Pop Superstar Beyonce has been making headlines for her new country opus that featured unannounced duets from Miley Cyrus and Post Malone, as well as The Beatles classic background and covers of Dolly Patron’s well-acclaimed Jolene.
Beyonce Features Her Daughter, Rummy, 6, On A New Track Titled ‘Protector’
The 42-year-old songstress dropped Act II: Cowboy Carter on Friday, which is thought to be a continuation of her 2022’s Grammy-winning album titled, Renaissance. The new release came after her two hit singles- 16 Carriages and Texas Hold’Em, both of which were released on Super Bowl Sunday.
Beyonce’s 27-track album is thought to be following a different manner- as that of a radio show- in a nod to the popular format in the world of country. Each of the tracks is expected to bring the vocals of big names such as Patron on a track titled Dolly P. Upon listening to the 22-second introduction to her Jolene cover, Patron’s voice is vividly heard, comparing a lyric in her 1973 hit to a lyric in Beyonce’s 2016 track ‘Sorry.’
“You know the hussy with the good hair, it reminded me of someone I knew,” she said adding, “Just hair a different color, but it hurts the same.” Here, Patron referenced the lyric that Beyonce sang “Becky with the good hair,” referring to her beau Jay-Z’s infidelities.
Besides Patron, Country singer Willie Nelson is featured in another short-timed track titled Smoke Hour, and he is again featured later on a 29-second Smoke Hour II. Meanwhile, Linda Martell’s part is 27 seconds long and is a tribute to the acclaimed country performer who managed to become the foremost black woman to ever play at the Grand Ole Opry.
Besides that, Martel’s voice can also be heard on another track titled Spaghetti, alongside Country musician Shaboozey. While all these artists were only featured for a few seconds, Grammy-winner Miley Cyrus, Patron’s goddaughter, and singer Post Malone were featured in full-length tracks.
In the album, the record producer takes on a Beatles classic which the singer has renamed ‘Blackbird.’ Besides all these stars, Beyonce has also featured her 6-year-old daughter Rumy on Protector, who is heard asking for a lullaby before the track begins.
Other tracks include My Rose, Alligator Tears, Daughter, Bodyguard, American Requiem, alongside Oh Louisiana, Ya Ya, Flamenco, II Hands, II Heaven, Riverdance, Tyrant, Desert Eagle, Amen, and, Sweet Honey Buckin.’
Before the release, the “CUFF IT” singer thanked her fans for their unparalleled support throughout her journey. She further explained how honored she felt for being the first black woman to ever top the US country chart (she hoped to be the first with Texas Hold’Em) as well as for topping the UK singles charts for the first time after more than a decade.
Talking about the album, Beyonce said that she voluntarily dived deep into the history of country music following an experience where she “did not feel welcome.”
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“This album has been in the making for over years,” the 32-time Grammy winner wrote, adding “It was born out of an experience where I felt like I wasn’t welcomed.” The singing mogul once again wrote, “and it was clear that I wasn’t (welcomed).”
According to her, that experience paved the way for her success by prompting her to learn more about the history of country music.