Beyonce - Act 2: Cowboy Carter
claydavis > 31/03/2024, 06:35
I did a track by track review for Act 1, so I thought I might as well do one for this album too. Last time out Mrs Knowles-Carter delved into the world of House music but this time she's ventured into her Texan and Louisianan Country roots and brought along legends such as Dolly Parton, Linda Martell and Willie Nelson who are featured alongside younger stars like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone. There are twenty-seven "tracks" that are listed, but some are interludes for the fictional radio station KNTRY or songs that are about one minute long.
AMERIICAN REQUIEM
Strong start with a rusty riff and a slight growl to the vocals and beautifully softens at the end.
BLACKBIIRD
Airy riff and perfect additional vocals from Tanner Adell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Rayna Roberts.
16 CARRIAGES
The down tempo one of the two lead singles.
PROTECTOR
Rumi is now the second Knowles-Carter child to feature on a song.
MY ROSE
Short vocal performance.
SMOKE HOUR WILLIE NELSON (interlude)
Changing channels on the dial to get to KNTRY Radio.
TEXAS HOLD 'EM
The up-tempo one of the two lead singles.
BODYGUARD
Funky bass line and smooth keys.
DOLLY P (interlude)
Relatable situation from a legend.
JOLENE
Instead of begging, it's a warning.
DAUGHTER
Beautiful instrumentation accompanies the light vocals.
SPAGHETTII
Genres are a funny little concept.
ALLIIGATOR TEARS
Gentle pace and rustic texture.
SMOKE HOUR II (interlude)
Willie is back as the DJ from KNTRY Radio.
JUST FOR FUN
Simple instrumentation places her and Willie Jones' vocals to the forefront.
II MOST WANTED
Billy Ray's daughter makes her appearance.
LEVII'S JEANS
Postage Stamp Malone makes his appearance and thankfully he's not trying to rap.
FLAMENCO
Another song under two minutes long.
THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW (interlude)
Linda tells us what's next on KNTRY Radio.
YA YA
This is unquestionably a homage to one of her idols Tina Turner.
OH LOUISIANA
A bluesy vibe for less than a minute.
DESERT EAGLE
Funky vibe for just over a minute.
RIIVERDANCE
Two steppin at the hoedown.
II HANDS II HEAVEN
A slight house-ish vibe.
TYRANT
The percussion is rap and the strings are country.
SWEET HONEY BUCKIIN'
Three styles seamlessly blended together.
AMEN
Country-gospel tones with the vocals.