Merging genres can be a difficult task for musicians, especially if that transition encompasses pop and country. However, Beyoncé accomplished this with style and fluidity in the release of her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter. 

Renaissance, her seventh studio album, was the turning point of Beyoncé’s creative breakthrough. It was coined as ‘act one’ of a trilogy. Now with Cowboy Carter, the public has been introduced to the second installment containing catchy country music such as “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”. During the Super Bowl, Grammys and Instagram, Beyoncé emphasized the importance of each track whether it be a groundbreaking collaboration, dreamy interlude, or poignant solo. The album flows as a cinematic masterpiece with nostalgic childhood memories and cathartic portrayals of love. 

Designed to listen front to back, no skips, Cowboy Carter mixes a multitude of styles and cultures. The first song, “Ameriican Requiem” counters American values and the country music scene. It also proves how Beyoncé can tackle anything. 

Among the Beyhive is Sophomore Annika Fitzgerald. “Cowboy Carter is broken up into three sections in my mind. The first section with My Rose, Protector, 16 Carriages was so powerful,” explained Fitzgerald. 

“The second section reminded me of Renaissance mixed with “Partition”. It had the most fun songs,” said Fitzgerald. Despite the funkiness of “YA YA” and “Riiverdance”, the second section contained a gut wrenching collab with Dolly Parton and a rework of “Jolene”. 

The third section wraps up the album perfectly with gospel interludes and eccentric representation of Queen Bey’s multidimensional aspects. 

According to Fitzgerald, “Her voice is made for country.” However, lots of people disagree. During the 2016 CMAs, Beyoncé performed with The Chicks, ex-patriots within the country community. Beyoncé faced criticism and racist malice on her country immersion. Yet, Beyoncé is overcoming this rejection, on horseback. 

 “Humankind does not deserve Cowboy Carter. It is possibly my favorite album I have ever listened to. It is genuinely incredible. I have shed so many tears over it. I can’t think of any other body of work that can compare,” exclaimed Fitzgerald. 

Cowboy Carter is a cathedral of true love, persistence, and reverence. Fitzgerald concludes, “I don’t even care how many awards it wins. It has its place in my heart. It doesn’t need silly trophies to validate its superiority.”