I didn’t watch the Grammys this year, but I saw a clip of Beyoncé winning Album of the Year, and I was not enthused; it wasn’t well-deserved.
I’m not sure if everyone is obsessed with the “Cowboy Carter” album because they genuinely enjoy it or simply because they have been longing for another Beyoncé album. Either way, I find myself questioning some of the positive discourse surrounding it, and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.
I think many people pretend to love the album simply because it’s Beyoncé, so the elephant in the room isn’t being addressed. I think it’s because people fear being stung by the Beyhive. Fortunately, I am not, so I’ll say it: the album was not good.
I listen to country music and many other genres, and I can always tell if an artist is passionate about the music they produce. Beyoncé’s passion fell short on this project, and I think it’s because she made the album not out of respect and love for the genre but rather just to say she did it.
Her album gave off “I’m going to do this just because y’all said I couldn’t” vibes instead of “I’m making this album because I love country music and want to pay homage to that love.”
In the first statement, I’m referencing 2016, when Beyoncé performed at the CMAs. Many people were not pleased with her appearance there, as she is not a country artist.
She received flack from country fans nationwide and maybe even silently from country artists, but we’ll never know. I can’t help but wonder if “Cowboy Carter” was a response to the backlash.
Of course, the timing between the two events is far apart, but if we look at her discography, it seems like she is in her takeover era.
She dabbled in Afrobeats with her “Black is King” album, House in her “Renaissance” album, and most recently, country with her “Cowboy Carter” album. Perhaps Beyoncé is trying to prove a point to us—one that states no one can stop her from attempting to dominate whichever genre she chooses to participate in. If so, she won, at least according to award shows.
With each of the albums I mentioned, she was exalted as the queen of that particular genre despite opposition from fans of each genre. It was frustrating to witness.
She excelled at mimicking styles in her previous projects, arguably, but her attempt at country failed. For one, the album didn’t fit her brand, though her photoshoots were beautiful. Secondly, the songs were not good. The lyrics and beats were mediocre, and some songs sounded more pop than country, and her accent was super forced.
R&B is Beyoncé’s kryptonite. She understands the genre so well and has a genuine passion for it. This explains how she has continued her legacy by dropping amazing albums in that specific genre.
So, while she is a powerhouse and undeniably talented, that doesn’t mean we must blindly praise her. No one is above critique, and I wish this were more accepted.
Overall, “Cowboy Carter” is a facade, a try-hard project meant to reflect the fantasy of country music instead of its reality. It feels more like a performative album and campaign than one of love and authenticity.
Yes, black representation in country music matters, but it should be a black representation by actual black country people. That would feel more real and organic instead of a gimmick.
Amyri Jones is a 23-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge, La.