racially motivated or whatsoever so dont yap ab how i dont get renaissance's theme/meaning)

[@faithfulheart6399]

You are part of the problem and why this album exists. Congratulations 🥳

[@frequencyreport]

Not one track compares to Daddy Lessons on Lemonade. It's a chop for me.

[@archivesunset4214]

be fr rn...it's amazing

[@EljohnMacaranas]

ummmm bodyguard solos

[@euphoriantraveller8651]

@@archivesunset4214people gonna hate 😂

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Literally Ratio’d loves to be contrarian on here lol

[@frequencyreport]

@@EljohnMacaranas I loved Renaissance, Lemonade and still think the black album is her tour de force. This album just seems a lil contrived for me, but I love your channel and analysis. ❤️💯

[@JZidor]

My rose is for blue ivy, rose, ivy.… get it

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ohhhhhh… wait i kinda get lost in the weeds

[@JZidor]

@@EljohnMacaranas just hit me this morning

[@rogeryacinthe7857]

My Rose is actually about her son Sir Carter! On the CDs the song appears as Mr.Sir instead of My Rose, hinting that she intended this to be dedicated to Sir

[@gunneralan9011]

11:57 it’s not Willie Nelson featured it’s Willie Jones 🙏🏼💞

[@EljohnMacaranas]

TY, recorded this at like 1 am lmao