“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” & “16 CARRIAGES” – Beyoncé
★★★★★
Superbowl Sunday—an iconic day in both American culture and pop culture. The world takes a pause to party, watch some football, and (most importantly) watch some commercials. It’s undeniable that commercials and advertisements have become synonymous with the Superbowl. Every year, viewers anticipate the ads during commercial breaks just as much as the game itself. Everyone wants to see those ads that become integral parts of pop culture. Everyone wants to participate in the conversations regarding the worst ads of the night. It’s just as much fun as discussing the game, and this year, the winner of the best ad is inarguable.
In an ad with the phone and internet provider Verizon, Beyoncé “makes history” during various performances—including the “first performance in space.” The ad ends with Beyoncé saying “Okay, they’re ready. Drop the new music.” Many were quick to turn to streaming platforms and social media to check her accounts, but most realized this was likely just a joke as part of the ad. Some of the more optimistic fans were disappointed to find nothing new to any of her accounts, but a few minutes later saw a teaser video on her Instagram and two new singles, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES,” live on all platforms.
The first single, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” was the backing track to the teaser Beyoncé posted to her social media accounts. It was, shockingly, a country song. The track opens with a twangy, plucking guitar melody. It feels so old-school, nostalgic, and reminiscent of the country style of the 80s. A second guitar soon joins the lone instrumental, followed by a monotone, driving bass drum, and finally the singer’s voice. Her voice is soulful, but it still holds the playfulness necessary to execute a song like this. Her whoops and hollers at the ends of phrases only add to the country atmosphere of the song. After “Daddy Lessons” on Lemonade it was clear Beyoncé could do country, but no one was certain if she’d really commit to it. It seems she has.
The second single of the night, “16 CARRIAGES,” is certainly the more reserved and emotional track of the two. The lyrics speak to the overwhelming nature of Beyoncé’s younger years, as well as the strife she witnessed between her parents. Her airy vocals are laid over atmospheric drums and crashing cymbals. The song builds and builds until its release during the third verse, which feels almost euphoric, and may be a reference to the stress release she’s looking for throughout the song. It seems like every other sentence ends on a vocal run that truly highlights Beyoncé’s impressive range and control. Unlike “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” this song isn’t playful and goofy, but it’s certainly moving. It’s hard to listen to without feeling a tug in the gut and a sense of child-like nostalgia.
While the release of these two tracks was certainly a surprise, it was a good one. Beyoncé continues to prove herself as a music legend, and this latest shift in genres further solidifies her dominance over the music industry. From a house album as Act I to a (seemingly) country album as Act II, Beyoncé can truly do it all, and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this new era.