Beyoncé releases her first country album 'Cowboy Carter'
It's the second 'Renaissance' album
Last updated 4th Sep 2024
'Cowboy Carter', Beyoncé's first country music album has now arrived! The singer announced the release date for her highly-anticipated second 'Renaissance' album during a Super Bowl advert, and released the tracklist just days before its release on 29th March.
The album is the second 'Renaissance' album to be released, following the first album in July 2022, which was the first out of a three-album project.
On the day of the album's release, Beyoncé shared a video captioning it: 'COWBOY CARTER OUT NOW — AVAILABLE AT SHOP.BEYONCE.COM'. In the video, Beyoncé can be seen retuning an old radio, as a presenter (country star Willie Nelson) says: "Welcome to the Smoke Hour on KNTRY Radio Texas. You know my name, no need to know yours."
Days before the album was released, Beyoncé shared the tracklist, which featured several huge collaborations, with some unusually named songs, including many with extra double letters (denoting act ii), Beyoncé shared song names such as: 'Ameriican Requiem', 'Blackbiird', '16 Carriages', 'Spaghettii' and 'Levii's Jeans'.
The post also included a song called 'Dolly P' a nod to the country legend Dolly Parton, with another song called 'Jolene'. Dolly previously said she thought Beyoncé had recorded a cover of her 1973 hit, speaking to Knox News, Dolly said: "I think she's recorded Jolene and I think it's probably gonna be on her country album, which I'm very excited about."
What is Beyoncé's country album called?
Early in 2024, Beyoncé took to her Instagram Stories, as well as sharing the news to her newsletter subscribers, that the album would be called 'Cowboy Carter'. The artwork showed a horse's saddle, with a red, white and blue sash with the album title written on it.
The singer also updated the bio on Instagram to read: 'act iiㅤ ㅤ COWBOY CARTER ㅤ 3.29'.
How did Beyoncé announce the album's release date?
In the advert for US communications company Verizon, Beyoncé could be seen trying to break the internet in several ways.
After playing the saxophone, creating a 'Beyonc-AI robot' and dressing as Bar-bey (Barbie), Beyoncé said: "Okay, they ready. Drop the new music." Immediately after the advert aired, two new country-themed singles called 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages' were released,
It was also confirmed that the second 'Renaissance' album was to be released on 29th March.
What is the full tracklist for Beyoncé's album?
- 'Ameriican Requiem'
- 'Blackbiird'
- '16 Carriages'
- 'Protector'
- 'My Rose'
- 'Smoke Hour Willie Nelson'
- 'Texas Hold 'Em'
- 'Bodyguard'
- 'Dolly P'
- 'Jolene' Dolly Parton cover
- 'Daughter'
- 'Spaghettii'
- 'Aliigator Tears'
- 'Smoke Hour II'
- 'Just For Fun'
- 'II Most Wanted'
- 'Levii's Jeans'
- 'Flamenco'
- 'The Linda Martell Show'
- 'Ya Ya'
- 'Oh Louisana'
- 'Desert Eagle'
- 'Riiverdance'
- 'II Hands II Heaven'
- 'Tyrant'
- 'Sweet Honey Buckin''
- 'Amen'
Now let's take a look through the hints of a country album that Beyoncé gave us:
The album leans into the country genre, with fans having speculated at the theme following Beyoncé's appearance at this year's Grammy Awards.
From right back to her childhood roots, it seemed that Beyoncé looked set to release a country album, as the singer comes from Houston, Texas, she's also previously released a Rodeo collection of her Ivy Park clothing range with Adidas.
Beyoncé's Grammys outfit
Many fans noticed Beyoncé's Grammys 2024 outfit was all about country, topped off with a white cowboy hat. Fans took to social media to share their thoughts, with one writing: 'Was Beyoncé's Grammy outfit a hint to her next album? Invisible cowgirl'.
Another fan wrote: 'I really love Beyoncé's Grammy outfit like the cowboy hat and everything. It's so Country and omg.' (sic)
She grew up in Houston, Texas
Fans of the pop super star will know that she hails from Texas, Houston to be precise. Cowboys are traditionally associated with Texas and the other Southern States of the USA.
The 'Renaissance' artwork hinted at it
Beyoncé's fans went into overdrive when she announced her album 'Renaissance' back in 2022, along with her world tour. The artwork for her album and tour featured the singer sitting on the back on a mirrorball horse, wearing a silver outfit.
Beyoncé has already released a country song
While she might be known for her pop music, the singer has already released a country song called song called 'Daddy Lessons'. Beyoncé performed the song back in 2016 at Country Music Association Awards with country group The Chicks.
Listen to the audio on YouTube
Ivy Park Rodeo
Three years ago, Beyoncé released Ivy Park Rodeo, a collection with Adidas. The singer told the Houston Chronicle: "I grew up seeing artists like Selena and Frankie Beverly and Maze and today it is just as eclectic with artists like Kacey Musgraves to Mary J. Blige. I remember the trail ride, with people riding from all over to the Houston Rodeo."
When was 'Renaissance Act II' released?
Beyoncé's second 'Renaissance' album 'Cowboy Carter' is out now, it was released on 29th March. After announcing the release date during a Super Bowl commercial, the singer dropped the first two tracks from the album - 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages'.
Take a look through Beyoncé's career:
Before 1998
Beyoncé started her music career as a young child. When she was just eight-years-old she met LaTavia Roberson at an audition. The pair were put into a group called Girl's Tyme along with some other girls.
Usher revealed in an interview with People that he knew Beyoncé when she was just 11 or 12-years-old. He told them: "She used to be in a group by the name of The Dolls. I don't know if I could consider myself their babysitter, but I had a time where I had to watch The Dolls."
In 1995 Beyoncé's dad quit his job to manage the group, reducing the line-up to four.
In 1996, the group changed their name on Destiny's Child. They've had a few line-ups over the years, in 1998 this was the line-up: LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé.
2000: Destiny's Child most famous line-up
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams is the best-known line-up for Destiny's Child. The group got their first UK Number 1 in 2000 with 'Independent Women Part I' which featured on the Charlie's Angels' soundtrack.
The group's four albums and hits included 'Bills, Bills, Bills', 'Survivor', 'Independent Woman' and 'Bootylicious' and saw them become one of the best-selling girl groups in history.
2001: Destiny's Child won two Grammys
'Say My Name' was a big winner for Destiny's Child in 2001. Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle won two Grammys for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best R&B Song.
Over the years, Destiny's Child have been nominated for 14 Grammys and won three.
2002: Beyoncé starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember
Austin Powers in Goldmember was the first big screen release that Beyoncé starred in. She played the role of Foxxy Cleopatra, Austin Powers' new sidekick.
2003: The Fighting Temptations
In 2003, Beyoncé starred in The Fighting Temptations, a film which also starred Cuba Gooding Jr.
2003 was also the year that Beyoncé released her debut solo hit 'Crazy In Love', it quickly claimed the Number 1 spot on both sides of the Atlantic.
2007: Beyoncé starred in Dreamgirls
Beyoncé played the role of Deena Jones in the Hollywood blockbuster Dreamgirls. The film, although a work of fiction, was inspired by the Motown record label and Diana Ross and The Supremes.
Beyoncé was nominated for the Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Golden Globe.
2008: Beyoncé released ' I Am... Sasha Fierce'
Beyoncé released her third solo studio album 'I am... Sasha Fierce', named after her on-stage alter ego. The album was hugely popular spawning hits 'If I Were a Boy', 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)', 'Halo' and 'Sweet Dreams'.
Watch the music video for 'Single Ladies'
2011: Beyoncé headlined Glastonbury
Headlining the Sunday night at the iconic festival, Beyoncé's Glastonbury performance was one that will be talked about for years to come. The singer performed some of her biggest songs including 'Crazy in Love', 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' and 'Sweet Dreams'.
2014: Beyoncé won four MTV Music Awards
Beyoncé took home four awards at the 2014 MTV Music Awards, including the Video Vanguard Award which is a 'special award of merit' that is given to recording artists and music video directors.
That year she also took home awards for Best Video with a Social Message and Best Cinematography both for 'Pretty Hurts' and Best Collaboration for 'Drunk in Love' featuring Jay-Z.
2015: Beyoncé won three Grammys
In 2015, Beyoncé added to her collection of Grammys winning three awards. She won, Best Surround Sound Album for 'Beyoncé', and Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song both for 'Drunk in Love' featuring Jay-Z.
2016: Ivy Park clothing line
Adding to her list of huge accomplishments, who can forget back in 2014 when the superstar co-founded the popular athleisure clothing line Ivy Park?! The brand initially hit the shelves as it launched as a joint venture with Topshop in 2016.
Following the brand's MEGA success, Ivy Park has gone onto launch multiple collabs with none other than sports-wear giant Adidas!
2016: Beyoncé released 'Lemonade'
Beyoncé's sixth album 'Lemonade' wins the award for most talked-up - and rightly so. 'Lemonade' dropped out of NOWHERE on 23rd April 2016 as a visual album including a 65-minute film. The album's tracks largely focus on Beyoncé's husband Jay-Z's alleged infidelities.
Bey doesn't hold back in the lyrics, 'Hold Up' includes the lines, 'I smell your secrets, and I'm not too perfect to ever feel this worthless. How did it come down to this? Scrolling through your call list'. These themes continue in 'Sorry' with, 'Look at my watch, he should have been home. Today I regret the night I put that ring on', before the now-iconic lines, 'He only want me when I'm not there. He better call Becky with the good hair.'
As you can imagine, the internet went into MELTDOWN! Only adding to the hype was that the album was only available to stream on Jay-Z's Tidal for the first week of its release.
2017: Beyoncé took home two Grammys
Beyoncé followed her 2015 success winning two Grammys in 2017 for Best Urban Contemporary Album for 'Lemonade' and Best Music Video for 'Formation'.
This was the year that Adele won five Grammys being up against Beyoncé in several categories. She famously 'broke' her Grammy in half wanting to give part of it to Beyoncé.
2018: Destiny's Child's reunion at Coachella
The girls are still going strong! The trio united when Beyoncé headlined Coachella in 2018 with a special appearance much to the delight of the crowd. Plus they seem as close as ever with Beyoncé celebrating bandmate Kelly Rowland's 38th birthday with some epic throwback pics. The pair go way back as they originally met at school before forming a band managed by Beyoncé's father Matthew Knowles.
2019: Beyoncé starred in the live-action remake of The Lion King
Beyoncé appeared as the adult Nala in the Disney live-action remake of The Lion King. It was back in 2017 that rumours first surfaced that the pop star would be taking on a role in the film, and she even released Lion King-inspired album 'The Gift', produced by Beyoncé herself.
2020: Beyoncé released 'Black Is King'
'Black Is King' was the visual companion to Beyoncé's album, 'The Lion King: The Gift', which accompanied the 2020 film.
'Black Is King' was directed, written, and executive produced by Beyoncé.
2021: Beyoncé wrote 'Be Alive'
Beyoncé wrote a song called 'Be Alive' which is featured on the soundtrack for the film King Richard, which stars Will Smith.
The song has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
2022: Beyoncé releases 'act i Renaissance'
After what felt like a lifetime, Beyoncé officially revealed in June 2022 that she had a new album on the way. After getting her fans talking as she removed all of her social media profile pictures, the singer subtly revealed that she had a new album on the way as she simply changed her bio's to read: 'act i RENAISSANCE 7.29'.
Not only did the bio officially reveal that her seventh studio album would be called 'act i Renaissance', but it also confirmed that the album would be released on 29th July 2022 - a massive six years since her last album 'Lemonade'.
Ahead of dropping the album, she released the amazing track 'Break My Soul' on 21st June, which has since also had six different remixed versions released.
2023: Beyoncé announces 'Renaissance' world tour
Beyoncé announced her 'Renaissance' world tour on 1st February. Her tour includes several UK dates, as well as 40 in total across Europe and North America.
2023: Beyoncé makes Grammy Award history
Beyoncé makes Grammy Award history by breaking the record for the most Grammy wins - totaling an incredible 32 awards!
2023: Two BRIT Award wins
Although she couldn't be there in person, Beyoncé still dominated the BRIT Awards 2023, taking home both awards she was nominated for: International Artist of the Year and Best International Song for 'Break My Soul'. She beat the likes of Lizzo, Taylor Swift, David Guetta, Ed Sheeran and OneRepublic for the gongs!
2023: Beyoncé embarked on her 'Renaissance' tour
Beyoncé embarked on her amazing 'Renaissance' tour in 2023, which included several dates across the UK. The epic set list consisted of 36 songs, including classic hits such as 'Crazy In Love' and 'Run The World (Girls)' along with songs from her most recent album.
The tour began in Stockholm in May and concludes in Kansas City in October.
2023: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' tour film released in cinemas
Beyoncé has released her film Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé in cinemas. The film includes behind the scenes footage from her huge tour. It was confirmed shortly after the announcement, that the film would drop in cinemas worldwide on 1st December 2023.
2024: Beyoncé releases 'Cowboy Carter'
Beyoncé releases her first country album 'Cowboy Carter'. The album features 27 songs including her hits '16 Carriages' and 'Texas Hold 'Em'.
Now read:
Beyoncé's glittering career: From Destiny's Child to The Carters
Beyoncé makes history becoming the most-awarded Grammy artist of all time
Everything you need to know about Beyoncé's 'act i RENAISSANCE'