In the midst of this year’s Super Bowl, Beyoncé’s COUNTRY REVIVAL was perhaps the biggest surprise. Although she didn’t perform at the Halftime Show, she managed to steal the spotlight from Usher, who was seemingly sweating in vain on the field. In a Verizon commercial, in which she starred, she “threatened” to release two new songs that would break the internet. And she did just that. “Texas hold ’em” and “16 Carriages” dropped out of nowhere during the biggest sporting event in America held at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. She was there with Jay-Z and their two daughters. Additionally, she announced that her new album would be released on March 29th. It’s titled Act II of “Renaissance.” Act III also exists. It’s a project she has been working on for years.
“Texas hold ’em” and “16 Carriages” both exude perfection and are far better than any country song currently topping the charts on Spotify or elsewhere. The first song captivates with its powerful, pop, and danceable rhythm, while the latter showcases a more earthy and melodic sound, with Beyoncé’s vocals standing out.
Beyoncé has the right to experiment with any musical genre she desires. In fact, she tried her hand at country back in 2016 with “Daddy Lessons” from her album “Lemonade.” The only problem is that today, her attempt seems rather superficial. Especially when there are numerous black country artists trying to make their mark in a hostile environment. I don’t think they’re waiting for Beyoncé to “save” them. Some argue that all of this is a strategic move for her to finally win the coveted Grammy award for Best Album, as demonstrated by Jay-Z’s hidden message at this year’s ceremony. Others, more inclined towards conspiracy theories, claim that she’s competing against Taylor Swift for absolute pop dominance and that this is a strategy to bring country music in touch with its black roots, much like she did with house music. Who knows?
Now, turning to the music, “Texas hold ’em” and “16 Carriages” are both masterpieces that surpass any country song currently topping the charts on Spotify or elsewhere. The first showcases a powerful, pop, and danceable rhythm, while the second offers a more earthy and melodic sound, with Beyoncé’s distinct vocals shining through.
And because music isn’t solely about Beyoncé, here are five new songs that have recently captured our attention:
1. Ariana Grande – “yes, and?”: Grande makes a triumphant return with one of the best pop songs of 2024. With references to Madonna and “Vogue,” it’s a personal declaration of where she stands in recent years.
2. Burial – “Dreamfear”: Burial is like fine wine. As he matures, he not only retains his value but becomes even better. “Dreamfear” from his new EP begins with a scream from “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla,” “I am the high one / I am the lord of ecstasy,” and from there, he takes us on an incredible 12-minute rave trip that blends the past with the future.
3. ¥$, Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign – “Carnival” (feat. Playboi Carti & Rich The Kid): Kanye West may be a terrible person, but you can’t say anything about his music. “Carnival” is a dark masterpiece, perhaps the best track from “Vultures I,” and it once again challenges Taylor Swift with some of the hardest-hitting rhymes he’s penned recently.
4. Helado Negro – “Best for you and me”: One of the most beautiful albums of his career, Helado Negro released “Phasor” at the beginning of the year. It contains songs characterized by a tranquility and warmth rarely encountered nowadays.
5. Lava, Ropex – “Balkan Disco”: Unapologetic and quirky, this track is already a favorite for the best Greek song of the year. “Once again, you’ll be alone / Alone in your living room / Your new boyfriend is checking my stories.” It’s endless fun, fun fun.
In conclusion, while Beyoncé’s foray into country music may feel superficial, her songs “Texas hold ’em” and “16 Carriages” stand out as masterpieces that surpass anything currently dominating the country charts. Let’s not forget that music is not solely about Beyoncé, as there are many other artists producing incredible new tracks worth exploring.
