Released: March 29, 2024

By: Beyoncé

Featuring: Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy, Rumi Carter, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, Shaboozey, Willie Jones, Miley Cyrus & Post Malone

With her latest album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé returns to her roots and delivers a stunning country debut that embraces the genre while remaining true to herself.

Though the original announcement of a country album from Beyoncé was met with some pushback, she wonderfully embraces the music that raised her. It’s not a new sound but a reclaiming. Getting support from country legends Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton and using her platform to recognize black country artists like Tanner Adell, Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer, Beyoncé creates a modern country experience where the genre hesitates to stray from its whiteness.

Keeping her lyrics consistent, Beyoncé doesn’t shy away from her sexuality (“Riiverdance”) and isn’t afraid to protect her family (an updated version of Parton’s “Jolene”). Perhaps the best is when she embraces motherhood on “Protector.”

Final say: A career-defining album. ★★★★★