Beyoncé Announces New Album Title as Act II: Cowboy Carter

Yeehaw, BeyHive!

Beyoncé has just dropped some major news for her fans: her upcoming country album now has a title. After hinting at a venture into country music and teasing the next chapter of her acclaimed 2022 album Renaissance, Queen Bey revealed that her new project will be called Act II: Cowboy Carter.

Making the announcement on her Instagram bio and sharing a snapshot of a saddle adorned with a patriotic sash reading Cowboy Carter on her Instagram Story, Beyoncé is signaling a bold artistic transition. It’s like her iconic metallic saddle from the Renaissance cover is morphing into a western one.

This exciting reveal is prominently featured on Beyoncé’s website, where fans can also catch a glimpse of alternate artwork. The Shop section showcases close-up shots of the Grammy winner sporting a black cowboy hat, a white snake over her eye, and her hair styled in a blonde, feathered cut with braids.

The buzz around Beyoncé’s new album started during the Super Bowl, where she surprised everyone with the announcement. Following a Verizon commercial showcasing her internet-breaking prowess, she dropped a teaser on social media, hinting at Act II of Renaissance and sparking speculation about a country twist, reminiscent of the 1984 cult classic Paris, Texas.

Fueling the excitement, Beyoncé released two roots-inspired tracks, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” each featuring artwork of her in cowboy attire. The BeyHive’s enthusiastic requests led to “Texas Hold ‘Em” hitting No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black female artist to achieve this milestone.

As the release date for Cowboy Carter approaches, details remain scarce, but there’s speculation about a possible cover of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene” making its way onto the tracklist. Parton herself hinted at Beyoncé recording a rendition of the beloved song for the album.

Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has also weighed in on the excitement surrounding the country album. Sharing throwback magazine covers of Beyoncé in cowboy gear on Instagram, Knowles highlighted the family’s deep connection to cowboy culture, particularly in their Texas upbringing. She emphasized that cowboy fashion and art have always been a part of their lives, even inspiring Solange’s previous work centered on Black Cowboy Culture.

With Act II: Cowboy Carter set to drop on March 29, fans are eagerly awaiting Beyoncé’s next groundbreaking chapter, as she continues to push artistic boundaries and celebrate diverse cultural influences.