Beyonce Review: Her Gospel Take on The Beatles, ‘Blackbird’
Beyonce Review: “Cowboy Carter” – Author Anne Erickson, Single Artwork via Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records
Beyonce has released her much-anticipated country album, “Cowboy Carter,” and the set features a cover of The Beatles classic “Blackbird.” In addition to the Beatles cover, the set features a bevy of high-profile collaborations, such as Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Willie Nelson and Shaboozey. When it comes to this Beyonce review, I’m focusing on this Beatles cover specifically, because it really deserves the spotlight.
Beyonce really shows her musical diversity on “Cowbow Carter.” Not only is she venturing out into the country genre, but she covers the aforementioned Beatles tune, as well as covers of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” What’s even more creative is that the album is presented in the style of a country radio program with Parton, Nelson and Linda Martell all serving as DJs. The musical diversity shouldn’t be a surprise, however, as Beyonce has even sung opera, so she can really do almost anything.
“Cowboy Carter” features a whopping 27 tracks, including interstitials, and runs one hour and 18 minutes. “Act II: Cowboy Carter” is also part of Beyonce’s Renaissance trilogy, which began in 2023 with her album of the same name.
So, what’s next for Beyonce? Will it be heavy metal? Perhaps a Guns N’ Roses or Iron Maiden cover? Don’t laugh. It’s possible. Demi Lovato went hard rock on her latest album, so stranger things have happened. Whatever is the next frontier for Beyonce, I’m here for it.
Beyonce Review: She Daringly Covers The Beatles, ‘Blackbird’
The Beatles’ Paul McCartney wrote “Blackbird” along with some lyrics by the late, great John Lennon. It arrived on The Beatles’ 1968 self-titled “White Album.” The song is a popular one to cover, with a bevy of artists having done so, including Sarah McLachlan; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Evan Rachel Wood; The Dandy Warhols; Sarah Darling; and even Dave Grohl during a live Grammy performance.
Beyonce’s version of “Blackbird” is like no other cover before it. I appreciate how she really reworked this song and added a range of guests to turn it into a different experience. The song, which Beyonce calls “Blackbiird” with two i’s, also features rising country vocalist Tanner Adell, as well as Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts.
Adell is a perfect for the album. She’s building a name for herself in the country music world and actually reached out to Beyonce on social media asking to be on the new album. “As one of the only black girls in country music scene, I hope Bey decides to sprinkle me with a dash of her magic for a collab,” she wrote to Beyonce. Adell adds an incredible vibe to “Blackbiird,” and although it’s technically a rock song, this version has a real country twang.
Listening to Beyonce’s “Blackbiird” is a spiritual experience. It comes off as a gospel, but not as bombastic as your typical spiritual. The song features sparce guitars and clear, crisp vocals, and while the song is a bit mellow, it still brings a strong passion and earnest delivery. It’s difficult to do justice to a legendary song such as “Blackbird,” but Beyonce does that and more, truly making it her own. I have to believe that even Sir Paul would give this version of “Blackbird” his stamp of approval. Rating: 9/10.
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