Ahead of the release of Beyoncé’s upcoming album Act II: Cowboy Carter, the singer has finally unveiled the tracklist for the hotly-anticipated country-themed follow-up to Renaissance.

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Beyoncé took to Instagram to announce the tracklist, with notable songs including a cover of Dolly Parton’s 1973 country hit Jolene, which Parton previously mentioned may appear on her country album, and The Linda Martell Show, a nod to the first Black female country soloist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Cowboy Carter is the second instalment of a trilogy project. Announcing Renaissance back in 2022, Bey explained: "This three act project was recorded over three years during the pandemic. A time to be still, but also a time I found to the the most creative."

The singer announced the album's title in early March by adding it to her Instagram bio and posting an image on her Instagram story of a saddle with a red, white and blue sash that read “Cowboy Carter”.

The singer also addressed some of the backlash she has faced for venturing into the country music sphere.

Writing on Instagram, she said: “This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.

"It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.”

She continued: “The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.”

“I focused on this album as a continuation of RENAISSANCE… I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop. This ain’t a Country album,” she added.

“This is a “Beyoncé” album. This is act ii COWBOY CARTER, and I am proud to share it with y’all!”

What time is Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter released?

Beyonce performs on the Renaissance world tour dressed in a nude body suit with gloved hands over it
Beyoncé performs at the Renaissance world tour. Getty

The new record is set to be released on Friday 29th March 2024 at 12am.

The album is available for pre-save/pre-order on her website.

Beyoncé first teased the album in a Verizon commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, in which she declared: "They ready, drop the new music." The comment set the internet into a frenzy.

Shortly afterwards, the singer confirmed her eighth studio album would arrive on 29th March, and dropped two country-inspired songs: Texas Hold ‘Em and 16 Carriages.

Cowboy Carter tracklist

The full tracklist is as follows:

  • American Requiem
  • Blackbird
  • 16 Carriages
  • Protector
  • My Rose
  • Smoke Hour (feat Willie Nelson)
  • Texas Hold 'Em
  • Bodyguard
  • Dolly P
  • Jolene
  • Daughter
  • Spaghetti
  • Alligator Tears
  • Smoke Hour II
  • Just For Fun
  • II Most Wanted
  • Levii's Jeans
  • Flamenco
  • The Linda Martell Show
  • Ya-Ya
  • Oh Louisiana
  • Desert Eagle
  • Riverdance
  • II Hands II Heaven
  • Tyrant
  • Sweet Honey Buckin'
  • Amen

Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

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Authors

Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.

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