Cowboy Carter became Beyoncé’s first US Billboard country-album chart number one in 2024.
Released on March 29, 2024, Cowboy Carter is Beyoncé’s eighth solo studio album and the second act in her planned trilogy. The project explores country music alongside Americana, rock, folk, soul, and blues, framing the album as a wide-ranging examination of American musical history.
Its lead single, “Texas Hold ’Em,” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top that chart. The album itself debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts.
Cowboy Carter followed Renaissance, which was identified as Act I. The title is not simply a reference to western imagery; it also connects to Beyoncé’s Texas background and the album’s discussion of who is recognized within country music. The album includes guest appearances by artists including Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Dolly Parton.