Diva Talk: Beyonce: Disco vs. Desert
By Louie Ranieri Staff Writer
On Nov. 9, 2024, Queen Bey, also known as Beyoncé, became the most Grammy-nominated artist in history with 99 nominations. This nomination was for her album “Cowboy Carter” that won Country Album of the Year in 2025. This was a very historic win, yet probably the most controversial win in the history of the Grammy Awards - this award marked her 35th Grammy win. “Cowboy Carter” isn’t my favorite album of Beyoncé’s by far, but I do respect her versatility in the industry. I honestly can’t stand to hear “TEXAS HOLD’EM” one more time in my life. Personally, I can’t stand country music, and when a pop icon went country I had a massive disconnect with her for a while. It felt wrong listening to a country album by Beyoncé, knowing that there was so much better material out there. The songs “16 CARRIAGES” and “TEXAS HOLD’EM” were way overplayed, leading me to stop listening to Beyoncé’s catalog. Around a year later, I made my way back to listen to songs that were never played on the radio from the “COWBOY CARTER” album, and I have to admit, there are a few songs that I now absolutely adore on this album. My favorites on this album include “BODYGUARD,” “JOLENE,” and “DESERT EAGLE.” These songs each hold an element that speaks to me on another level. The song “BODYGUARD” has an absolutely fantastic foundation from the starting notes of this song. The progression of this song was arranged incredibly, from her vocal delivery to the instruments. Her vocals are smooth and velvety, leaving the lyrics very soft spoken and carrying great meaning to the song’s theme of a protective love. The bass line in this song is purely magic, transcending this song to a completely different level. It adds a hint of 70’s pop/funk to this song - I think it makes the song. I find “JOLENE” to be a more furious version than the iconic Dolly Parton’s classic hit. Beyoncé had Parton on this album to introduce this song and have her voice remind listeners of where female country artists all started. I think it was such a sweet element to this album, adding the legend who paved the way for country artists to be featured on this album. I like how Beyoncé turned it into her own, which is typically something Beyoncé does in a great fashion. “DESERT EAGLE” is a very short song, only a few seconds longer than a minute. The bass on that track is so heavy and prominent that it makes the song a partial part of the album for me. With there only being a few tracks I really listen to on this album, I strongly prefer the “RENAISSANCE” album - this is a no-skip album for me. Each song on this album is like a story or mini movie I can visualise in my mind every time I listen to it. My top songs from this album have to be “ALIEN SUPERSTAR,” “VIRGO’S GROOVE,” “HEATED,” and “SUMMER RENAISSANCE.” They all have great structure and elements that create the sound of the album. If I had to use one word to describe this album, it would simply be culture. The amount of cultural impact this one album has is tremendous. I see this album as a source of liberation for so many different communities. “RENAISSANCE” gave me the courage and internal power to face this world and to be myself. No matter whether you are straight, gay, white, black, male, female, transgender, this album will most likely give you a message that you hear and others might not. It resonates with a wide range of people who could benefit from its motivational and empowering sounds. In the song “CHURCH GIRL” Beyoncé says “I’m gonna love on me / Nobody can judge me / But me / I was born free.” While this song isn’t much about being a holy church girl, it gives a sense of freedom of expression, which I believe is far more important. Knowing your self worth is only something you can determine. This whole album is practically a guide to living your most authentic life. There are definitely songs that make you question what you’re listening to, but as long as you find a message you resonate with, that’s all that matters. Whether it’s the “RENAISSANCE” album or a completely different genre and artist, that’s the magic of music. Music can lead you to self discovery and expression. I have used and continue to use music as a way to navigate the darkest of times, and this album did that for me in 2023. I was fortunate enough to see Queen Bey on the RENAISSANCE World Tour in 2023 at Gillette Stadium. It was beyond a magical experience, but not just because of the dazzling gowns and bodysuits, but also the love and acceptance I felt just standing in a crowd who was free to express themselves, standing before the one people call “The Queen.” I loved the “RENAISSANCE,” liked a few from “COWBOY CARTER,” and am eagerly awaiting ACT III. I hope it’s a rock album. If it is, I have a really good feeling about it!
