Like many individuals (I assume), I used to be awake at midnight on March 29, 2024, eagerly awaiting the release of Beyoncé’s latest album Giselle Knowles-Carter. Since the Grammy Awards, where she stunned with her two country-flavored singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” the conversation about what this album could possibly be (and why) has been a relentless conversation. Would it’s a country album? What would that sound like? Beyoncé, v Instagram post from March 19, said, “It’s not a country album. This is the Beyoncé album. And boy was she right. I mean, it is a country album, nevertheless it’s 100% a Beyoncé album, within the spirit of country and American music. Oh, and it jams. I’ve been listening to “Cowboy Carter” for hours and I’m totally committed to this project.

Of course, we’d like more time to spend on this to properly grasp all of the Easter eggs, symbolism, etc. I’m sure there will likely be countless analyzes over the subsequent few weeks. But within the meantime, I even have a couple of thoughts to share about my listening experiences thus far. So…can I kick it?

(Yes you possibly can!)

1. I’m really having fun with this album thus far. It’s so funny. It goes through so many alternative sounds and takes on what most of us would consider country music. I can not say it turns that concept on its head (although Linda Martell talking about genre at the start of “Spaghetia” is an excellent shot at people on the whole who attempt to limit every artist’s work attributable to their issues), nevertheless it’s definitely Beyoncé – participate in what may be very black, soulful and funky. It’s a press release.

2. I remember conversations over a decade ago where Beyoncé’s longevity was up for debate. Part of that conversation was that before she released her self-titled album – arguably the largest surprise ever – the narrative around Beyoncé was that nobody really knew her or what she was talking about. We caught glimpses here and there in several of the interviews she gave. Everything modified on December 13, 2013, when “Beyoncé” showed herself as an entire person; this album introduced us to Beyoncé in a way we didn’t know. I feel like all of us had the chance to “see” her for the primary time. And then she recorded “Lemonade”, “Homecoming: The Live Album”, “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter”. Now I feel like I do know Beyoncé more as an individual and an artist. He makes artistic statements with his music. An evolution that we as artists had not seen before 2013 now exists in its fullest form. I’m curious to see what she’s able to at this point, and there are only a couple of artists I’d say that about. This version of Beyoncé has something to say and she or he does it in a fully slaptastic way. As we wish to say now, “I love it for her.”

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3. On a private level, this album touched me deeply. My mother, who died in 2022, was a country music fan. I feel this album can be a fun conversation (and argument) for us. We would discuss its “country music” merits. We would discuss which, if any, of the songs were good. We would argue about it whole and in pieces and I’m so sorry I can not do it with my mom. I do not know if this album would have filled any gap for us, but we used to have a musical bond, and despite the fact that she hated what she considered pop country music, I made her hearken to this album and… we talked. . I’d give anything to give you the chance to check with my mother about this album. I’m getting emotional fascinated about it, so I’ll just move on.

4. I do not know why, but as soon as I assumed he was making a country album, I desired to “Jolena” Beyoncé cover. Obviously similar to Dolly Partonand quite a couple of people, I suppose. “Jolene” appears to be one in all those songs that even non-country music fans know, but however, so does Dolly Parton. The thing is, I’m glad we have now the duvet version. Will this grow to be the definitive version like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and even Bey’s “Before I Let Go”? Probably not, but I’m glad it exists, and if I’m improper, I’ll be comfortable about it too.

5. I used to be very curious who can be there. The appearance of Willie Nelson is a cameo I didn’t even know I needed. I laughed once I saw his name within the credits. Come on, Willie. I assumed Beyoncé would reach out to Black artists working within the country music space, and she or he did. From Tanner Adell, Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Willie Jones and the legend Linda Martell – every performance was good and I hope all of those artists gain latest eyes and ears. I didn’t expect Miley Cyrus and Post Malone to come back… and the aforementioned Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Shut your mouth wide… and Color me, country. Greetings to Rissi Palmer.

6. Let’s speak about Miley Cyrus for a moment. She and Beyoncé have an album called “II Most Wanted” this almost brought me to tears. First see #3. Secondly, this song is paying homage to “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, which was one in all my mom’s favorite songs. So much in order that I used it for a slideshow at her funeral so I can now not hearken to it without crying. So when II Most Wanted began, I almost lost it. They each sound great together on this record in a way I wasn’t ready for. Miley got here out they usually principally make me cry each time I hearken to this song which is so beautiful I even have to hearken to it. I miss my mom. I didn’t expect to miss my mom a lot while listening to a Beyoncé album. Oh, I expect this song to be performed on the Grammys and CMAs, where Beyoncé wins all of the awards.

7. Speaking of moms, I fully expect this song “Protector” (featuring one in all her daughters, Rumi Carter) will likely be the brand new song utilized in all social media videos by which moms highlight their kid’s achievements.

8. Hey, “Bodyguard” “Tyrant” “Just For Fun” is my jam. “Yes, yes” too. “Riverdance” has something like that. You know the swing. Listen, I like all the pieces here. All.

9. I can not wait to see the reception and response to this album in all corners of the Internet. I need to see people twisting themselves into pretzels in order that they don’t love this album and all that “yassssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss, baby!” the love that may come from the opposite side. Beyoncé has perfected the art of being an event entertainer, and I’m here for it. “Cowboy Carter,” like “Renaissance” before it, has and doubtless will. I’m here for that.

Where is my 10 gallon hat. I’m late for my sentence.