There are very few people who could detract attention from the superbowl itself - and Beyoncé just proved she is one of them. Partnering with Verizon, the Queen B teased new music and minutes later, released them on streaming services. While many rumors were already leaning towards Act II of Renaissance being more of a country sound, most of the fans were not prepared for how heavily unique this Beyoncé-country sound was gonna exude. We'll take this song by song:
16 Carriages:
This one seems to be one of Beyoncé's most personal songs to date as we explore her life experiences through the metaphor of these 16 carriages. Unlike Texas Hold Em, this song boasts more of a sultry, underscored country and almost somewhat sensitive production that is a direct juxtaposition to the other Renaissance era songs. Don't get me wrong - it still holds the Renaissance and Beyoncé sound but this is something deeper. Renaissance was perhaps missing this relatable, emotional and vulnerable trait to elevate it to something more than just normal House and ballroom music and 16 Carriages (this new album) might just be the missing piece. Additionally, the buildup in this song is absolutely insane. While starting a bit more mellow and somber, the song escalates until it explodes into a miraculous set of wildly different sounds that when put together under Beyonce's gorgeous vocals, just work perfectly. The lyrics in this song are also a standout.
Texas Hold Em:
This song is the more country of the two. However, it's not modern country or even the sounds we're used to in country radio. This is shockingly more traditional country. The production, repetitiveness, lyrics and overall vocal performance all represent that earlier country era where the fast-paced and moving tonality dominated the charts. Ironic enough, that era of country likely would have harshly criticized Beyoncé joining the country radios due to its deep-seated racism, however, Beyoncé is well aware of this fact and elevates this traditional country sound to be something of her own - a spectacular combination that drifts Renaissance into uncharted waters.
Since Beyoncé is teasing Act II of Renaissance, one has to wonder why she would release these two songs instead of one single that can hit #1 and be the ultimate song of the era such as "Break My Soul" from the first Renaissance album. Given how different yet similar 16 Carriages and Texas Hold Em sound, Beyoncé likely wanted them to represent the different parts of Act II. The traditional country roots are certainly going to come from the Texas rapper (shown by Texas Hold Em) but this isn't going to detract from the new emotional and personal layers that will join Renaissance through songs such as 16 Carriages. It's not about hitting the top of the charts or being the best song of the year because Beyonce has done that and has nothing to prove. I like to believe that Act II will be her creative exploration into a new genre that will produce something truly original and unique. Given that these are nothing like traditional Beyoncé songs but still hold so much of her signature personality, I think this era is off to a fantastic start and personally cannot wait to hear the rest of this stellar country album.
Act II (Beyoncé's new album) out March 29th.
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