Saddle up, Beyhive! Beyoncé has officially announced the title of her highly-anticipated country project: Act II: Cowboy Carter.
This revelation follows weeks of speculation and two chart-topping singles — “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” — that had fans yearning for a full-fledged country album from the queen herself.
🚨 COWBOY CARTER!!! PRE-SAVE NOW!!!https://t.co/uEE7geP57Q pic.twitter.com/ISg5LmTpIB
— Beyoncé Press. (@beyoncepress) March 12, 2024
The news dropped on Tuesday on the singer’s website, and on social media with a simple yet powerful image. A worn leather saddle adorned with a red, white, and blue sash emblazoned with the words “Cowboy Carter” took center stage, a clear visual shift from the disco ball steed featured on her 2022 album, Act I: Renaissance.
This subtle transformation hints at the sonic journey that awaits us in Act II.
Cowboy Carter marks the second installment in a three-act artistic exploration that Beyoncé embarked on during the COVID-19 pandemic. While details remain scarce about the final act, fans can expect a cohesive creative journey that pushes boundaries and showcases Beyoncé’s unparalleled artistic range.
The pre-order for Act II: Cowboy Carter is now live, sending the Beyhive into a frenzy. Fans can choose from a variety of options, including limited edition covers on CD and vinyl. The deluxe versions boast exclusive bonus tracks, collectible packaging, and limited-edition merchandise featuring the now-iconic Cowboy Carter artwork.
This country foray is a bold move for Beyoncé, but nonetheless a testament to her artistic fearlessness. With “Texas Hold ‘Em” already topping the charts as her first No. 1 country single — making Queen Bey the first Black woman to hold this spot — and “16 Carriages” receiving rave reviews, the anticipation for the full album is palpable.
Will Cowboy Carter see Beyoncé become the undisputed queen of country music as well? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: with Beyoncé at the helm, this cowboy ride promises to be unforgettable.