Everything We Know About Beyoncé's New Album, 'Act II'
Grab your cowboy hat and some riding boots, because Beyoncé is back in her yee-haw era. Last night, during Super Bowl LVIII, the 42-year-old musician debuted a commercial with Verizon and Tony Hale, which surprisingly announced her next volume of music. The cheeky ad, “Can’t B Broken,” featured a series of Beyoncé-themed stunts, which she hoped would break the Internet. Get it?
At the end of the commercial, Beyoncé says, “Drop the new music.” Turns out, she wasn't lying! Just when you thought Beyoncé would take a break (she just wrapped a worldwide tour, after all), the woman drops two new tracks in the middle of the Super Bowl. The singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” have an irresistible country twang, similar to her Louisiana-inspired Lemonade track, “Daddy Lessons.” Both songs initially debuted on Jay-Z’s streaming service, Tidal. Since then, they’ve been uploaded to Apple Music and Spotify.
As if the news couldn’t get any better, Beyoncé also announced that her next album, Act II, will be released on March 29. Here’s everything we know about the project so.
What is the Title of Beyoncé’s Next Album?
As of right now, Beyoncé is simply referring to the album as Act II. When the artist promoted Renaissance, she said the record was part of a three-act project. “[It] was recorded over three years during the pandemic,” Beyoncé wrote in 2022. “A time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative.”
Before Beyoncé gave Renaissance its name, the album was called ACT I. So, her next record could see an updated title, too. Will Act II have a western moniker? It seems like Queen Bey wants that to be a surprise. Rest assured, as soon as we have more information, you’ll be the first to know.
What Genre is Beyoncé’s Act II?
Judging by the two songs Beyoncé released during Super Bowl LVII, Act II is a country album. Beyoncé was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and her southern roots are shining through once again. In "Texas Hold ‘Em," Beyoncé lures us to the dance floor of “the dive bar we always thought was nice.” Meanwhile, “16 Carriages” strips things back, allowing the singer's soulful vocals to tell her hero's tale. We meet Beyoncé's fifteen-year-old self, who is witnessing family strife while pursuing a career in music. "Thirty-eight summers later,” she's still aiming for the spotlight.
“16 Carriages” is a welcome peek into Beyoncé's mysterious inner monologue. Some may question her motivation behind Act II. Why would she drop music in the middle of the Super Bowl? Why does she keep submitting music to the Recording Academy, even though—among other Black artists—she’s been snubbed year after year? Why, at 42, is Beyoncé still running full speed ahead?
I can’t say for sure, but I have a feeling we’re about to find out. Toward the end of the “16 Carriages,” Beyoncé leaves us with a cryptic message. “You’ll remember me ‘cause we got something to prove.”
I’ll tip my hat to that.
You Might Also Like
