The 27-track compendium boasts country, folk, gospel, rap, pop, and even Italian opera. Beyoncé celebrates transcending labels, stating on Instagram, “Carter” “ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.”
In “Spaghettii,” the most hip-hop-heavy track introduced by Linda Martell, Beyoncé boldly raps, “At the snap of my fingers, I’m Thanos,” referencing the Marvel villain who caused mass destruction.
“Spaghettii” showcases Beyoncé's unrestrained side on an album expected to be exclusively “country,” alongside introspective tracks like “Daughter” and the poignant ballad “Alligator Tears.”
The song, featuring Shaboozey, nods to Beyoncé's previous album "Renaissance" – now dubbed her "Act I" – with the line, “That Beyoncé Virgo s–t,” referencing “Virgo’s Groove” on the 2022 record.
Later in the album, “Ya Ya” exudes the playful tone of “Renaissance,” with nods to Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Beyoncé also evokes The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” singing, “She’s pickin’ up good vibrations, he’s lookin’ for sweet sensations.”
There's an abundance of references in "Cowboy Carter," including a passage in “Sweet Honey Buckin’” seemingly addressing Jay-Z's Grammy remarks. Beyoncé sings, “A-O-T-Y, I ain’t win (That’s cool)/ I ain’t stuntin’ ’bout them.”
Throughout, she pays homage to artists preceding her, challenging country music norms. Alongside Martell’s interludes, Chuck Berry samples surface on “Smoke House Willie Nelson” and in sped-up form on “Oh Louisiana.”
On track two, Beyoncé collaborates with rising Black country artists on The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” She teams up with Willie Jones on “Just for Fun,” showcasing diverse sounds. Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" party welcomes all – the bigger, the better.
