Following days of speculation and fan anticipation, Beyoncé made a surprise announcement during a Super Bowl commercial on Sunday, revealing that new music is on the horizon.
In the Verizon advertisement that aired shortly after halftime, Beyoncé engaged in playful banter with comedian Tony Hale, joking about the potential to “break the internet” with Verizon’s 5G network. After a series of humorous exchanges, she dropped the bombshell: “Drop the new music,” before the commercial concluded. Shortly thereafter, Beyoncé’s website was updated with news of a forthcoming album titled “Act II,” slated for release on March 29.
This album seems to be a continuation of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” project, possibly with a country-rock theme, as hinted by the sound and imagery of two new songs, “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages,” which quickly surfaced online.
“Texas Hold ’Em” features lively banjo plucking by performer and songwriter Rhiannon Giddens, transitioning into a rhythmic beat as Beyoncé delivers rhymes and vocals infused with a boogie and hoedown vibe. “16 Carriages” is an expansive ballad accompanied by swelling guitars and percussion, exploring themes of retrospection and loss of innocence.
Both tracks boast contributions from producer Raphael Saadiq, known for his work with Beyoncé’s sister Solange, among others. The visuals accompanying the songs depict Beyoncé sporting cowboy hats, a recurring motif from her Renaissance World Tour and a signature element of her style.
This album announcement marks a departure from Beyoncé’s previous surprise releases, such as her self-titled album in 2013 and “Lemonade” in 2016. Instead, it follows a more conventional promotional approach, akin to the initial “Renaissance” album release in July 2022.
Describing “Renaissance” as part one of a “three act project,” Beyoncé emphasized its role as a source of escapism during challenging times. The album, characterized by a 1990s retro dance theme, achieved significant success, serving as the centerpiece of her lucrative tour last year.
Beyoncé’s foray into country music on “Daddy Lessons” from “Lemonade,” as well as a subsequent performance with the Chicks at the Country Music Association Awards, stirred both praise and criticism within the country music community, demonstrating her willingness to explore diverse musical genres.
Source: The New York Times