Beyoncé: Why Her Foray Into Country Makes Total Sense

In a true showstopping manner, Beyoncé announced the release of new music at the Super Bowl last weekend and then dropped two buzzy country songs that hint at the sound of her future album.

The artist released the tracks “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Sixteen Carriages” shortly after the Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday, along with eye-popping visualizer videos on YouTube.

Beyoncé followed that with the launch of her eighth solo studio album, “Renaissance Act II” To no one’s surprise, the new project received a massive response on social media and elsewhere.

In a true showstopping manner, Beyoncé announced the release of new music at the Super Bowl

Fashion inspired by Western wear has already been prominently featured in the visuals for her new music, as well as her styling at this month’s Grammy Awards and New York Fashion Week, but the singer has previously celebrated the often-overlooked history of pioneering Black cowboys and cowgirls in her IVY Park x Adidas campaign in 2022.

While the casual listener may be shocked and even sceptical of Bey’s latest musical path – following 2022’s praised and more disco-infused “Renaissance” – her devoted fan base, the Beyhive, understands that change and progress have always been at the forefront of her work.

In a true showstopping manner, Beyoncé announced the release of new music at the Super Bowl

They also understand this is not the first time Beyoncé has incorporated a country sound in her songs. This current release represents an organic growth for the 32-time Grammy winner, whose music has strong roots in her hometown of Houston, Texas. Beyoncé captured the attention of country music fans in 2016 with the release of her song “Daddy Lessons,” which is off her sixth studio album “Lemonade.”

Beyoncé sings, accompanied by screaming harmonica, hand claps, and a continuous banjo strum, “With his right hand on his rifle, and he swore it on the bible, Oh My Daddy said shoot.” The song was so popular with country fans that The Chicks covered it later that year. Beyoncé even sang “Daddy Lessons” live with the trio during the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Awards.

In a true showstopping manner, Beyoncé announced the release of new music at the Super Bowl

Other prominent occasions when Beyoncé explored the country music genre include the songs “That’s Why You’re Beautiful,” “Satellites,” and “Smash into You” from her 2008 smash hit album “I Am Sasha Fierce.” Those songs, accompanied by strumming guitars, demonstrated her sensitivity and, more importantly, her versatility, foreshadowing what was to come.

Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance Act II” is planned to be released on March 29.

SOURCE – (CNN)