Critics have lauded the album’s country-inspired sound, with Guardian critic Alexis Petridis awarding it four out of five stars, praising Beyoncé‘s versatility and her ability to effortlessly navigate different musical genres.
Page Six critic Nicholas Hautman described the album as “the revival that country music so desperately needed,” echoing sentiments shared by many fans on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter). One user hailed Beyoncé’s vocals as the best of her career.
Featuring duets with Miley Cyrus and Post Malone, as well as covers of classics like Dolly Parton‘s “Jolene” and The Beatles‘ “Blackbird,” the album showcases Beyoncé’s diverse musical influences. Notably, country legends Willie Nelson and Linda Martell also make appearances on the record.
Despite Beyoncé’s disclaimer that “this ain’t a country album, this is a Beyoncé album,” reviewers have highlighted her unique interpretation of the genre, blending elements of hip hop and even Italian opera, as noted by Elle’s Erica Gonzales.
The album’s success was foreshadowed by the popularity of its two lead singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” which topped streaming charts upon release. Beyoncé made history as the first black woman to reach the top of Billboard’s country music chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” while also achieving chart-topping success in the UK.
Beyoncé’s journey into country music was fueled by a desire to explore the genre’s roots, driven by personal experiences where she “did not feel welcome.” Expressing gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” stands as a testament to her musical evolution and boundary-pushing artistry.
