Bringing New Life to a Classic
A timeless country song, written many years ago, continues to captivate audiences even today. While the younger generation may not be familiar with it, their favorite singers recognize the song’s brilliance and have taken it upon themselves to breathe new life into it. One such artist is Beyoncé, known for her pop music but recently gaining recognition for her ability to master any genre, including country music.
Beyoncé astounded her fans by putting her fiery spin on Dolly Parton’s iconic song, “Jolene”. In her version, she changes not only the lyrics but also the overall tone of the original composition. Instead of Parton pleading with a woman to not steal her man, Beyoncé sends a powerful message to a suitor, warning them not to approach:
“I can easily understand why you’re attracted to my man, but you don’t want this smoke. So, shoot your shot with someone else.”
The singer continues to assert her dominance by singing, “I had to have this talk with you ’cause I hate to have to act the fool. Your peace depends on how you move, Jolene.”
The Acknowledgement from Parton
Dolly Parton herself acknowledged Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene” by posting the album’s tracklist on her Instagram stories, urging her fans to listen to the original while they anticipate Beyoncé’s version. She even went further by sharing a throwback photo of herself on her Instagram grid, playfully referring to herself as “Dolly P” and incorporating Beyoncé’s song, “Texas Hold ‘Em”.
A Collection of Musical Gems
But “Jolene” is just one of the standout covers on Beyoncé’s album, “Cowboy Carter”. On this album, she collaborates with Tanner Adell to deliver a remarkable rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” titled “Blackbird”. Throughout the record, Beyoncé flawlessly blends in multiple musical influences, including interpolations of the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”, Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’”, and potentially Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” in her duet with Miley Cyrus called “II Most Wanted”.
Surprise Release and Inspiration
Dubbed “Cowboy Carter”, Beyoncé’s album arrives less than two months after the surprise release of her singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” during the Super Bowl in early February. In an Instagram post, she revealed that she was inspired to create “Cowboy Carter” after an incident that made her feel unwelcome, possibly referring to the controversy-stirring performance alongside the Dixie Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.
