If you haven't heard yet, Beyoncé dropped her latest album "Act II: Cowboy Carter" last Friday. This album breaks free from the constraints of traditional music genres, showcasing a mix of country, folk, gospel, rap, pop, and even Italian opera. Beyoncé made it clear on Instagram that this album is not just a country album, but a true representation of her artistry. The result is a diverse and captivating collection that is uniquely Beyoncé.
In "Cowboy Carter's" latest song "Spaghettii," Beyoncé delivers a bold rap verse near the beginning. The track features a guest appearance by Black country pioneer Linda Martell. In her verse, Beyoncé boldly declares, "At the snap of my fingers, I'm Thanos," referencing the powerful Marvel villain who wiped out half the universe with a snap of his fingers.
"Spaghettii" showcases Beyoncé in a raw and unrestrained light, showcasing a different side of her on the album. This is a departure from what many expected, as the album was initially labeled as predominantly "country" - a genre that is constantly evolving. The song stands out among tracks like the reflective "Daughter" and the poignant ballad "Alligator Tears."
Thanos (Josh Brolin) in "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019.
Thanos (Josh Brolin) in "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019.
Marvel Studios
The song, which also features Shaboozey, includes a reference to Beyoncé's previous album "Renaissance," now known as her "Act I" in this new era. Shaboozey mentions "That Beyoncé Virgo s–t," a nod to "Virgo's Groove" from her popular 2022 album "Act II."
In the new album, "Ya Ya" follows with a cheerful and infectious tone, reminiscent of the spirit of "Renaissance." The song includes various references and samples, notably from Nancy Sinatra's 1966 hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." Beyoncé also pays homage to The Beach Boys' 1966 classic "Good Vibrations" with the lyrics, "She’s pickin’ up good vibrations, he’s lookin’ for sweet sensations."
The track "Cowboy Carter" is filled with numerous references that are too many to mention. In the second to last song, "Sweet Honey Buckin’," Beyoncé seems to address her husband Jay-Z's recent comments about her not winning a Grammy for album of the year. With lyrics like "A-O-T-Y, I ain’t win (That’s cool)/ I ain’t stuntin’ ’bout them," she makes it clear that she is unfazed by the lack of recognition.
Beyoncé pays tribute to artists who paved the way for her and challenges traditional country music norms by bridging the past with the present. Martell's influence can be heard on several album interludes, while snippets of Chuck Berry are featured on tracks like "Smoke House Willie Nelson" and "Oh Louisiana."
In a captivating rendition of The Beatles' "Blackbird" on the second track, Beyoncé collaborates with up-and-coming Black country musicians Tanner Adell, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy, and Brittney Spencer. On "Just for Fun," she teams up with Willie Jones, whose music blends elements of the Block Party with the Barn Dance.
Beyoncé shows there’s room for all at her “Cowboy Carter”party – and the bigger the better.
Editor's P/S:
Beyoncé's latest album, "Act II: Cowboy Carter," is a testament to her artistry and her ability to transcend musical genres. The album showcases a diverse range of sounds, from country to rap to opera, and features collaborations with a variety of artists, including Linda Martell, Shaboozey, and Willie Jones.
One of the most striking aspects of the album is its lyrical content. In "Spaghettii," Beyoncé references the Marvel villain Thanos, showcasing her willingness to tackle complex and timely themes. In "Sweet Honey Buckin'," she addresses her husband Jay-Z's recent comments about her not winning a Grammy for album of the year, demonstrating her resilience and confidence. Through her lyrics, Beyoncé empowers herself and her fans, reminding them that success is not always measured by awards.s unwavering creativity and her ability to transcend boundaries, creating music that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
