This morning, Beyoncé shared the tracklist for her upcoming album Cowboy Carter in an Instagram post of a vintage inspired country concert poster.
The 27-track album will feature country legends like Dolly Parton in a new version of her career-defining song Jolene, and Willie Nelson in a new song titled Smoke Hour. The tracklist also includes a nod to one of country’s first commercially successful Black artists, Linda Martell, with the song The Linda Martell Show.
Cowboy Carter is act II of a trilogy of albums that Beyoncé kicked off in 2022 with the release of electronic dance album Renaissance. While the album’s official name was only revealed recently, Beyoncé began teasing the album in early February when she surprise-released two singles – Texas Hold ‘Em and 16 Carriages – after her Superbowl commercial.
Last week, the Houston singer explained that she decided to make a country album following a moment in her past where she felt ostracized by the country industry – a possible reference to protests against her appearance at the 2016 Country Music Awards.
After researching the history of Black musicians in country and the African American origins of the genre, Beyoncé embarked on a five year journey to make what would become Cowboy Carter.
Though the album rollout so far has positioned the project within country, both aesthetically and sonically, Beyoncé has made it clear that “this ain’t a country album.” Cowboy Carter is a “Beyoncé album,” which is to say, expect a blend of multiple genres.
Audiences will be treated to this blend on Friday. Will you be listening? Send us a tweet sharing your thoughts.