BEYONCE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Having previously successfully turned her hand to house and disco - many of our top pop performers have always been shapeshifting musical magpies (hello Madonna) - Beyonce Knowles Carter has now delved into the world of country music. No doubt you'll be bored of the endless discourse around Cowboy Carter, but that doesn't stop it from being a genuinely good album - a brilliant fusion of neo-soul, r&b and, yes, country music instrumentation that wisely leaves Beyonce's incredible voice front and centre. There are some genuinely notable covers - see her takes on the Beatles 'Blackbird' and Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' (featuring an introduction from her Dollyness) stand out - but the most striking songs are by and large her own work. For proof, see 'American Requiem', 'Most Wanted' (with Miley Cyrus), 'Sweet Honey Buckin' (with Shaboozy) and 'Tyrant'.

Review: Beyonce's Cowboy Carter is a bold and poignant exploration of American roots music, marking a departure from her previous works while asserting her dominance across genres. Inspired by her 2016 experience at the Country Music Association Awards, where she faced criticism and racism despite her Texas roots, Beyonce delves into Louisiana Cajun country, the rivers of Alabama, and the streets of Memphis, reimagining Americana, folk, and country in her own image. The album serves as a powerful statement on the erasure of Black contributions to country music and American culture, with Beyonce reclaiming her rightful place in the genre's history. Through collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, as well as emerging Black country and rock musicians, Beyonce highlights the enduring legacy of Black artists in shaping these musical forms. Cowboy Carter is both a sonic journey and a cultural commentary, blending elements of folk, country and rock with Beyonce's signature style and vocal range. From the haunting cover of the Beatles' 'Blackbird' to the electrifying trap beats of 'Ya Ya,' the album showcases Beyonce's versatility and musical dexterity. No doubt, 2024 will be another strong year of Beyonce led by this album.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Record ever so slightly warped, otherwise in excellent condition***


Beyonce's seventh studio album, Renaissance, was one of her biggest to date back in 2022. It turned out plenty of big hits which got heard on dance floors all over the world and now one of them makes it to this cheeky 7". 'Cuff' was written and produced by Beyonce with additional help from Raphael Saadiq and The-Dream, amongst others, including Chic's Nile Rodgers. And you can hear that in the low-slung disco grovels and funky basslines that are the bedrock for Bey to do her vocal thing. 'Work It Out' comes on the flip for a more slow and percolating funk workout.

Review: Beyonce's seventh studio album, Renaissance, was one of her biggest to date back in 2022. It turned out plenty of big hits which got heard on dance floors all over the world and now one of them makes it to this cheeky 7". 'Cuff' was written and produced by Beyonce with additional help from Raphael Saadiq and The-Dream, amongst others, including Chic's Nile Rodgers. And you can hear that in the low-slung disco grovels and funky basslines that are the bedrock for Bey to do her vocal thing. 'Work It Out' comes on the flip for a more slow and percolating funk workout.