Ever since Beyoncé released Renaissance in July 2023, the world has not been the same — in the best way possible. Not only have listeners fallen in love with house music all over again, but the entire album charted onto Billboard’s Hot 100 list. As a sweet topper, the “Break My Soul” vocalist confirmed that the album is the first part of a trilogy, with Act II and Act III to come at a later date.
“This three act project was recorded over three years during the pandemic,” Beyoncé wrote in a statement on her website. “A time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative. Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world.”
Now, she’s officially moved on to the second act. On Feb. 11, shortly after her Verizon Super Bowl commercial aired, Beyoncé revealed Act II’s release date. And recently, she’s released the upcoming album’s name and several visual photos that strengthen this era’s ultimate agenda: We’re going to the rodeo, baby.
Saddle Up For Cowboy Carter
On March 12, Beyoncé shared Act II’s title, Cowboy Carter, on her Instagram Stories. The title appeared on a white sash that laid on a saddle, which feels perfect to this era’s sound. It’s not clear if this photo is the album’s cover art, but it’s intriguing nonetheless.
Cowboy Carter Is Dropping Soon — & 2 Songs Are Already Here
Beyoncé is an icon of many things, and one of them is keeping tight-lipped about releasing music. The singer is known for shaking social media with surprise announcements — a reputation she joked about in her Super Bowl ad. The brief video saw her trying out several absurd methods of breaking Verizon’s network, including going to space.
Beyoncé ended the ad with a mic-drop moment, saying: “drop the new music.” Sure enough, just a few minutes later, the singer revealed on Instagram that Act II will arrive on March 29. She then surprise-dropped the first two songs, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
The New Album Will Be A Genre Shift
Renaissance was heavily inspired by house music; however, it became clear Beyoncé was going in a new sonic direction with Act II. The first teaser visuals and singles focused on country influences — which also explains her disco cowgirl ‘fit at the Grammys on Feb. 4.
Will There Be A Visual Album?
A July 28, 2023 Renaissance press release confirmed visuals (in some capacity) were on the way. However, the rumored project in question turned out to be Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, which hit theaters on Dec. 1, 2023. Bey did announce Act II with a stylized teaser video, hinting that there may be more to come in terms of visuals for the new album.