Beyoncé has made history by become the first Black woman to top the Billboard country albums chart with her eighth studio album, Act II: Cowboy Carter. The album also reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, with the single “Texas Hold ‘Em” topping both the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts. Cowboy Carter accumulated 407,000 album equivalent units in the United States during its first week of release through a combination of traditional album sales and on-demand streams.
The album delves into Americana culture and explores the question of who truly owns it. Inspired by Beyoncé’s connection to the rodeo, Cowboy Carter highlights the roots of modern country music and the experiences of 19th-century Black cowboys in the West. Beyoncé expressed her process of experimentation and exploration in creating the album, recording around 100 songs before piecing together a cohesive body of work. Cowboy Carter is part of a proposed trilogy series, following the release of the first installment, Renaissance, in 2022.
Cowboy Carter features collaborations with country music icons such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell. Beyoncé performs a rendition of Parton’s “Jolene,” collaborates with Nelson on “Smoke Hour,” and pays homage to Martell. Other collaborators on the album include Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Willie Jones, and even her daughter Rumi Carter on the track “Protector.” One of the standout songs on the album is “Blackbird,” a reinterpretation of the Beatles tune that brings together four Black female country artists to perform with Beyoncé.
With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has taken the opportunity to uplift an often overlooked and underrepresented group, African Americans, who have played a significant role in the creation and influence of the country music genre. The album pushes the boundaries of traditional country music by incorporating diverse voices and perspectives, showcasing the rich history and contributions of Black artists to the genre. Beyoncé’s success with Cowboy Carter further solidifies her status as a trailblazer and icon in the music industry, breaking new ground and setting records with her innovative and boundary-pushing work.
The release of Cowboy Carter marks a significant moment in Beyoncé’s career and in the history of country music. By topping the Billboard country albums chart and bringing attention to the contributions of Black artists to the genre, Beyoncé has once again proven her talent, influence, and ability to transcend boundaries. The album’s exploration of Americana culture and celebration of Black cowboys adds a new dimension to the genre, pushing the conversation forward and shining a light on the diversity and richness of country music. Beyoncé’s impact on the industry and her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices make Cowboy Carter a groundbreaking and significant addition to her already impressive body of work.
