Debuted during Super Bowl LVIII, world-famous artist Beyoncé announced the release of her new, long-awaited sequel album to Renaissance (2022), Act II. Her new album features the single “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” which was released to the public on Feb. 11. Act II will be Beyoncé’s eighth studio album and is planned to drop on March 29.
Facing many critiques, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” was a big change from Renaissance and its electric, techy aura. Fading out from the EDM genre with heavily generated beats to raw guitar and stripped vocals without as much noise, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” combatted much hate from the music community as it “wasn’t country.” According to The Guardian, an Oklahoma radio station actually refused to air the song. “The station, Oklahoma’s KYKC, responded to the request with an email from the general manager, Roger Harris. “We do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station,” Harris wrote. ”The backlash facing this track made me love it even more. Do I think it’s country? Not necessarily. However, I think Beyoncé has her own style and versatility, making her easy to love.
Played by Rhiannon Giddens, green belt instrumentals using the banjo and viola accompany Beyoncé’s vocals. Unlike most songs, Beyoncé begins “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” with the chorus, saying,
So lay your cards down, down, down, down
Paying homage to her Texas roots, the chorus incorporates references to the classic card game, Texas Hold ‘Em, known for its poker variation and good strategy. Partnering with Lexus during her 2023 Renaissance tour, Beyoncé and the BeyGOOD Foundation donated nearly half a million dollars to minority-owned small businesses, hence the reference to Lexus in the chorus.
Set in D major, holding 110 BPM, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” holds tempo with songs like “Dance the Night” from The Barbie Album by Dua Lipa, “Wannabe” by Spice Girls, “The Man” by Taylor Swift, and so many more.
I loved this song. I thought it was refreshing to hear a new style from Beyoncé, especially since I wasn’t the biggest fan of the synthesized, robotic, curated vibrations. Much like Track 6, “Daddy Lessons,” from Beyoncé’s sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016), I felt connected to the lyrics of the song and could sense the effort put into publication. “Daddy Lessons” was also characterized by the media as “country” and has focused parallels to “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM.”
The curation of ballads felt purposeful and was on full display in the clever, spunky lyrics. Beyoncé’s artistic abilities shone through and reminded listeners of her adaptable genius. For me, this melody solidified Beyoncé as one of the top female artists ever. Making her name in the music industry, she has always illustrated what it means to be confident, independent, and female, whether that radiates from her own projects or the releases from her time with Destiny’s Child.
With “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé has become the first black woman to have a number-one Billboard Hot Country song. This in itself is a huge accomplishment, and I cannot wait for her album to walk out.
This song is a masterpiece and receives a flawless 10/10.
