I’ve been going back and forth about what to stay about “COWBOY CARTER” as there truly is so much to talk about. But I’m going to try keep it short and simple because I truly think you just need to listen to it and form your own opinion and relationship with it. I really loved this record, and I think next to “Lemonade” and “Self-titled”, it sits in my top 3. It just feels like Beyonce is on top of her game. So instead of going into a full in-depth review, or a listicle on my favourite songs, I am instead going to give you some of my opinions.

– This is a timeless record: I will always remember where I was and the emotions I felt when I listened to this record for the first time. It’s an album that radiates so much joy when listening to it, and you can tell that every single collaborator had the best time working on it. It feels like pinnacle Beyonce. It’s not a record she could have done in 2009, it’s one that she’s work hard on her craft as an artist and tapped into. 

– It’s meant to be listened to from start to finish: I have a few distinct standouts from the album, but nothing sounds better than listening to this record all the way through as that’s how it’s intended to be heard. It’s truly a journey that she guides you along, and it’s an entire experience. The interludes and mini-songs perfectly set up some of the big moments on the record, and help really immerse yourself in this sonical world. 

– Beyonce said it perfectly; this is not a country album, this is a Beyonce album: There is a lot of discourse about Beyonce doing a “country album” in this musical climate, but at the end of the day it IS a Beyonce record. The songwriting and delivery is very much in the Beyonce universe, while the production is intertwined with Country music to bring it into this cohesive theme. 

– The collaborators on this record are WORLD CLASS: Let’s talk about the fact that Ryan Beatty and RAYE are writers on this album? Ryan Tedder and Pharrell are producers? And we have collaborations with Miley Cyrus (a song to cry to), Post Malone (his vocals have never sounded better), and interlude moments from country music icons Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. The fingers are on the pulse, and it’s a great homage to the country music world, as well as a nod to the present and future of music. 

– Favourite songs: Okay, I wasn’t going to list my favourite songs but here are the ones I am currently hyperfixating on from the record; “BLACKBIRD”, “PROTECTOR”, “BODYGUARD”, “JOLENE”, “II MOST WANTED”, “YA YA”, “RIVERDANCE”. 

– This tour is going to be NEXT LEVEL: Okay hear me out – someone give me a ticket. I NEED TO WITNESS THIS ALBUM LIVE!