In a nostalgic Instagram post reminiscent of vintage concert advertisements, Beyoncé dropped the highly anticipated track list for her brand new studio album “Cowboy Carter.” Scheduled for release this Friday, the 27-song record is rumored to be a genre-bending project years in the making. At 27 tracks, “Cowboy Carter” is poised to be Beyoncé’s longest album to date.
Two roots-influenced singles from the album have already taken the world by storm. “Texas Hold ‘Em” topped both the Billboard country and pop charts, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to score a number-one country hit. The smoldering track “16 Carriages” hints at more twang-tinged treasures to come.
Eagle-eyed listeners spotted potential collaborations with icons Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson woven into the setlist. A song titled “Jolene” seemingly pays homage to Parton’s classic, while “Smoke Hour” appears joined by Nelson’s signature raspy vocals.
Beyoncé first revealed her country ambitions during the 2024 Super Bowl, describing “Cowboy Carter” as the second act in a three-part project. Five years in the dream, the album was cultivated from her experience of feeling unwelcome at the 2016 Country Music Awards.
“It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t,”
Beyoncé
With nods to icons like Linda Martell and surprising collaborators, “Cowboy Carter” promises to blend genres and push boundaries. Beyoncé asserts this ain’t your typical country record, it’s simply another masterpiece from one of music’s most innovative forces. The world can’t wait to saddle up for the genre-bending rodeo that is sure to follow its Friday release.
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