British singer Lily Allen came for the Queen but couldn’t stop her shine.

Photo: Michael Buckner (Getty Images)

Beyoncé Makes History with No. 1 Country Album in the UK

On Friday, Official Charts reported that Beyoncé became the first Black artist to have a country album, “Cowboy Carter,” hit No. 1 in the UK. This monumental achievement cements her status as a versatile and boundary-pushing artist. Moreover, Beyoncé is the first artist ever to achieve a UK Official Chart double with both a country album and a country single, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Historical Context and Comparisons

This milestone is significant not only for Beyoncé but for the country music genre as a whole. The last time a female country artist reached No. 1 in the UK was in 1999, when Shania Twain accomplished the feat. Notably, even legendary country artists like Dolly Parton have not achieved a No. 1 country album in the UK, making Beyoncé’s accomplishment even more remarkable.

Praise and Criticism

While Beyoncé’s work has received accolades from iconic musicians such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Nancy Sinatra, it has not been without its detractors. One notable critic is British singer Lily Allen, who shared her controversial take on Beyoncé’s new album on her podcast “Miss Me?” Despite admitting she hadn’t listened to the entire album, Allen critiqued both the album and Beyoncé herself.

Allen remarked, “It’s very weird that you’d cover the most successful songs in that genre,” referring to Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene.” She also described the rollout of “Cowboy Carter” as “calculated” and speculated that Jay-Z’s viral 2024 Grammys speech was part of Beyoncé’s strategic plan to challenge existing institutions that have historically resisted her status as an icon.

Cultural Impact

Despite the criticism, “Cowboy Carter” has made a significant impact on the cultural zeitgeist. The album pays homage to country music’s Black roots while reimagining the genre from the modern-day perspective of a Black woman. This fresh and innovative approach has resonated with a wide audience, making “Cowboy Carter” Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 to date. Additionally, the album achieved the most first-day streams of a country album by a female artist on Amazon Music.

Beyoncé’s success with “Cowboy Carter” highlights her ability to transcend genres and break barriers. Her foray into country music not only showcases her musical versatility but also brings much-needed diversity and representation to the genre.

Conclusion

Beyoncé’s groundbreaking achievements with “Cowboy Carter” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” are a testament to her artistry and influence. As the first Black artist to have a country album hit No. 1 in the UK and the first artist to achieve a UK Official Chart double with a country album and single, she continues to pave the way for future artists. While her journey into country music has sparked both praise and criticism, it undeniably marks a significant moment in music history.