As a black girl raised in houston rejected by country culture even though I was raised in it (literally horseback riding in my free time country) this album was so healing
This is what I'm saying!!!! So many African Americans are being suppressed in the rodeo scene and it really pisses me off! I know I'm a white girl who has no room to speak, but I will always speak up against injustice and I try to learn things and make realizations about other cultures as best I can, but I also know I have never had to live in that life of having racism on a daily basis just for being you... So yes I can learn, but I can't speak on anything really... But I was never into the rodeo in our town until I watched a documentary on young African Americans trying to get into the rodeo scene and competitions... and it opened my eyes to A LOT!!!! One how hard they train just to barely make it and be suppressed while receiving constant racist remarks and treatment... And they just take it bc they want to make it to the top one day... I hope this opens up a whole new avenue for aspiring riders and even rodeo queens... I am so glad you could get some type of healing from this album... Beyonce is from Texas so she has been raised around the country lifestyle so who is anyone to deny her anything of the sort! And that goes for you as well! And anyone else raised in this... and even so if they weren't raised and they want to do anything like that they should 100% feel free to be able to take a crack at it...
The idea that BEYONCE will no longer make any music anymore just hit me and it makes me emotional we really do need to appreciate artist that really care about their art while they’re here because it will be a point in time when she will no longer be here in the way that she is now and we’re going to be wishing that artist make music like her unfortunately that is the story of many black entertainers and black women in general people never appreciate them while they’re here and when they are gone that’s when people want to give them their flowers.
I don’t think she’ll ever stop making music bc she’s an artist first and foremost. I just think she’ll do it more on HER terms. Instead worrying about the public I think she’ll continue making music for herself like how she does now. The albums she has made since 4 has always been her exploration with music and her expressing herself as she sees fit and I don’t think that’ll ever change.
@@soulfularts6088i heavily agree with this, this 3 act project is entirely for her and on her terms and that's how it's going to be from now on. I don't see her completely retiring either, she might start taking more time for herself and her children until they make it on their own, but look at tony benett - he was making music and collaborating with gaga until his death. I can see her doing something similar and still enjoying music and highlighting younger talented artists at some point later in life.
Herby is just delusional lmao... BEYONCÉ already said she's not retiring...she's not gonna stop making music and singing...she's a creative..even the dream did an interview with genius and said BEYONCÉ is always creating multiple albums, even when she's on hiatus because she's a creative
Plus, the breed of horse is a Lipizzaner. It is born with a black or brown coat, and as it grows, its coat turns grey and then white. I mean, lol, she is saying it without saying it.
That’s the link to the imagery. She is saying is this what l need to look like for you to not consider my fusion of country - Spaghetti?? Okay even then you reject me & others. So we gonna tussle on wax 💭🎓🤠🎠🐝🎤🎶❤️
I low-key think it'll be the visuals or a final album. This woman is building to a finale. In her Harpers Bazaar interview, she said her 40's will be freedom. "My wish is for my 40s to be fun and full of freedom. I want to feel the same freedom I feel on stage every day of my life. I want to explore aspects of myself I haven’t had time to discover and to enjoy my husband and my children. I want to travel without working." Doesn't sound to me like it'll be about music 🧐 If we stick to the timeline of releasing an album each year, I believe Aact 3/4 will take Beyoncé to age 44 (also significant) - a perfect age to retire. Who knows. Although I can't really see her hanging up music forever. You can never tell with this woman @@smarti1144
Reposting for algorithmic purposes: Herby, I never get tired of your rich nuanced, generous, thoughtful, fantastic longform content! You've given voice to things I didn't even think/care to consider. Bravo, love it 👏🏾🤠
Ugh, thank you Shakira. Yk I love and appreciate you and your support so much. Maybe I’m just a lil emo today, but there isn’t a video where you aren’t giving support and genuine love & I want you to know how important & affirming that continues to be for me. Thank you deeply 🥹🫶🏿. Love you Homegworl, fr 🤎
I looked deep into this album cover and found out she’s on a war horse! Also the breed of horse is called a Lipizzaner, a horse born black, then turns white. Lastly, left the blue out of the flag, which is for justice.
Why did I begin to CRY listening to Paul McCartney explain how that song came about and what it was about. It was like knowing my people were seen, especially Black women having such a magnificent song made in our honor and having someone so proudly and meaningfully explain it with no shame, reserve, second thought, it was touching because we just don’t get that the way we should.
Exactly! Unfortunately, black women have to be perfect, just to get respect from our society! Since they don’t have the same societal privileges for forgiveness, as those who are white and/or men, they cannot afford to make any mistakes. All it takes is just one mistake to become a social pariah and destroy everything that they’ve worked so hard for! It’s an incredibly unrealistic double standard that specifically targets and affects young black girls at an early age!
This is such a well-structured analytical approach to Cowboy Carter and its many connective tissues. If I may, here’s a theoretical take on “II HANDS II HEAVEN” respective to race and racelessness: 🙌🏾 Symbolically, the raising of 2 hands evokes images of celebration (dancing while holding whiskey), praise, and intimacy (a partner pulling clothes up over one’s head as arms are raised). Yet, it also evokes images of robbery and arrest where the context is less celebratory-especially given historical instances of violence perpetrated against those unarmed with hands raised. So, through this lens (I’m trying 😭), “II HANDS II HEAVEN” is hauntingly and beautifully liminal as a single pose sits between moments of life and death. From a child raising their arms to be clothed by a parent to a western film’s antihero feigning surrender before escaping, the raising of hands-like kneeling-is within the human experience but rhetorically nuanced by race and its -isms. Aside from that, RIIVERDANCE into II HANDS into TYRANT feels like an Antebellum tale of a couple fleeing, followed by moments of shelter and intimacy and ending with execution (the hangman). I tried 😭
Brilliant.... Simply BRILLIANT! Beyoncé was intentional when creating this Masterpiece, she knew that it would start many conversations. She is such a Virgo. I hope young people pay attention and use their 3rd eye to see the POWERFUL message within this Album. I'm so happy to be ALIVE to see the beginning of something big......
Cowboy Carter serves as more than just entertainment; it acts as a potent remedy, addressing not only the rich tapestry of American music but also serving as a critical reflection on the nation itself. It challenges America to confront its flaws, embrace its ideals, and foster unity. Despite benefiting from the diverse contributions of its people, America persists in imposing limitations and exclusions on what constitutes Americanness. This album aims to deconstruct genre boundaries and dismantle narrow-minded divisions that hinder societal cohesion. It's a masterpiece that needs to be studied at an academic level because the layers are layering.
This album felt so refreshing and new to me as a fan of Beyoncé’s music, which is crazy because she JUST gave us Renaissance and that was very new feeling as well. First time I heard Alien Superstar I was gagged.
I get she’s probably tired but she has said multiple times that this is her passion and something that she loves to do but people are steady trying to retire her. 😂 She is in her early 40s I feel like she’s just getting started like she no longer cares about being trendy it just doesn’t make sense for her to retire when her voice is the strongest it’s ever been and it looks like she feels so much more free on stage
She's definitely not retiring....she's said it multiple times that making music and art is important to her in her Vogue September issue and her Harper's bazaar interview & Renaissance was a musical rebirth for her...she's not confined to any rules and is breaking new ground..A TRUE RENAISSANCE WOMAN
Thank you! Why do we still make this assumption with women at 40? Dolly Parton didn't retire, her idol Tina Turner didn't. Bey could have retired so many times, she has more than enough, she could J-Lo it and put out one song once in a while, but she keeps saying and showing us, she is dedicated to this art for life. She's not retiring, Renaissance is a rebirth.
Beyoncé uses her albums to tell a story. It’s like watching a movie. You wouldn’t want to come in 1/4 of the way through, leave and then come back to watch the end or have people to tell you the best part and then go in just to watch that part of the movie. It’s weird, because I didn’t realize that until I watched someone react to her entire Lemonade album recently. Having said all that, let me give you an overview of the movie that is Cowboy Carter: This whole album is in response to how she was treated at CMA. American Requiem is telling them about themselves. She researched and it took over 5 years for her to develop this album. The album is full of history and reclaiming music that black people/ slaves started, but were kicked out of once it became popular. Blackbird was written by Paul McCartny to give black women/girls hope during the Civil Rights movement . He saw how they were being treated. That’s why all the singers on the song are black women. The others are four black female country singers. Let’s just point out that Country radio has an issue with playing black artists so Beyoncé told everyone about her new venture during the Super Bowl then dropped two country songs. The Bey Hive activated and most country stations played her music. But to top it off, her album is presented as it’s own radio station with country legends presenting her music. This Album was meant to be Act I. This was Beyoncé’s response to how she was treated at the CMA. The requiem funeral procession was trying to let us know that Country Music was rooted and started by blacks. If you look into the history, it started by people putting on black face for minstrel music making fun of the slaves with their banjos. Then people who are credited with starting country, came to black street artists to learn their craft. Once it became big, black people were pushed aside and they started gate keeping the genre. Same thing happened with rock & roll, jazz, blues, and many of the genres that are considered to have been started in America. Thus, Beyoncé is reclaiming all of the music that we’ve been kicked out of that we helped create. It’s why this album delves into all those genres and ends with her buckin breaking down walls and asking if we can hear her now. Then she says that we are the ones who have to clean ourselves of our father’s sins to end the funeral procession .
The University of Texas needs to give her an Honorary Doctorate in Musical Arts. This album was a fucking thesis. It was well thought out. Very layered. The historical context and purposeful and intentional collaborations…chef’s kiss. Her voice soared. Loved it.
I highly doubt Beyonce is retiring especially since she said 2 years ago in her vogue interview that she’s just getting started. I really wish we lay that to rest, she’s literally still in her prime
But what if the "just getting started" was referring to the genesis of this entire project with the multiple acts? Because after she's done with this what other feat of greatness does she have for us, we know she'll never music the same way if at all
@@fordesire9546 Beyonce defied greatness with ST and everyone said she couldn’t outdo Lemonade and here she is with this trilogy. The thing is David Bowie had a trilogy and kept it pushing after and hit a resurgence after that. Hell everyone thought the Classic Period Stevie was done and he kept going. Why can’t she?
@@fordesire9546 I think you're overthinking things.. BEYONCÉ is a creative...she told Harper's bazaar in 2021 that she's always gonna make music and how it's important to her as a creative....it goes beyond just breaking new ground......
@@adontecook810 right..... the whole retirement talk is purely projection because nothing she has said or done indicates she's stopping, I'm fact she has said this trilogy is essentially a rebirth for her.....
@@nelsonmakay2522 and I too believe her when she says she loves music, I mean she's the artist we know her to be because of that love. But I also believe she has been doing this for almost as she's been alive and may be tired and loves her family more. I don't think she wants to miss out on her kids' upbringing and we must believe she already is because of the level of her creativity (all those hours at the studio and planning...). Neither do I want to think she wants to shuffle the babies up and down all over the world on a jet for when she tours. There are just too many reasons to not do this anymore
I LOOOOOOVE your insight here. This is definitely a no skip album! And sooooo many songs?!?! In today’s day and age where we can’t even get a full 3 minute song that slaps?! Ugh she flexes so effortlessly!!!! I know this took WORK but laaaawd it’s so graceful!
I was never really much of a Beyonce fan before. I liked her in the same way I like a lot of pop stars, in that I heard her music a lot on the radio growing up and generally liked them, but I listened to Cowboy Carter on repeat the night it came out and I got to say that I MIGHT be in the Beyhive now.
first listen I added bodyguard to my fleetwood mac radio playlist, that immediately felt at home among their catalog, and could not be excluded from that playlist
Hey Herby! Another flawless video. I think you're onto something with there being 4 acts... I also wanted to add some stuff I've noticed from Cowboy Carter (CC) and Renaissance. First: I'm noticing that there are a lot of themes Beyoncé is touching on, but she seems to be really concerned with the concept of 'time'. In the Renaissance film, she mentioned how looking at things through the perspective of her children who are growing up right in front of her eyes impacted her creative process. In AMERICAN REQUIEM, she sings 'now is the time to let love in'. Again in the Renaissance tour visuals in that lift-off interlude, she features Neil deGrasse Tyson's description of time as a prism. In 16 CARRIAGES she recounts her entire musical career and makes a point about leaving a legacy etc. I'm not sure what all of this means, but it's just one of the connective threads I've noticed between these two eras/albums. Lastly: The imagery of a 'house' is particularly striking. The last track released between the Renaissance and CC eras is titled MY HOUSE where she calls for a new revolution and sings 'let love heal us all'. We see her return to this image of a house at the end of CC in the track AMEN where she says 'this house was built with blood and bone and it crumbled'. I'm not sure if the house in MY HOUSE and AMEN are the same or even related but I'd love to ask anyone reading, what are your thoughts on this? I can't be the only one who's noticed these connections.
Oh you're a genius, you're really onto something here. She's also been exploring time in terms of reaching back in time for musical inspiration, looking to history to find her sound.
Beyoncé’s album is thoughtful and chocked full of history, but she is still just one woman, a black woman at that, and people continually lament about what she hasn’t done when she puts out a project. Here’s some food for thought: Her album requires us to analyze and learn to get the full depth and appreciation or to just listen to the art and miss the significance. She leaves it to us to decode the depth for appreciation. Her songs, lyrics, and this album are intentional. A few tidbits that aren’t mentioned in my other post. . . Can we take a moment to realize that Blackbird was written not just about Civil rights, but in reaction to how those kids from the Little Rock Nine were treated. There were 5 little girls that were part of the Little Rock 9 and Beyoncé added 4 black female country artist to show 5 women being kept out of a segregated country genre music system. Alligator tears could be analogy of how America treats its black people. Just like Requiem America espouses big ideas, but when it needs to be built, saved from their own actions (Trump & white nationalist), it turns to black people to save it and gives us alligator tears but doesn’t change. Think about the celebrity Jewish people who said why aren’t black people coming to march and help us. Think about women’s rights to vote, that left black women behind, think about how Civil rights gave women rights that gave white women better pay and a seat at tables. Because the Civil Rights laws covers women and minorities. And what do they do, side with the people who fought to keep them from getting those rights. Now they watching all their rights stripped away now they looking at us to help them regain everything they gave away. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Omgggg I kid you not THESE ARE MY EXACT THOUGHTS!! You get it!!!! EVERY WORD YOU SAID HERE ARE MY SENTIMENTS AS WELL! I am sooo glad that I am Not the only person in the world with this thought process 👏🏾 Perfectly said! Thank you 👏🏾👏🏾
The Little Rock Nine also included boys. Minnijean Brown, Terrance Roberts, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls.
@@roseamberzine5846 I know, that’s why I made the distinction of how many girls were part of Little Rock 9. But blackbird was written for black girls/women fight for Civil Rights, because of the Little Rock 9 and Beyoncé included exactly four other women, to honor the message in the song. I figure since it’s called 9 and I say how many of them were girls, people would realize that the other 4 were boys. However, the intentionality is Beyoncé duplicating the # of girls 5 to women 5.
I would loveeee a secret 4th act and I really hope the final visual is a feature film or some grand performance that weaves how all the projects come together to tell an overall story Also my CC top 5 (in order!): just for fun, daughter, II hands II heaven, ya ya, American requiem. Honorable mention: desert eagle!
I appreciate your analysis sooo much. I like that you didn’t compare Renaissance & Cowboy Carter like almost everyone else but keyed on those details that everyone else just can’t seem to pick up on. You are truly a treasure for the black community here on TH-cam. This body of work shouldn’t be discussed like they’re regular albums, this is an entire project telling a story. & if Beyoncé is using this to retire, I’m just happy to experience it in real time & I will absolutely be at Every Show!
wow i just binged two of your videos back to back and i loved this analysis/breakdown so much! similar top 5: - ameriican requiem - levii's jeans - alliigator tears - ii hands ii heaven - yaya
I'm addicted to your channel now. You're very entertaining and your vocal impressions are really impressive! Usually I don't watch many outgoing, talkative or extroverted-seeming people on youtube cause I get annoyed (lol) but you, not at all sir! You're so fun and your speaking is entertaining yet intelligent at the same time, all your talking points are easy to follow and are really eye-opening. As a fellow Beyonce stan I appreciate you!!!!!!! Hilarious too!
You are by far one of the funniest, cutest and thought-provoking commentators on TH-cam, to date. Your attention to sociological trends and explanation are top-tier. Definitely look into tbe arena of TA studies at an HBCU! But wow, I never thought of this album being considered a "character "; great analogy to this act. Keep up the amazing work!
As a 37 year old woman can I just say I am so sick of commentators presuming incoming retirement as soon as a woman turns 40. Retire why. Why? She already does not need the money. She loves what she does and has always done it at her own pace. Why are we presuming she doesn't want to keep making some type of music at any given frequency her whole life? What do y'all expect her to do - sit at home behind the potted plants by the window for the next 30 years?
Absolutely! There's no way in hell a workaholic but also artisitic/performative genius like Bey is not going to be active in the music industry for the next 30 years. That's a crazy concept to me
Very true. A billionaire can probably retire whenever she wants. If anything, gender minorities end up being late bloomers bc of the extra time we spend fighting patriarchy. Bey has been at it since she was young but like the whole point of this album is that she’s been denied a seat at certain tables. People expect youth from women while consistently undermining them and then anticipating their early demise as soon as they come into their own.
Why does it feel like at every corner of society, people seem to be pushing each other to just sit inside and do nothing? I genuinely want discussions on why so many people have such an issue with people doing ANYTHING other than silently sitting in a chair by a window lol
Omg, I was JUST saying to my coworker “what if there’s an act IV and didn’t 👏🏾 even 👏🏾 thiiink 👏🏾 about her OBSESSION and constant reference and re-referencing the number 4! 😭😭😭 it MUST be, in some way shape or form
I was really struggling with that question of which version of Jolean I liked more, and your comparison with Dolly's Jolean perfectly encapsulates my feelings. Dolly's version is not a healthy mindset but it's an understandable one, and that's where i can't help but love it.
I'm a big Rock girly so ACTIII not being Rock would sting a little, for me. However, I did always think that the last true Act (IV? if that'swhat she names it) would be the visuals. Nice work as always Herby!
Yes! Soft rock and funk are the words that i was looking for! When i listen to the album I hear these 2 genres (and others of course) i just didnt have language for it because im not a music expert. Thanks, Herby!
Herby I liveeee for these videos, they make me see music through an entirely different lens. They encourage me to actively engage in art by doing further research and creating my own critics instead of nodding along to whatever the artist says, which is sooo needed in this era of passive viewership where everything is tailor-made to keep us scrolling. You sit perfectly on the intersection of all my interests: critical thought, pop culture and medium ghetto antics! Ok omw to relisten to Cowboy Carter byeee
I have been saying this for a while, and I have been a Beyoncé/Destiny’s Child fan since (The Writings on the Wall), and I have NEVER left her side to the day. But, it was put on my heart a while ago that Beyoncé is gearing up for retirement. Whether she actually says it or just stops doing music at the capacity that she has, and possibly 5-10 years down the line after this project has been completed in its entirety, give or take, she will reunite with Destiny’s Child or get into a FULL Vegas Residency. I love the idea of Act IIII being the visuals (it makes perfect sense), and I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea that there MIGHT be an ACT IV that could possibly be an R&B album (I would lose my ish, lol. As far as Cowboy Carter, it certainly is a masterpiece. A work of art. I literally wake up each morning with a different song from the album playing over and over again in my head. She was so experimental for CC, and one thing you have to love about Beyoncé and give respect for is that she will ALWAYS do her homework and bring you quality. She will get the best of the best to join her to bring forth her vision and sound. Still to this day I find it hard to make my top five or provide my favorite because it changes everyday. I genuinely love all the songs, and I understand some of my least favorites more as I listen to them more and more and I grow to love them just as much as other tracks. Beyoncé is very intentional, and she knows exactly what she is doing. So, I have stopped questioning her a long time ago. The Visuals and the Concert Film, I’ve been wanting them, but I know they’re coming (I also hope that a live album for both Renaissance and CowBoy Carter will be released also). All in all, great review/analysis on the album. Great job Beyoncé, and I can’t wait for what’s in store!
Thank you so much for this video! I truly thought for some reason I was not gonna be able to like this album but it spoke deeply to me, especially as a black woman in the military and the challenges that come with my pride for my country and willingness to serve, and the ways I am consistently put down for things I cannot control (my gender and "race"); i have been in the BEYhive for most of my adolescent and adult years and have seen her grow and change as an artist and it has been beautiful. If her goals are truly for a post-racial world, I definitely am a fan; music and art are the first places I feel like through history we see these extraordinary changes so seeing it happen through her art makes me so hopefully for our future ☺
As much as I love “II most wanted” and “Levii jeans” heavily! I do think she could have had black artist featured on those tracks.. I wished she used black artist on songs she knew would be standouts.. love the album big time but that is a critique I have about it
I'm so glad that someone else sees what she's doing and hears beyond the music. Beyonce KNOWles Carter knows a lot, spiritually, mentally, and astrologically. This is a call to face the wind and create the change that we all so desperately need. Things can't continue to go the way they are.
Miley was the perfect choice for that song! And I do wish that Blackbird was longer. But the album is a masterpiece. And what I also love, it's getting people to learn more about the origins of country music, cowboys, etc.
I just watched like half a video of yours that was in my watch later (idek when I put it there and how I found it), and I checked out your channel, am now subscribed, and gonna watch this one before going back to the old one. Anyway, I'm sure this is gonna be amazing, just wanted to comment before I forget. Thanks for making this!
Beyonce is low key in her creative prime. I would say she’s close to retiring but I think she’s entered the point where her voice and mind are just blowing everything else out of the water. I love her older work but most of her previous discography is truly a reflection of its time. Heavily influenced by her peers and the trends at the time. I feel like she has fully transcended into music in a league of its own and that is truly timeless. I don’t think she’ll stop but I do think the lady might not tour anymore
Loved this, just funny enough what you mentioned about her album cover is all true, but the part I was waiting for you to bring up is how(similar to her songs) she's using the cover to say two things (or more) at once. From the horse- the type that it is the fact that it's actively running/in motion compared to it's act i stationary counterpart, is "full bodied", to her position that she is on it (and where/when that position is usually done), to her holding the harness in her hand, to the sash on over her, to the coordinated outfit, to the american flag being cut off so there is no blue or stars shown only the fringe, white and blue....like I can on and on. Every detail here is a BIG f u it seems to this America while at 1st glance makes you think she's showing her pride in the country. This is so well done that I noticed so many are missing these details and what they mean. This is her resistance piece (meant it like this), showing in part so many sentiments she alludes to in the album but doesn't say straight up. Very very smart of her- saying all she needs and wants to express so strongly, not directly but in plan sight!
I just wanna say thank you for all the hard work you do to educate and entertain us. Fabulous points as always, such good vibes, and omg I just noticed the set is OVAH, you did that Herby!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I always appreciate your analysis and how you share it SO much. This was such a great, well-articulated review - you touched on so many interesting and important aspects of the album and project so clearly and efficiently (just like the Queen herself 😉). Love that you presented it through the artistic lens and the sociological lens and contextualized everything within the Theory of Racelessness. On a totally separate note - you’re also so funny and I loved your editing in this one 💯💯
absolutely with your critique on the black features especially on black bird cuz at MOST i hear 1 unqiue voice throughout the whole track and was surprised to see like 4 people featured.....
I love this album sooo much !! Beyonce to me is the villain of the people. Jolene daughter, and spaghetti. back up my claim. It’s the emotion of rage of being done wrong especially in Jolene and daughter. Her snapping in spaghetti solidifies my thought or opinion. I love this lady 😩😩😩
I watch herby’s videos and I’m shook and educated and entertained. And I come to the comments section and ONCE AGAIN I am shook I am educated I am entertained 😂 love yall down!
21:27 she’s native as well. Black people and women in particular have been evaluated to be even more “American” than others because of our sacrifices for this land. She’s making America see her American-ness and, to me, sharing that she’s even more than that as her roots are older than the land..
Baby, I have never seen you before you have never come across my homepage you did today and then the first 10 minutes of your explanation of your breakdown. Got me to like and subscribe to your page. Keep doing you.Gracias por todo
As a country fan that’s been riding hard for Black artists in country I appreciate your take. I also appreciate you acknowledging that she is bending genres in this album but has country roots. It wasn’t my cup of tea for that reason because I’m the type that hates country crossover songs. However I can appreciate her artistry and dedication to uplifting the people already in the genre she’s dipping her toes/ finding inspiration in. My ONLY critique was that her “more” country songs sounded too perfect. Like she was intentionally trying to make sure they were country “enough.” To me she sounds substantially more relaxed and natural in the more genre bendy songs.
Congratulations, Queen Beyonce!!! As an independent thinker, I am feeling all her music and Black history lessons. The thing sbout creativity - it's not meant to be perfect. The Renaisssance concert and movie were awesome! Never danced and sung during an entire movie. The experiences were truly innovative. Best entertainment for my money. She's still a creative powerhouse. Doesn't matter what genre of music she feels like exploring, I am here for it all. 😊
I must admit, the Renaissance album didn't quite hit the spot for me. But THIS album? It's like a warm embrace, a nostalgic drive down the highway with the wind in my hair and my special someone by my side. Bodyguard exudes such sensuality and excitement; it's like being enveloped in pure passion. And let's talk about Levy Jeans-absolute favorite! Don't even try to argue; it's got that irresistible allure, especially with Post Malone's perfect touch. Protector, on the other hand, tugs at the heartstrings, evoking feelings of comfort and safety, like a loving embrace from a parent. II Hands II Heaven? Total Rocket & Smash into You vibes, and I'm here for it! YA YA brings that Get Me Bodied energy, culturally significant and just plain fun. As I dive deeper into this album, I'm falling more and more in love. The talent here is undeniable! 🎶💕
I don’t know if this is a rumor or not but I also heard that Bey was inspired to create Cowboy Carter because she watched several western movies . For example I’ve seen many people relate II Most Wanted to the film Thelma and Louise. Herby I would love to hear your thoughts/analysis on this! ❤❤❤❤❤
It would make sense that Beyonce originally planned on ending her career at the age of 44. I’m not sure if she can still make that but it would be cool if her last tour date for her last album fell the day before her 45th birthday. The visuals being special moments from throughout her career.
@@nelsonmakay2522 she can retire and still make music/art. Retirement would just lower people’s expectations about consistent album releases and tours. Do i believe that Beyonce will only “retire” once? No. But enjoying life without those expectations from everybody is probably good for her health.
@@Venufan again she's not retiring and she's never cared about anyone's expectations that's why she releases projects when she wants to and she has yet to even release visuals for any of her new albums because SHE MOVES AT HER OWN PACE...she has made it made very clear that she's always gonna tour her projects that's why she is always recording multiple albums and planning world tours years in advance..........
I’m so torn with Beyoncé , cause on one hand I appreciate her “reclaiming” black genres but in the other I’m just like .. girl .. you really think music is gonna be the thing to cause real change . It just seems more like an Aesthetic she’s taking on. Like she thought “oh how do I make my legacy more interesting …” by attaching myself to imagery of black radicalism.. yet not really aiding in the liberation of black people. I think putting things in code defeats the purpose , I think you can think critically about things but if the people who need to see the message don’t even understand it.. then what’s the point. Also it doesn’t help that she’s a capitalist first and foremost. This black liberation image that she’s taken up doesn’t seem genuine when she refuses to speak directly about the issues EVERYDAY black people go though. Just a facade really. Black capitalism won’t save us .
And by the album “coming and going” on the chart just shows my point. If you want to make a point (that black people deserve real and true liberation and equity) be LOUD about it. And not just depend on some critical thinkers to deceiver your message n to infer on what you mean …
This album is meant to serve as a musical education of the African Americans historic place w/in Country music, which would sound like Irish Folk (great in It's own right, mind you) if it weren't for the Blues & Gospel of the enslaved Africans. This includes the BANJO, which was created by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean then, later brought to The States. Yes, the banjo wasn't created by the Appalachians but by Africans. I could also go into the Black artists that many of the earlier big name white country artists learned from then portrayed as their style.... as it was with Elvis and Black artists like Roy Hamilton, Big Mama Thornton, Chuck Berry and Sister Rosetta Tharpe - The Godmother of Rock & Roll, but it would take awhile. ;) Beyonce adds a bit of those artists work into this album as well. Her last few projects have been a meld of grand musical production, a mosaic of Black History and how the two interconnect. It appears that Beyonce is in a period of the Reclamation and Rejoicing of African American Culture, trying to correct the record due to the erasure and gate keeping whilst also trying to push The Culture forward in Unity, Knowledge and Beautiful Experiences and Conversations. 😎 It's what she's become known for. The Superficial and surface level won't fully appreciate this album over the more curious and expansive minded.
As a black girl raised in houston rejected by country culture even though I was raised in it (literally horseback riding in my free time country) this album was so healing
I love this for you 💕
Aww I love this for you! That’s what the renaissance did for me!
This is what I'm saying!!!! So many African Americans are being suppressed in the rodeo scene and it really pisses me off! I know I'm a white girl who has no room to speak, but I will always speak up against injustice and I try to learn things and make realizations about other cultures as best I can, but I also know I have never had to live in that life of having racism on a daily basis just for being you... So yes I can learn, but I can't speak on anything really... But I was never into the rodeo in our town until I watched a documentary on young African Americans trying to get into the rodeo scene and competitions... and it opened my eyes to A LOT!!!! One how hard they train just to barely make it and be suppressed while receiving constant racist remarks and treatment... And they just take it bc they want to make it to the top one day... I hope this opens up a whole new avenue for aspiring riders and even rodeo queens... I am so glad you could get some type of healing from this album... Beyonce is from Texas so she has been raised around the country lifestyle so who is anyone to deny her anything of the sort! And that goes for you as well! And anyone else raised in this... and even so if they weren't raised and they want to do anything like that they should 100% feel free to be able to take a crack at it...
You deserve it
That's beautiful. Ain't nobody getting left behind.
The idea that BEYONCE will no longer make any music anymore just hit me and it makes me emotional we really do need to appreciate artist that really care about their art while they’re here because it will be a point in time when she will no longer be here in the way that she is now and we’re going to be wishing that artist make music like her unfortunately that is the story of many black entertainers and black women in general people never appreciate them while they’re here and when they are gone that’s when people want to give them their flowers.
wdym…. ? like “one day”? do u mean?
I don’t think she’ll ever stop making music bc she’s an artist first and foremost. I just think she’ll do it more on HER terms. Instead worrying about the public I think she’ll continue making music for herself like how she does now. The albums she has made since 4 has always been her exploration with music and her expressing herself as she sees fit and I don’t think that’ll ever change.
I agree! I graduated Highschool to BDAY lol
@@soulfularts6088i heavily agree with this, this 3 act project is entirely for her and on her terms and that's how it's going to be from now on. I don't see her completely retiring either, she might start taking more time for herself and her children until they make it on their own, but look at tony benett - he was making music and collaborating with gaga until his death. I can see her doing something similar and still enjoying music and highlighting younger talented artists at some point later in life.
Herby is just delusional lmao... BEYONCÉ already said she's not retiring...she's not gonna stop making music and singing...she's a creative..even the dream did an interview with genius and said BEYONCÉ is always creating multiple albums, even when she's on hiatus because she's a creative
Plus, the breed of horse is a Lipizzaner. It is born with a black or brown coat, and as it grows, its coat turns grey and then white. I mean, lol, she is saying it without saying it.
Grey horses can be born black, bay or chestnut
That’s the link to the imagery. She is saying is this what l need to look like for you to not consider my fusion of country - Spaghetti?? Okay even then you reject me & others. So we gonna tussle on wax 💭🎓🤠🎠🐝🎤🎶❤️
NO, honey! I been SAYING it's 4 acts. The people said I was crazy
The # 4 is the Carter's #, so I can see that!
It's act 4 the visuals? That's what I'm thinking
I low-key think it'll be the visuals or a final album. This woman is building to a finale. In her Harpers Bazaar interview, she said her 40's will be freedom.
"My wish is for my 40s to be fun and full of freedom. I want to feel the same freedom I feel on stage every day of my life. I want to explore aspects of myself I haven’t had time to discover and to enjoy my husband and my children. I want to travel without working."
Doesn't sound to me like it'll be about music 🧐
If we stick to the timeline of releasing an album each year, I believe Aact 3/4 will take Beyoncé to age 44 (also significant) - a perfect age to retire.
Who knows.
Although I can't really see her hanging up music forever. You can never tell with this woman
@@smarti1144
BEYONCÉ herself, the album booklet, album producers and the official press release for Renaissance has already confirmed that it is only 3 acts.
@@JUL7VNremember her fave number is 4. They won’t release/say everything. Just my thoughts
Reposting for algorithmic purposes: Herby, I never get tired of your rich nuanced, generous, thoughtful, fantastic longform content! You've given voice to things I didn't even think/care to consider. Bravo, love it 👏🏾🤠
I second that statement 🎉🎉🎉
Amen!
I third this statement!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Ugh, thank you Shakira. Yk I love and appreciate you and your support so much. Maybe I’m just a lil emo today, but there isn’t a video where you aren’t giving support and genuine love & I want you to know how important & affirming that continues to be for me. Thank you deeply 🥹🫶🏿. Love you Homegworl, fr 🤎
Herby deserves to appear on the tour visuals
I looked deep into this album cover and found out she’s on a war horse! Also the breed of horse is called a Lipizzaner, a horse born black, then turns white. Lastly, left the blue out of the flag, which is for justice.
I was wondering about to the flag! I of course knew it was intentional and hoped that would be covered in the vid as well. Nice catch!
It is also said that Napoleon Bonaparte's horse was a Lipizzaner.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Go ahead, with the facts!
I was wondering about that too the first time I saw the picture that the flag had to be deliberately done that way
Why did I begin to CRY listening to Paul McCartney explain how that song came about and what it was about. It was like knowing my people were seen, especially Black women having such a magnificent song made in our honor and having someone so proudly and meaningfully explain it with no shame, reserve, second thought, it was touching because we just don’t get that the way we should.
“Black girls don’t have to be black girl magic or be magical or show up with sparkles in order to be worthy.” PREACH HERBYYY🫶🏿
Exactly! Unfortunately, black women have to be perfect, just to get respect from our society! Since they don’t have the same societal privileges for forgiveness, as those who are white and/or men, they cannot afford to make any mistakes. All it takes is just one mistake to become a social pariah and destroy everything that they’ve worked so hard for! It’s an incredibly unrealistic double standard that specifically targets and affects young black girls at an early age!
This is such a well-structured analytical approach to Cowboy Carter and its many connective tissues. If I may, here’s a theoretical take on “II HANDS II HEAVEN” respective to race and racelessness: 🙌🏾 Symbolically, the raising of 2 hands evokes images of celebration (dancing while holding whiskey), praise, and intimacy (a partner pulling clothes up over one’s head as arms are raised). Yet, it also evokes images of robbery and arrest where the context is less celebratory-especially given historical instances of violence perpetrated against those unarmed with hands raised. So, through this lens (I’m trying 😭), “II HANDS II HEAVEN” is hauntingly and beautifully liminal as a single pose sits between moments of life and death. From a child raising their arms to be clothed by a parent to a western film’s antihero feigning surrender before escaping, the raising of hands-like kneeling-is within the human experience but rhetorically nuanced by race and its -isms. Aside from that, RIIVERDANCE into II HANDS into TYRANT feels like an Antebellum tale of a couple fleeing, followed by moments of shelter and intimacy and ending with execution (the hangman). I tried 😭
Brilliant.... Simply BRILLIANT! Beyoncé was intentional when creating this Masterpiece, she knew that it would start many conversations. She is such a Virgo. I hope young people pay attention and use their 3rd eye to see the POWERFUL message within this Album. I'm so happy to be ALIVE to see the beginning of something big......
😭😭😭 this is such a good read of the song
This is an amazing take. You did a great job viewing it thru the racelessness lens
Excellent synopsis 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Yeah… you ate bby
Cowboy Carter serves as more than just entertainment; it acts as a potent remedy, addressing not only the rich tapestry of American music but also serving as a critical reflection on the nation itself. It challenges America to confront its flaws, embrace its ideals, and foster unity. Despite benefiting from the diverse contributions of its people, America persists in imposing limitations and exclusions on what constitutes Americanness. This album aims to deconstruct genre boundaries and dismantle narrow-minded divisions that hinder societal cohesion. It's a masterpiece that needs to be studied at an academic level because the layers are layering.
🎤🫰🏾🫰🏾🫰🏾
Well said 😌
All of American music is Black American.
@@VesperJester Agreed.
@@KAIYA.4 That's a strange take. Do you have an opinion on the album that you care to share or did you simply want to express how small you feel?
Finally theee most important review of Cowboy Carter is out🥳🥳
Literally
Boots!
This album felt so refreshing and new to me as a fan of Beyoncé’s music, which is crazy because she JUST gave us Renaissance and that was very new feeling as well. First time I heard Alien Superstar I was gagged.
WHY DO YOU ONLY HAVE 62k followers ??? You deserved AT LEAST 500k because this is quality work !!!!!
I get she’s probably tired but she has said multiple times that this is her passion and something that she loves to do but people are steady trying to retire her. 😂 She is in her early 40s I feel like she’s just getting started like she no longer cares about being trendy it just doesn’t make sense for her to retire when her voice is the strongest it’s ever been and it looks like she feels so much more free on stage
She's definitely not retiring....she's said it multiple times that making music and art is important to her in her Vogue September issue and her Harper's bazaar interview & Renaissance was a musical rebirth for her...she's not confined to any rules and is breaking new ground..A TRUE RENAISSANCE WOMAN
Apparently no matter how far we come, women are still presumed to expire after 40!
Thank you! Why do we still make this assumption with women at 40? Dolly Parton didn't retire, her idol Tina Turner didn't. Bey could have retired so many times, she has more than enough, she could J-Lo it and put out one song once in a while, but she keeps saying and showing us, she is dedicated to this art for life. She's not retiring, Renaissance is a rebirth.
Man I want to see heavy metal Beyoncé though 😩
Beyoncé uses her albums to tell a story. It’s like watching a movie. You wouldn’t want to come in 1/4 of the way through, leave and then come back to watch the end or have people to tell you the best part and then go in just to watch that part of the movie. It’s weird, because I didn’t realize that until I watched someone react to her entire Lemonade album recently. Having said all that, let me give you an overview of the movie that is Cowboy Carter:
This whole album is in response to how she was treated at CMA. American Requiem is telling them about themselves. She researched and it took over 5 years for her to develop this album. The album is full of history and reclaiming music that black people/ slaves started, but were kicked out of once it became popular.
Blackbird was written by Paul McCartny to give black women/girls hope during the Civil Rights movement . He saw how they were being treated. That’s why all the singers on the song are black women. The others are four black female country singers.
Let’s just point out that Country radio has an issue with playing black artists so Beyoncé told everyone about her new venture during the Super Bowl then dropped two country songs. The Bey Hive activated and most country stations played her music. But to top it off, her album is presented as it’s own radio station with country legends presenting her music.
This Album was meant to be Act I. This was Beyoncé’s response to how she was treated at the CMA. The requiem funeral procession was trying to let us know that Country Music was rooted and started by blacks. If you look into the history, it started by people putting on black face for minstrel music making fun of the slaves with their banjos. Then people who are credited with starting country, came to black street artists to learn their craft. Once it became big, black people were pushed aside and they started gate keeping the genre.
Same thing happened with rock & roll, jazz, blues, and many of the genres that are considered to have been started in America. Thus, Beyoncé is reclaiming all of the music that we’ve been kicked out of that we helped create. It’s why this album delves into all those genres and ends with her buckin breaking down walls and asking if we can hear her now. Then she says that we are the ones who have to clean ourselves of our father’s sins to end the funeral procession .
💯
The University of Texas needs to give her an Honorary Doctorate in Musical Arts. This album was a fucking thesis. It was well thought out. Very layered. The historical context and purposeful and intentional collaborations…chef’s kiss. Her voice soared. Loved it.
Its been reported that the 27 tracks represent the number of years she's been in the business.
"It's far too brilliant" 😭 and I just started the vid
The western boho background pieces! We love the details!!
I highly doubt Beyonce is retiring especially since she said 2 years ago in her vogue interview that she’s just getting started. I really wish we lay that to rest, she’s literally still in her prime
But what if the "just getting started" was referring to the genesis of this entire project with the multiple acts? Because after she's done with this what other feat of greatness does she have for us, we know she'll never music the same way if at all
@@fordesire9546 Beyonce defied greatness with ST and everyone said she couldn’t outdo Lemonade and here she is with this trilogy. The thing is David Bowie had a trilogy and kept it pushing after and hit a resurgence after that. Hell everyone thought the Classic Period Stevie was done and he kept going. Why can’t she?
@@fordesire9546 I think you're overthinking things.. BEYONCÉ is a creative...she told Harper's bazaar in 2021 that she's always gonna make music and how it's important to her as a creative....it goes beyond just breaking new ground......
@@adontecook810 right..... the whole retirement talk is purely projection because nothing she has said or done indicates she's stopping, I'm fact she has said this trilogy is essentially a rebirth for her.....
@@nelsonmakay2522 and I too believe her when she says she loves music, I mean she's the artist we know her to be because of that love. But I also believe she has been doing this for almost as she's been alive and may be tired and loves her family more. I don't think she wants to miss out on her kids' upbringing and we must believe she already is because of the level of her creativity (all those hours at the studio and planning...). Neither do I want to think she wants to shuffle the babies up and down all over the world on a jet for when she tours. There are just too many reasons to not do this anymore
I LOOOOOOVE your insight here. This is definitely a no skip album! And sooooo many songs?!?! In today’s day and age where we can’t even get a full 3 minute song that slaps?! Ugh she flexes so effortlessly!!!! I know this took WORK but laaaawd it’s so graceful!
I was never really much of a Beyonce fan before. I liked her in the same way I like a lot of pop stars, in that I heard her music a lot on the radio growing up and generally liked them, but I listened to Cowboy Carter on repeat the night it came out and I got to say that I MIGHT be in the Beyhive now.
You got to see her in Concert. Beyonce is even better in person.
Exactly the same for me.This album unlocked something within me.I am big fan now l can see the journey and messages.🤣❤️🐝🎠❤️🙌🏾🤠🎤🎶💫
first listen I added bodyguard to my fleetwood mac radio playlist, that immediately felt at home among their catalog, and could not be excluded from that playlist
Hey Herby! Another flawless video. I think you're onto something with there being 4 acts...
I also wanted to add some stuff I've noticed from Cowboy Carter (CC) and Renaissance.
First: I'm noticing that there are a lot of themes Beyoncé is touching on, but she seems to be really concerned with the concept of 'time'. In the Renaissance film, she mentioned how looking at things through the perspective of her children who are growing up right in front of her eyes impacted her creative process. In AMERICAN REQUIEM, she sings 'now is the time to let love in'. Again in the Renaissance tour visuals in that lift-off interlude, she features Neil deGrasse Tyson's description of time as a prism. In 16 CARRIAGES she recounts her entire musical career and makes a point about leaving a legacy etc.
I'm not sure what all of this means, but it's just one of the connective threads I've noticed between these two eras/albums.
Lastly: The imagery of a 'house' is particularly striking. The last track released between the Renaissance and CC eras is titled MY HOUSE where she calls for a new revolution and sings 'let love heal us all'. We see her return to this image of a house at the end of CC in the track AMEN where she says 'this house was built with blood and bone and it crumbled'. I'm not sure if the house in MY HOUSE and AMEN are the same or even related but I'd love to ask anyone reading, what are your thoughts on this? I can't be the only one who's noticed these connections.
Oh you're a genius, you're really onto something here. She's also been exploring time in terms of reaching back in time for musical inspiration, looking to history to find her sound.
Beyoncé’s album is thoughtful and chocked full of history, but she is still just one woman, a black woman at that, and people continually lament about what she hasn’t done when she puts out a project. Here’s some food for thought: Her album requires us to analyze and learn to get the full depth and appreciation or to just listen to the art and miss the significance. She leaves it to us to decode the depth for appreciation. Her songs, lyrics, and this album are intentional. A few tidbits that aren’t mentioned in my other post. . .
Can we take a moment to realize that Blackbird was written not just about Civil rights, but in reaction to how those kids from the Little Rock Nine were treated. There were 5 little girls that were part of the Little Rock 9 and Beyoncé added 4 black female country artist to show 5 women being kept out of a segregated country genre music system.
Alligator tears could be analogy of how America treats its black people. Just like Requiem America espouses big ideas, but when it needs to be built, saved from their own actions (Trump & white nationalist), it turns to black people to save it and gives us alligator tears but doesn’t change. Think about the celebrity Jewish people who said why aren’t black people coming to march and help us. Think about women’s rights to vote, that left black women behind, think about how Civil rights gave women rights that gave white women better pay and a seat at tables. Because the Civil Rights laws covers women and minorities. And what do they do, side with the people who fought to keep them from getting those rights. Now they watching all their rights stripped away now they looking at us to help them regain everything they gave away. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Omgggg I kid you not THESE ARE MY EXACT THOUGHTS!! You get it!!!! EVERY WORD YOU SAID HERE ARE MY SENTIMENTS AS WELL! I am sooo glad that I am Not the only person in the world with this thought process 👏🏾 Perfectly said! Thank you 👏🏾👏🏾
The Little Rock Nine also included boys.
Minnijean Brown, Terrance Roberts, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls.
@@roseamberzine5846 I know, that’s why I made the distinction of how many girls were part of Little Rock 9. But blackbird was written for black girls/women fight for Civil Rights, because of the Little Rock 9 and Beyoncé included exactly four other women, to honor the message in the song. I figure since it’s called 9 and I say how many of them were girls, people would realize that the other 4 were boys. However, the intentionality is Beyoncé duplicating the # of girls 5 to women 5.
Well said
Literal world salad youre just saying things to cover any possible critique because you don't like seeing anyone do anything besides just praise her
I would loveeee a secret 4th act and I really hope the final visual is a feature film or some grand performance that weaves how all the projects come together to tell an overall story
Also my CC top 5 (in order!): just for fun, daughter, II hands II heaven, ya ya, American requiem. Honorable mention: desert eagle!
I appreciate your analysis sooo much. I like that you didn’t compare Renaissance & Cowboy Carter like almost everyone else but keyed on those details that everyone else just can’t seem to pick up on. You are truly a treasure for the black community here on TH-cam.
This body of work shouldn’t be discussed like they’re regular albums, this is an entire project telling a story.
& if Beyoncé is using this to retire, I’m just happy to experience it in real time & I will absolutely be at Every Show!
Caro Mio Ben is also a staple for those taking voice lessons; I suspect there is a layer of meaning to that as well.
I interpret it as "learning to use your voice", learning to express yourself even if it's dark and dramatic and turning it into something beautiful.
love your predictions but i want a rock/rock opera album! she'd kill it if she did that!
ACT FOUR?!?!?😭 WE GON BE WAITING TILL 2030+ FOR THE VISUALS NOW
Exactly, those who know Beyonce know that she loves the no. 4! She wouldn't end it at 3, especially when there is the genre of Gospel and rock.
Gospel makes sense
I blasted Suga mama a few days ago and come to think of it that's a song that would eat with some country-forward rootin' tootin' arrangements
wow i just binged two of your videos back to back and i loved this analysis/breakdown so much!
similar top 5:
- ameriican requiem
- levii's jeans
- alliigator tears
- ii hands ii heaven
- yaya
My interpretation of the album was it’s a story about love and heartbreak while simultaneously telling the story of genres and black art.
#JUSTICEFORSUGAMAMA
I LOOOOOVE the way you speak. You’re articulation and terminology 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🔥.
BABY
I'VE BEEN WAITING
MY WHOLE LIFE
FOR this video😏
Herby, I ALWAYS delight in your BRILLIANT PERSPECTIVE, VAST KNOWLEDGE, CONSISTENCY and JOY prevalent in your commentary. THANK YOU! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love you, Travis! Was just watching a MJ compilation and saw you! 🙏🏾🙌🏾🎈
Thank you Travis for always being so supportive & complimentary. It means a lot 🥹 🫶🏿.
I'm addicted to your channel now. You're very entertaining and your vocal impressions are really impressive! Usually I don't watch many outgoing, talkative or extroverted-seeming people on youtube cause I get annoyed (lol) but you, not at all sir! You're so fun and your speaking is entertaining yet intelligent at the same time, all your talking points are easy to follow and are really eye-opening. As a fellow Beyonce stan I appreciate you!!!!!!! Hilarious too!
You are by far one of the funniest, cutest and thought-provoking commentators on TH-cam, to date.
Your attention to sociological trends and explanation are top-tier.
Definitely look into tbe arena of TA studies at an HBCU!
But wow, I never thought of this album being considered a "character "; great analogy to this act.
Keep up the amazing work!
Words right out of my mouth!!!!!
Bodyguard was a instant fav of mine, I definitely get the Fleetwood Mac inspo😭❤️
Bodyguard is amazing. I can see the Fleetwood Mac inspiration. I kinda got an Early Tina Turner, when she was making music with Ike. 😊
As a 37 year old woman can I just say I am so sick of commentators presuming incoming retirement as soon as a woman turns 40. Retire why. Why? She already does not need the money. She loves what she does and has always done it at her own pace. Why are we presuming she doesn't want to keep making some type of music at any given frequency her whole life? What do y'all expect her to do - sit at home behind the potted plants by the window for the next 30 years?
You’re so right honestly
Absolutely! There's no way in hell a workaholic but also artisitic/performative genius like Bey is not going to be active in the music industry for the next 30 years. That's a crazy concept to me
Very true. A billionaire can probably retire whenever she wants. If anything, gender minorities end up being late bloomers bc of the extra time we spend fighting patriarchy. Bey has been at it since she was young but like the whole point of this album is that she’s been denied a seat at certain tables. People expect youth from women while consistently undermining them and then anticipating their early demise as soon as they come into their own.
We just getting started at 40 😅
Why does it feel like at every corner of society, people seem to be pushing each other to just sit inside and do nothing? I genuinely want discussions on why so many people have such an issue with people doing ANYTHING other than silently sitting in a chair by a window lol
If there’s four acts I will pass tf out. LITERALLY
Omg, I was JUST saying to my coworker “what if there’s an act IV and didn’t 👏🏾 even 👏🏾 thiiink 👏🏾 about her OBSESSION and constant reference and re-referencing the number 4! 😭😭😭 it MUST be, in some way shape or form
I was really struggling with that question of which version of Jolean I liked more, and your comparison with Dolly's Jolean perfectly encapsulates my feelings. Dolly's version is not a healthy mindset but it's an understandable one, and that's where i can't help but love it.
I'm a big Rock girly so ACTIII not being Rock would sting a little, for me. However, I did always think that the last true Act (IV? if that'swhat she names it) would be the visuals. Nice work as always Herby!
Omg, if that happens and I'm still here, I will convulse.
Yes! Soft rock and funk are the words that i was looking for! When i listen to the album I hear these 2 genres (and others of course) i just didnt have language for it because im not a music expert. Thanks, Herby!
I think you’re right about the plan, Herby! I did want a rock album but I will always love R&B Beyoncé!
Herby I liveeee for these videos, they make me see music through an entirely different lens. They encourage me to actively engage in art by doing further research and creating my own critics instead of nodding along to whatever the artist says, which is sooo needed in this era of passive viewership where everything is tailor-made to keep us scrolling. You sit perfectly on the intersection of all my interests: critical thought, pop culture and medium ghetto antics! Ok omw to relisten to Cowboy Carter byeee
As a Renaissance fan, the absence of Riiverdance off of anyone’s top 5 for Cowboy Carter is crazy to me lol 😂
ITS DISPICABLE lol and Desert Eagle is only getting honourable mentions because it should have been a 10 minute song..THERE I SAID IT!
I have been saying this for a while, and I have been a Beyoncé/Destiny’s Child fan since (The Writings on the Wall), and I have NEVER left her side to the day. But, it was put on my heart a while ago that Beyoncé is gearing up for retirement. Whether she actually says it or just stops doing music at the capacity that she has, and possibly 5-10 years down the line after this project has been completed in its entirety, give or take, she will reunite with Destiny’s Child or get into a FULL Vegas Residency.
I love the idea of Act IIII being the visuals (it makes perfect sense), and I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea that there MIGHT be an ACT IV that could possibly be an R&B album (I would lose my ish, lol.
As far as Cowboy Carter, it certainly is a masterpiece. A work of art. I literally wake up each morning with a different song from the album playing over and over again in my head. She was so experimental for CC, and one thing you have to love about Beyoncé and give respect for is that she will ALWAYS do her homework and bring you quality. She will get the best of the best to join her to bring forth her vision and sound. Still to this day I find it hard to make my top five or provide my favorite because it changes everyday. I genuinely love all the songs, and I understand some of my least favorites more as I listen to them more and more and I grow to love them just as much as other tracks.
Beyoncé is very intentional, and she knows exactly what she is doing. So, I have stopped questioning her a long time ago.
The Visuals and the Concert Film, I’ve been wanting them, but I know they’re coming (I also hope that a live album for both Renaissance and CowBoy Carter will be released also).
All in all, great review/analysis on the album. Great job Beyoncé, and I can’t wait for what’s in store!
The only review I trust. I’ve been waiting herb!!
Thank you so much for this video! I truly thought for some reason I was not gonna be able to like this album but it spoke deeply to me, especially as a black woman in the military and the challenges that come with my pride for my country and willingness to serve, and the ways I am consistently put down for things I cannot control (my gender and "race"); i have been in the BEYhive for most of my adolescent and adult years and have seen her grow and change as an artist and it has been beautiful. If her goals are truly for a post-racial world, I definitely am a fan; music and art are the first places I feel like through history we see these extraordinary changes so seeing it happen through her art makes me so hopefully for our future ☺
justice for "SUGA MAMA"😢
One of the most underestimated bop of all time
I was invested in this video right when you said 4 acts for the same reason. Great analysis!!!!!!!!!!!
As much as I love “II most wanted” and “Levii jeans” heavily! I do think she could have had black artist featured on those tracks.. I wished she used black artist on songs she knew would be standouts.. love the album big time but that is a critique I have about it
I'm so glad that someone else sees what she's doing and hears beyond the music. Beyonce KNOWles Carter knows a lot, spiritually, mentally, and astrologically. This is a call to face the wind and create the change that we all so desperately need. Things can't continue to go the way they are.
"Black Parade"is very masculine
Miley was the perfect choice for that song! And I do wish that Blackbird was longer. But the album is a masterpiece. And what I also love, it's getting people to learn more about the origins of country music, cowboys, etc.
to be fair having an extra secret act would make sense because in buckiin she says "look at that horse" 3 times and then she sings it one more time
Your observation at 26:02 was BRILLIANT!
I just watched like half a video of yours that was in my watch later (idek when I put it there and how I found it), and I checked out your channel, am now subscribed, and gonna watch this one before going back to the old one. Anyway, I'm sure this is gonna be amazing, just wanted to comment before I forget. Thanks for making this!
Also some of my favourite masculine Beyoncés are Ego and the music video of Upgrade U.
Beyonce is low key in her creative prime. I would say she’s close to retiring but I think she’s entered the point where her voice and mind are just blowing everything else out of the water. I love her older work but most of her previous discography is truly a reflection of its time. Heavily influenced by her peers and the trends at the time. I feel like she has fully transcended into music in a league of its own and that is truly timeless. I don’t think she’ll stop but I do think the lady might not tour anymore
i SCREAMED AT 34:34 because you are speaking on my exact thoughts!!! 🙌🏾✨🙌🏾
"LET ME UPGRADE" was definitely "pop" masculine!❤
Masculine - Don’t hurt yourself
Loved this, just funny enough what you mentioned about her album cover is all true, but the part I was waiting for you to bring up is how(similar to her songs) she's using the cover to say two things (or more) at once. From the horse- the type that it is the fact that it's actively running/in motion compared to it's act i stationary counterpart, is "full bodied", to her position that she is on it (and where/when that position is usually done), to her holding the harness in her hand, to the sash on over her, to the coordinated outfit, to the american flag being cut off so there is no blue or stars shown only the fringe, white and blue....like I can on and on. Every detail here is a BIG f u it seems to this America while at 1st glance makes you think she's showing her pride in the country. This is so well done that I noticed so many are missing these details and what they mean. This is her resistance piece (meant it like this), showing in part so many sentiments she alludes to in the album but doesn't say straight up. Very very smart of her- saying all she needs and wants to express so strongly, not directly but in plan sight!
Herby, I learn sooo much from your channel. The way you articulate and break things down is chefs kiss!!!!!!
I just wanna say thank you for all the hard work you do to educate and entertain us. Fabulous points as always, such good vibes, and omg I just noticed the set is OVAH, you did that Herby!
FINALLY! Next time don't have me waiting so long😌😊
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I always appreciate your analysis and how you share it SO much. This was such a great, well-articulated review - you touched on so many interesting and important aspects of the album and project so clearly and efficiently (just like the Queen herself 😉). Love that you presented it through the artistic lens and the sociological lens and contextualized everything within the Theory of Racelessness. On a totally separate note - you’re also so funny and I loved your editing in this one 💯💯
Not to be messy, but your analysis is much more astute than the one I watched on Empressive.
I wanna tell her to come here and then be better.
I LOVE your energy, immediately subscribed 🩷
every time… the richness in your content? lord jesus is fire! thank you❣️🇧🇷
absolutely with your critique on the black features especially on black bird cuz at MOST i hear 1 unqiue voice throughout the whole track and was surprised to see like 4 people featured.....
Maybe the 4th act will be the visuals for all 3 projects.
I love this album sooo much !! Beyonce to me is the villain of the people. Jolene daughter, and spaghetti. back up my claim. It’s the emotion of rage of being done wrong especially in Jolene and daughter. Her snapping in spaghetti solidifies my thought or opinion. I love this lady 😩😩😩
I watch herby’s videos and I’m shook and educated and entertained. And I come to the comments section and ONCE AGAIN I am shook I am educated I am entertained 😂 love yall down!
21:27 she’s native as well. Black people and women in particular have been evaluated to be even more “American” than others because of our sacrifices for this land. She’s making America see her American-ness and, to me, sharing that she’s even more than that as her roots are older than the land..
Baby, I have never seen you before you have never come across my homepage you did today and then the first 10 minutes of your explanation of your breakdown. Got me to like and subscribe to your page. Keep doing you.Gracias por todo
Only God knows how much I longed for this review!!! Goddamnit 👊🏾
Speaking of suga mama, I want the rest of the video for kitty kat 😸
As a country fan that’s been riding hard for Black artists in country I appreciate your take. I also appreciate you acknowledging that she is bending genres in this album but has country roots. It wasn’t my cup of tea for that reason because I’m the type that hates country crossover songs. However I can appreciate her artistry and dedication to uplifting the people already in the genre she’s dipping her toes/ finding inspiration in. My ONLY critique was that her “more” country songs sounded too perfect. Like she was intentionally trying to make sure they were country “enough.” To me she sounds substantially more relaxed and natural in the more genre bendy songs.
Very articulate and detailed review!!!! I also love the set up 🫶🏾🤍
It's a shame Beyonce refuses to visit us here in South Africa lol this reinassance tour was heartbreaking to watch from afar😢
Congratulations, Queen Beyonce!!! As an independent thinker, I am feeling all her music and Black history lessons. The thing sbout creativity - it's not meant to be perfect. The Renaisssance concert and movie were awesome! Never danced and sung during an entire movie. The experiences were truly innovative. Best entertainment for my money. She's still a creative powerhouse. Doesn't matter what genre of music she feels like exploring, I am here for it all. 😊
I must admit, the Renaissance album didn't quite hit the spot for me. But THIS album? It's like a warm embrace, a nostalgic drive down the highway with the wind in my hair and my special someone by my side. Bodyguard exudes such sensuality and excitement; it's like being enveloped in pure passion. And let's talk about Levy Jeans-absolute favorite! Don't even try to argue; it's got that irresistible allure, especially with Post Malone's perfect touch. Protector, on the other hand, tugs at the heartstrings, evoking feelings of comfort and safety, like a loving embrace from a parent. II Hands II Heaven? Total Rocket & Smash into You vibes, and I'm here for it! YA YA brings that Get Me Bodied energy, culturally significant and just plain fun. As I dive deeper into this album, I'm falling more and more in love. The talent here is undeniable! 🎶💕
The last note from cuff it , is the beat of bodyguard. Riverdance is a flip phone beat,
I really hope it’s four acts. I’m delulu hive so bad.
Love the analysis. I can see her doing a hip hop album she definitely got skills and bars 🤷🏽♀️
You know we need a revolution when even Beyonce feels unwelcome
I don’t know if this is a rumor or not but I also heard that Bey was inspired to create Cowboy Carter because she watched several western movies . For example I’ve seen many people relate II Most Wanted to the film Thelma and Louise. Herby I would love to hear your thoughts/analysis on this! ❤❤❤❤❤
Yeah this is a rumor, Beyonce explained that CowBoy Carter was born from an experience she had at a place she didn't feel welcomed (CMAs).
It would make sense that Beyonce originally planned on ending her career at the age of 44. I’m not sure if she can still make that but it would be cool if her last tour date for her last album fell the day before her 45th birthday. The visuals being special moments from throughout her career.
BEYONCÉ is not retiring lmao....she's already made it known in her Harper's bazaar that she's always gonna make music/art because she's a creative
@@nelsonmakay2522 she can retire and still make music/art. Retirement would just lower people’s expectations about consistent album releases and tours. Do i believe that Beyonce will only “retire” once? No. But enjoying life without those expectations from everybody is probably good for her health.
@@Venufan again she's not retiring and she's never cared about anyone's expectations that's why she releases projects when she wants to and she has yet to even release visuals for any of her new albums because SHE MOVES AT HER OWN PACE...she has made it made very clear that she's always gonna tour her projects that's why she is always recording multiple albums and planning world tours years in advance..........
"You can't escape blackness in a 613 middle part bust down" 😅 facts
I’m so torn with Beyoncé , cause on one hand I appreciate her “reclaiming” black genres but in the other I’m just like .. girl .. you really think music is gonna be the thing to cause real change . It just seems more like an Aesthetic she’s taking on. Like she thought “oh how do I make my legacy more interesting …” by attaching myself to imagery of black radicalism.. yet not really aiding in the liberation of black people. I think putting things in code defeats the purpose , I think you can think critically about things but if the people who need to see the message don’t even understand it.. then what’s the point. Also it doesn’t help that she’s a capitalist first and foremost. This black liberation image that she’s taken up doesn’t seem genuine when she refuses to speak directly about the issues EVERYDAY black people go though. Just a facade really. Black capitalism won’t save us .
And by the album “coming and going” on the chart just shows my point. If you want to make a point (that black people deserve real and true liberation and equity) be LOUD about it. And not just depend on some critical thinkers to deceiver your message n to infer on what you mean …
I LOVE your videos, please never stop posting 🫶🏾🫶🏾
What an amazing breakdown!! Automatic following you after this!! Thank you 🫶🏾
Thank You Herby you pull things together eloquently. I appreciate Ya❤
This album is meant to serve as a musical education of the African Americans historic place w/in Country music, which would sound like Irish Folk (great in It's own right, mind you) if it weren't for the Blues & Gospel of the enslaved Africans. This includes the BANJO, which was created by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean then, later brought to The States.
Yes, the banjo wasn't created by the Appalachians but by Africans.
I could also go into the Black artists that many of the earlier big name white country artists learned from then portrayed as their style....
as it was with Elvis and Black artists like Roy Hamilton, Big Mama Thornton, Chuck Berry and Sister Rosetta Tharpe - The Godmother of Rock & Roll, but it would take awhile. ;) Beyonce adds a bit of those artists work into this album as well.
Her last few projects have been a meld of grand musical production, a mosaic of Black History and how the two interconnect.
It appears that Beyonce is in a period of the Reclamation and Rejoicing of African American Culture, trying to correct the record due to the erasure and gate keeping whilst also trying to push The Culture forward in Unity, Knowledge and Beautiful Experiences and Conversations. 😎
It's what she's become known for.
The Superficial and surface level won't fully appreciate this album over the more curious and expansive minded.