Beyoncé surprised fans on Friday with the release of Act II: Cowboy Carter, marking her eighth studio album and a departure into the realm of country music.
This latest project, part of a planned trilogy, follows closely on the heels of Act I, Renaissance, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 less than two years ago and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 2023.
Act II: Cowboy Carter boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Linda Martell, and Dolly Parton, alongside contemporary stars like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.
Notably, the album features a guest appearance from Beyoncé’s six-year-old daughter, Rumi Carter. With 27 tracks, the album showcases Beyoncé’s interpretations of classics like Parton’s “Jolene” and the Beatles’ “Blackbird.”
Beyoncé shared insights into the creative process behind Act II, revealing that it took five years to complete and is intended as a continuation of its predecessor. In a note to fans, the Grammy-winning artist expressed her hope that the music would provide listeners with a captivating journey from start to finish.
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“This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album,” Beyoncé emphasized, highlighting her unique approach to blending genres and pushing artistic boundaries.
To celebrate the release of Act II, special events are being held at record stores and venues nationwide. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, for instance, is hosting a Beyoncé Fan Day featuring artifacts from her career, music video screenings, and a discussion with author Francesca Royster on the eve of Cowboy Carter’s release.
Speculation abounds among fans about the possibility of a rock-inspired third installment in the trilogy. Songwriter and producer Atia “INK” Boggs, whose work includes Beyoncé’s “16 Carriages,” recently fueled rumors during an interview with Alana M. Yzola for Acknowledge, teasingly avoiding questions about a potential rock album.
