Andrew Melder

Going to clarify this thread by saying this is a personal opinion, because there’s no doubt I’ll be called out somehow for daring to criticise Beyoncé.

I finished listening to Cowboy Carter & struggled to do so.

This feels like an album trying to win awards. Meanwhile there’s a constant struggle between trying to adhere to a genre, while simultaneously trying to redefine it somehow.

It all just means that the whole album feels disjointed.

It starts off defensively, predicting the backlash about her doing a country album; even though you could make valid arguments for and against that case.

I’ve heard others describe the second half of this album redefining the country genre; but it’s where the album lost me. Singing about whiskey, rhinestones and saying giddy up doesn’t make a country song. It’s more aligned with her previous work with country slang to make it feel like she’s challenging stereotypes & trying to redefine things.

However there is some good stuff here. II MOST WANTED is a standout for me. BLACKBIIRD is a very nice version (Jon Batiste still does my favourite cover). YA YA and RIIVERDANCE are good despite the genre theatrics. BODYGUARD is just a straight pop song.

I’m not precious about the aggressiveness of JOLENE. I personally don’t get the female empowerment play of threatening the woman your man cheated on you with though (maybe, just maybe, expect better from your man).

Overall, it will probably win praise and awards. Yet team Carter will still find a way to spin it to give the impression Beyoncé isn’t given her dues somehow. Which will likely just be more promotional fuel for the next album.

I don’t think I’ll be revisiting this one soon.