Last week, Beyoncé released a 27-track country album titled “Cowboy Carter” that has already made history and broken streaming records on various platforms. Spotify announced that on the album’s release day, it became the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far. It also earned the title of most-first day streams of a country album by a female artist on Amazon Music, marking Beyoncé’s biggest debut on the platform. The album has resonated with fans who clearly can’t get enough of it.
Prior to the album’s release, Beyoncé dropped two singles on Superbowl Sunday: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to top that chart. The single has crossed genres, appearing on nine U.S. charts including pop, adult alternative, country, rhythmic, urban, and R&B. The album debuted at No. 2 on Apple Music charts, and 26 out of 27 songs are currently on the service’s top 100 list.
Beyoncé, who hails from Houston and is the executive producer of the album, has described “Cowboy Carter” as the best music she’s ever made. The album features collaborations with artists like Miley Cyrus, as well as covers of iconic songs such as Dolly Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene.” Parton and Willie Nelson lend their voices to vignettes on the album, along with Linda Martell, the first commercially successful Black woman country artist. Beyoncé also covers the Beatles’ song “Blackbird” featuring Black country singer-songwriters, among other notable collaborations on the album.
In one of the tracks, Beyoncé samples Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 song “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” which Sinatra responded to positively on social media. Dolly Parton also praised Beyoncé’s cover of “Jolene,” a scornful song with lyrics that warn a woman to stay away from your man. Parton expressed delight at Beyoncé’s rendition of the song. The album has received recognition from various legends in the music industry, signifying its impact and relevance in today’s music landscape.
Overall, “Cowboy Carter” showcases Beyoncé’s versatility and talent as an artist, blending genres and collaborating with a diverse range of musicians to create a distinct and memorable album. The success and acclaim the album has garnered within a short span of time underscores Beyoncé’s enduring influence and innovation in the music industry. With its groundbreaking achievements and contributions to country music, “Cowboy Carter” stands as a testament to Beyoncé’s artistic vision and creativity.
