Her “Cowboy Carter” album is #1, making her the first African American woman to have a #1 Country Album.
Second of all, AI can sometimes be pretty awesome.
One of my favorite creators “There I Ruined It” made an AI version of Hank Williams singing Beyonce’s hit “Texas Hold ‘Em” and it’s pretty dang Country:
Ok, that’s pretty dang good. I’m sure it angered the Country Music Gods, but hey, it made me laugh.
And now that will be in my head all week.
Also, can we stop hating on Beyonce Country?
I’m haven’t always been her biggest fan, but I’m not mad at her stepping into the Country Lane. It’s not permanent. It’s a part of her “Renaissance” album project. You know, kind of like how Dolly did a Rock album last year?
Honestly, the album isn’t bad. There’s a few songs I like on there. And really, anyone who ever listened to a Florida-Georgia Line record, or even some of Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan’s stuff can’t complain. Because they’ve had #1 hits on Country Radio that are WAY less Country than “Texas Hold ‘Em”.
Let it go.
If Beyonce making a Country album is what is making you angry these days, count your blessings.
Beyonce released her new album “Renaissance Act II: Cowboy Carter” yesterday, and there are some pretty cool songs on there.
First, let me remind you that Beyonce isn’t “going Country”. She released a Country-ish album because she can. Just like how Dolly Paron released a “Rock” album last Fall. Because why the heck not?
And really, those who are making hateful comments… well, you’re just proving her point on how some close-minded Country fans can be. Not all, mind you. But a lot. Also, that negative attitude isn’t a good look, but hey, you do you.
That being said, this duet she released with Miley Cyrus called “II Most Wanted”, and it’s a really cool track:
First of all, I like that it’s a proper duet- not just a feature artist on a single line or verse.
Second, I love the feel of the song. And it reminds me of the relationship that I have with my husband of almost 17 years- I love being his shotgun rider through life, and this song makes me think of that.
It just has a cool, chill vibe, and I really enjoyed it.
That’s what music is about, right?
Something that you enjoy listening to and moves you.
Beyonce’s highly anticipated “Renaissance Act II: Cowboy Carter” dropped this morning, and what I wanted o hear was her take on Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene”, and Beyonce delivered and then some.
She went a rewrote the song from a much stronger woman’s perspective- basically going from the plea “Please don’t take my man” to “Just you try, fool”.
Personally, I think it’s a really cool take on the song. I know Country traditionalists will be freaking out and saying “that ain’t Country” and blowing a total fuse when they hear it. I can feel the heads exploding over here. But, let’s be honest, Dolly’s version, although a classic, is basically a woman begging another woman not to take her man. That’s dumb. First of all, her man should know better. Second of all, why beg a woman to stay away? You’re giving Jolene all the power. Tell that redheaded hussy to go ahead and try.
This is probably why I’m not a songwriter.
Just in case you need a refresher, here’s the original version:
And really, who is dumb enough to mess with Dolly?
Actor Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedwick did an impromtu performance of Beyonce’s mega-Country hit “Texas Hold ‘Em” (which is topping BOTH the Billboard Hot 100 AND Country charts this week!) for his farm animals, and thankfully posted the gloriousness on social media for all of us to enjoy.
In case you missed it with all of the excitement of the Super Bowl last night, Beyonce announced her Country album- yes, a Beyonce Country album- due out March 29th.
It’s Part 2 of her “Renaissance” project, which started back in 2022 with her dance album.
Queen Bey released two songs off of the project, and you know what?
I’m kind of digging it.
“Texas Hold ‘Em” is definitely my favorite of the two:
This has been in my head all day since I heard it his morning, and yeah, I think it’s a hit. Will it end up on Country Radio?
Hmmmm… that’s a tough one. We’ll see.
I personally love it, but it seems like I have more of an open mind when it comes to music than a lot of traditional Country fans.
I think that it’s a really cool, unique song, and I would like to see it go somewhere. Again, we’ll see.
Here’s her other single “16 Carriages”:
Personally, I like “Texas Hold ‘Em” Better. But, still, solid effort from Beyonce, and honestly, I’m looking forward to hearing her Counry album “Act II” out March 29th.
Yeah, totally did not have this on my 2024 Bingo Card.
2022…another totally bizarre year. But what’s great about music is that it’s always being made, and it can put a bright spot into even the stupidest day.
How’s that forbeing profound?
Anyway, here are my picks for the Top Songs of 2022… in my humble opinion, of course.
A reminder, I love ALL genres. Equal opportunity listener right here!
HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson “Wait in the Truck”
HARDY is quickly proving himself as one of the hottest songwriters on the Country Music scene, and songs like this is why. Plus, he got Lainey Wilson- one of my fav new artists on it, so 1,000,000 bonus points on that.
His new album drops January 27th, and I can’t wait to hear what he’s got for us!
Mammoth WVH “Epiphany”
Wolfgang Van Halen is continuing to make his daddy proud. I think this one may be my favorite of the band’s so far.
Beyonce “Cuff It”
I loved Beyonce in Destiny’s Child and her first few years as a solo artist, but then she kind of lost me for a few years. Now she’s back with some fantastic dance songs on her latest album “Renaissance”, and “Cuff It”, although not lyrically a masterpiece, I can’t help but sing and dance really badly to it, so I’d say it’s a win.
Boomtown Saints “All Trucks Go to Heaven”
I’m calling Boomtown Saints the artists to watch in 2023. I connected with these guys a few years ago, and it’s been so cool to see them evolve and start making some serious headway in the industry. Ben and Chris are some of the nicest, most deserving guys, and I’m so happy for them both!
Be on the listen for them, and check out my interview with them here:
Like it or not, Morgan Wallen is freaking SLAYING the music industry right now, and you know what? Good for him. He got completely cancelled and given a second chance and I’m here for it. I could totally go on a soapbox, but I’ll refrain just now. Anyway, he helped spotlight another great artist ERNEST with this song “Flower Shops”. I loved it the first time I heard it, and it makes me so happy to hear that this sound is trending in Country again.
Thank GOD>
Also, I got a chance to chat with ERNEST earlier this year, and he’s hilarious! Check the interview here:
Meghan Trainor is BACK and I have been singing this song nonstop the past couple of months. Girl knows how to make an earworm!
Kacey Musgraves “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Kacey Musgraves is life, and she gave a whole new life to this Elvis classic for the soundtrack to the Elvis movie this year.
I know a ton of artists have covered this song, but this is by far one of my favorite versions.
Ava Max “Million Dollar Baby”
I love the energy that Ava Max brings to Pop Radio, and her latest single “Million Dollar Baby” is giving major “Flashdance” vives, and I am here for it 1,000%
It makes me want to wear legwarmers and a leotard and burst into dance in the middle of a crowded street.
Maybe after a few glasses of wine that will happen.
You never know.
Papa Roach “No Apologies”
I’ve been a Papa Roach fan since the start, and this has been one of my favorite new Rock songs of the year. The sound is great, but most importantly, it’s the message. I think it’s a song a lot of people needed to hear.
Miranda Lambert “If I Was a Cowboy”
Ya’ll know I LOVE me some Miranda, and she did not dissapoint this year. He latest album “Palomino” is fantatstic, of course, and this single is perfection.
“If I was a Cowboy, I’d be the Queen”
Ya damn right.
Three Days Grace “Lifetime”
Ughhhh… this song gets me right in the feels. Just a reminder that nothing and noone lasts forever, so appreciate the heck out of them every. single. day.
Cody Johnson “Til’ You Can’t”
Cody Johnson broke into the mainstream hardcore with this song, and as he should. I’ve been loving his sound for years, so it was great to see him get all the airplay for this song, and a #1 hit to boot. So well deserved.
It’s another song that hits me in the feels, and also makes me hopeful for the future of Country music.
Ok, so those are the songs that spoke to me the most this year.
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