“Cowboy Carter” stars Rumi Carter, Linda Martell, Miley Cyrus and a cadre of black talent

Beyhive, rejoice! Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ album is now available due to a cross-generational collaboration, from Linda Martell, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to Tanner Adell, Shaboozey and even her daughter Rumi Carter.

Beyoncé’s highly anticipated “Renaissance” project “Act II” allows her to reclaim one other genre built and rooted in Blackness. While “Renaissance” saw her house, club and dance music garner critical acclaim, “Cowboy Carter” sees the Texas-born superstar dive into country, folk and blues for a powerful sonic journey. Although there have been rumors about Queen Bey’s long-awaited country album, now everyone knows who was featured on the album, and the performers didn’t disappoint.

The album’s interludes come from country music legends Willie Nelson, Linda Martell and Dolly Parton, who narrate the radio-themed record. Featuring songs like a cover of “Jolene,” “Ya Ya” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the additions of these musical titans give the album a truly cinematic feel. Through their narratives, these wonderful characters will guide you thru Beyoncé’s journey through the wild west.

In “Blackbiird,” Beyoncé performs one of essentially the most beloved songs of all time: “Blackbird” by The Beatles. Beyoncé gracefully sings the song on a easy guitar alongside contemporary black country singers, creating a song that includes elements of the past and present. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts sing beautifully on this track, filling it with complex harmonies and a standout solo.

Featured Stories

The album also features Miley Cyrus, who recently won her first Grammy Award (with Beyoncé) by singing with Bey on “II Most Wanted.” Shaboozey joins in on the dance tracks “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckin’,” and Willie Jones sings a duet of “Just For Fun.” Later within the album, Post Malone sings with Bey on the song “Levii’s Jeans.”

Perhaps essentially the most exciting performance on the album is that of Beyoncé’s daughter, Rumi Carter, on “Protector.” In a song clearly inspired by Beyoncé’s children and her love for them, Rumi says upstairs, “Mom, can I hear a lullaby?”

How Time magazine. As he points out, the album draws inspiration from various classics, resembling “Ya Ya” interpolating the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking”, and “II Most Wanted” seemingly interpolating Fleetwood Mac’s hit ballad “Landslide ”

“Cowboy Carter” is out there now.