Beyoncé's new album, Cowboy Carter: Act II, was eagerly anticipated by fans. However, when the physical copies of the album were released, some fans were left disappointed.
After Cowboy Carter was released on March 29, fans who had preordered CDs and vinyl LPs noticed that the songs didn't match up with what was available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. One fan took to Reddit to share, "I just listened to my Cowboy Carter vinyl and I can confirm it is missing 5 songs." Other fans quickly chimed in, noting that songs like "Spaghetii," "Flamenco," "YA YA," "The Linda Martell Show," and "Oh Louisiana" were missing from the vinyl pressing.
Some fans who ordered the CD version were excited to listen to “Flamenco.” However, there was some confusion as Beyoncé’s store had promised an “additional song” on the CD version, leading fans to believe it would be a bonus track. It turns out that “Flamenco” may have been the promised “additional” track.
One disappointed fan expressed their frustration about the physical release of Cowboy Carter, stating, “It's so messy. There's no regular cover vinyl, the spine of the alt cover says ‘beyince’ instead of [Cowboy Carter], missing songs on both cd and vinyl, no deluxe cd song as advertised, and still no official explanation provided.”
Some fans have noticed discrepancies beyond just the track list. For example, one fan posted a video of the song “II Hands II Heaven” with what they described as “extra vocals” while playing the LP.
Speculations arose among fans that Beyoncé may have made changes to Cowboy Carter after initially submitting the music for pressing on vinyl and CD. It seems Cowboy Carter is not the only album to offer a different experience depending on the format it is listened to. In fact, Variety pointed out that Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 had only 10 tracks on the LP, compared to 22 on the streaming version. Additionally, the vinyl version of Ariana Grande’s recently released Eternal Sunshine features a different rendition of the song “Supernatural.”
Beyonce Fans Furious Over Missing Cowboy Carter Songs Jay-Z
Beyoncé and Jay-Z Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Fans have also speculated that Cowboy Carter may not have been its original title. The album features non-cowboy artwork and the title Beyincé on the spine. Online discussions have questioned whether Beyoncé had initially planned to name this second part of her album trilogy (which began with 2022’s Renaissance) something else before its official release.
Despite some issues with the physical release, Cowboy Carter has been well-received by both fans and critics. Country artists like Cassadee Pope have commended Beyoncé for bringing a fresh perspective to country music in a way they had never seen before.
What is the standout track on Beyonce's album 'Cowboy Carter'?
The album includes collaborations with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and others. Cyrus, 31, expressed her excitement about working with Beyoncé in a heartfelt Instagram post after the album dropped. She wrote, "Thank you Beyonce. You're amazing and more. Love you. To everyone who contributed to making this song so incredible, thank you from the depths of my heart."
Editor's P/S:
The article reveals the disappointment faced by fans upon the release of Beyoncé's physical album, "Cowboy Carter: Act II." The discrepancies between the streaming and physical versions, including missing songs and additional vocals, have left fans frustrated. Despite the issues, the album has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praise Beyoncé's innovative approach to country music.
This situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the differences between physical and digital album formats. While streaming platforms offer convenience and accessibility, physical releases provide a tangible and immersive experience. However, the article raises concerns about the potential for discrepancies between these formats, which can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction among fans. It remains to be seen whether artists and record labels will address this issue in the future to ensure a consistent experience across all platforms. production process and the communication between Beyoncé and her team. Fans eagerly await an official explanation from Beyoncé or her representatives to address the concerns and provide clarity on the album's final form.