NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce and critic Ann Powers discuss Beyoncé's Act II: Cowboy Carter album, along with other new releases like Reyna Tropical and Kelly Moran. They explore the emotional depth of the albums, blending country and modern pop, and reflecting on joy amidst looming threats. Ann also highlights feminist movement history in music releases.
Beyoncé's 'Act II: Cowboy Carter' pushes musical boundaries by blending country and pop influences.
Rina Tropicao's 'Malegría' intricately explores themes of transition, connection, and remembrance through diverse musical traditions.
Deep dives
Exploring Beyonce's New Album 'Cowboy Carter'
Beyonce's latest album, 'Cowboy Carter,' has captivated audiences with its depth and genre-blending sound. The album showcases Beyonce's vision and ability to challenge musical boundaries, blending country influences with pop elements. Through nods to country greats like Linda Martel and Willie Nelson, Beyonce manages to honor tradition while pushing the genre forward. 'Cowboy Carter' is a compositional achievement that skillfully navigates different musical impulses, making a significant impact.
Reflecting Emotion and Connection in 'Maleclia' by Rina Tropicao
Rina Tropicao's debut album, 'Maleclia,' explores themes of transition, connection, and remembrance. The album, created amidst a significant personal transition, delves into musical traditions from various cultures, reflecting on our sense of place and relationships. 'Maleclia' beautifully balances sorrow and hope, offering an emotionally rich listening experience that resonates with the artists' personal journey and deeper reflections on life.
Diving into Emotional Resonance with 'Moves in the Field' by Kelly Moran
Kelly Moran's album 'Moves in the Field' is a poignant exploration of loss, love, and transformation. Inspired by personal experiences of grief and new beginnings, the album showcases Moran's experimental approach to the prepared piano. Through haunting melodies and intricate compositions, 'Moves in the Field' captures the emotional depth and complexity of intimate human connections, offering a profound and immersive listening experience.
Beyoncé's breathlessly-anticipated Act II: Cowboy Carter is finally here, and NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce shares his initial reactions after staying up late to listen to the album as soon as it hit streaming services.
But Queen Bey isn't the only artist with a new album worthy of discovery and dissection this week, and Sheldon is joined by Ann Powers to talk about a handful of other albums that deserve celebration. Those include a pair of albums — by Reyna Tropical and Kelly Moran — shaped by tragedy and its aftermath.
Featured albums: 1. Beyoncé, Act II: Cowboy Carter 2. Reyna Tropical: Malegría 3. Kelly Moran: Moves in the Field 4. Chastity Belt: Live, Laugh, Love
Other notable releases for March 29, 2024: • Alejandro Escovedo, Echo Dancing • Chicano Batman, Notebook Fantasy • Dawn Landes, The Liberated Woman's Songbook • Jim White, All Hits: Memories • Kenny Chesney, BORN • Rico Nasty & Boys Noize, HVRDC0RE DR3MZ EP • Ride, Interplay • Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Revelations • Shabazz Palaces, Exotic Birds of Prey • Sheryl Crow, Evolution