Straight into this one\u2014we know the deal we know the format.. NEXT SONG<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bold= ooo run that back<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Italics= yesss vocals<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n SMOKE HOUR <\/strong>\u2b50\ufe0f<\/strong> WILLIE NELSON<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is less of an actual track and more of a historical endorsement from a country music legend. Beyonc\u00e9 said that she selected artists to contribute to this project that she really respected. There are not many other names, in country music especially, that are more known and respected than Willie Nelson. His name and additions to the album are huge and make a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Intro]<\/p>\n\n\n\n (People grinnin’ in your face)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (That\u2019s why I’m going to the river to wash my sins away)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Maybellene, why can’t you be true?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Come on, baby, it\u2019s time to rock)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Don’t let go, don’t let\u205fgo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Interlude: Willie Nelson]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Welcome\u205fto\u205f”The Smoke Hour”\u205fon KNTRY Radio\u205fTexas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You know my name, no need to know yours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now for this next tune, I want y’all to sit back, inhale<\/p>\n\n\n\n And go to the good place your mind likes to wander off to<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you don’t wanna go, go find yourself a jukebox<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you<\/p>\n\n\n\n TEXAS HOLD \u2018EM: INTRO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The lead single of this album, it was released just before \u201c16 Carriages\u201d on February 11, 2024. This is such a fun and upbeat song. The theme is obviously pulling from \u201choedown\u201d and \u201chonkey-tonk\u201d vibes. I really like this choice as the lead single because it is very much in the country genre, and you can see the country inspiration. This is her shout-out to her home and a clear indication that\u2019s SHES GONNA DO COUNTRY\u2014BUT ITS GONNA BE HER WAY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TEXAS HOLD \u2018EM: LYRICS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ain’t Texas (Woo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ain’t no hold ’em (Hey)<\/p>\n\n\n\n So lay your cards down, down, down, down<\/p>\n\n\n\n So park your Lexus (Woo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And throw your keys up (Hey)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stick around, ’round, ’round, ’round, ’round (Stick around)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll be damned if I can’t slow-dance with you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Come pour some sugar on me, honey, too<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a real-life boogie and a real-life hoedown<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t be a bitch, come take it to the floor now, woo, ha (Woo)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a tornado (There’s a tornado)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my city (In my city)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hit the basement (Hit the basement)<\/p>\n\n\n\n That shit ain’t pretty (That shit ain’t pretty)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rugged whiskey (Rugged whiskey)<\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Cause we survivin’ (‘Cause we survivin’)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Off red-cup kisses, sweet redemption, passin’ time, yeah<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Pre-Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh, one step to the right<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We heading to the dive bar we always thought was nice<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh, run me to the left<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then spin me in the middle, boy, I can’t read your mind<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ain’t Texas (Woo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ain’t no hold ’em (Hey)<\/p>\n\n\n\n So lay your cards down, down, down, down<\/p>\n\n\n\n So park your Lexus (Woo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And throw your keys up (Hey)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And stick around, ’round, ’round, ’round, ’round (Stick around)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll be damned if I can’t slow-dance with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come pour some sugar on me, honey, too<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a real-life boogie and a real-life hoedown<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t be a bitch, come take it to the floor now, woo<\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come pour some liquor on me, honey, too<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a real-life boogie and a real-life hoedown<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t be a bitch, come take it to the floor now, woo<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Post-Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Woo-hoo<\/p>\n\n\n\n Woo-hoo<\/p>\n\n\n\n Woo-hoo<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a heatwave (There’s a heatwave)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comin’ at us (Comin’ at us)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too hot to think straight (Too hot to think straight)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too cold to panic (Cold to panic)<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just feel dramatic (Just feel dramatic)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And now we’re runnin’ to the first bar that we find, yeah<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Pre-Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh, one step to the right<\/p>\n\n\n\n We heading to the dive bar we always thought was nice<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh, you run to the left<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just work me in the middle boy, I can’t read your mind<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ain’t Texas (Woo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ain’t no hold ’em (Hey)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So lay your cards down, down, down, down, oh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So park your Lexus (Hey)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And throw your keys up (Hey)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And stick around, ’round, ’round, ’round, ’round (Stick around)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come pour some sugar on me, honey, too<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a real-life boogie and a real-life hoedown<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t be a bitch, come take it to the floor now (Woo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come pour some liquor on me, honey, too<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a real-life boogie and a real-life hoedown<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t be a\u2014, come take it to the floor now, ooh<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Outro]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take it to the floor now, ooh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hoops, spurs, boots<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To the floor now, ooh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuck, back, oops (Ooh, ooh, ooh)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoot<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Come take it to the floor now, ooh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Baby, pour that sugar and liquor on me, too<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furs, spurs, boots<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Solargenic, photogenic, shoot<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n TEXAS HOLD \u2018EM: VOCALS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Her vocals are tamer at the beginning, she of course, displays that twang and beautiful richness of tone She still serves that sassy spirit and is unapologetically Beyonc\u00e9. I enjoy the additions with the harmonies and backings and added runs when the tempo shifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her musicality and dynamics and choices are to cool to hear in this genre. I lovee the outro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TEXAS HOLD \u2018EM: MUSIC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a nice and different guitar\/fiddle opener, which already gets you interested, with its movement, before a nice foot-tapping beat is added in. The production is nice the song is fun. There is a lot of little elements and sounds that really fill out the background- without it being too busy or taking away from the vocal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BODYGUARD: INTRO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I LOVEEE THIS ONE. Off my first listen of the album, this was a standout of the early tracks. This song is so groovy and flowy, its giving summer song with the widows down. It is warm and catchy. (it kinda reminds me of \u201cIsland in the Sun\u201d vibes iykyk) It has a nice hook and her vocalsss. I find it to also be one of my most replayed and I can\u2019t get it out of my head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BODYGUARD: LYRICS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Intro]<\/p>\n\n\n\n One, two, three, four<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh-ee-ooh, ah<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh-ee-ooh<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n So sweet<\/p>\n\n\n\n I give you kisses in the backseat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I whisper secrets in the backbeat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You make me cry, you make me happy, happy (Happy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave my lipstick on the cigarette<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just toss it, and you stomp it out, out, out<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inhalin’ whiskey when you kiss my neck<\/p>\n\n\n\n We’ve been hurtin’, but it’s happy hour, oh, hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, oh, oh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Pre-Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n They couldn’t have me (Ah)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And they never will<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And sometimes I hold you closer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just to know you’re real (Ah)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wheels in the gravel<\/p>\n\n\n\n Davis in my bones<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes I take the day off (Ah)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just to turn you on<\/p>\n\n\n\n On, on, oh<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hon\u0435y, honey<\/p>\n\n\n\n I could be your bodyguard (Hey)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, hon\u0435y, honey<\/p>\n\n\n\n I could be your Kevlar (Huh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, honey, honey<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I could be your lifeguard (Huh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh, honey, honey<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should let me ride shotgun, shotgun<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, oh, oh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be your best friend<\/p>\n\n\n\n I protect you in the mosh pit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And I’ll defend you in the gossip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You know how people like to start shit and pop shit<\/p>\n\n\n\n I don’t like the way she’s lookin’ at you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone better hold me back, oh-oh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chargin’ ten for a double and I’m talkin’<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m ’bout to lose it, turn around and John Wayne that ass<\/strong> (One, two, three, four)<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Pre-Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n They couldn’t catch you (Ah, with me)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And they never will (You see)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes I hold you closer<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just to know you’re real (Ah)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell me your problems (I got you)<\/p>\n\n\n\n I take how you feel (Mm, huh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n I show you an exit (Ah)<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re restless I take the wheel<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooh, oh, oh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honey, honey<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could be my bodyguard (Huh, uh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, honey, honey<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Will you let me ride shotgun? Shotgun<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, oh, oh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Outro]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh (Ah)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh (Ah)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I could be your bodyguard<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please let me be your Kevlar (Huh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baby, let me be your lifeguard<\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you let me ride shotgun? Shotgun<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, oh, oh<\/p>\n\n\n\n One, two, three, four<\/p>\n\n\n\n BODYGUARD: VOCALS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a playful and fun vocal delivery from B. The song has summer energy- and her bright vocal plays well with the music and production choices. Her full and buttery tone paired with the harmonies and layering- so pleasing to the ear. Love the adlibs and choices always adding complexity but not chaos. Love the \u201coh oh oooh\u201d run at the ends-just a nice little exclamation point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n BODYGUARD: MUSIC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Faster, lively strums of guitar compared to other previous songs. Nice percussion and beat I think there\u2019s like a glockenspiel or top maybe maracas- something adding some nice accompaniment sounds. Good energy and flow. More electric elements become more prominent at the end seamlessly. Love the sound of this one its infectious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n DOLLY P ft Dolly Parton <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another country icon gives their endorsement to Beyonc\u00e9 by lending themselves to this project. Dolly directly addresses B and even addresses lore from her previous work \u201cLemonade\u201d when comparing \u201cBecky with the good hair\u201d to another famous \u201chussy\u201d with flaming locks of auburn hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [Intro]<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Jolene)<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Interlude: Dolly Parton]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hey Miss Honeybee, it’s Dolly P<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reminded me of someone I knew back when<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Except she has flamin’ locks of auburn hair<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bless her heart<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a hair of a different color but it hurts just the same<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n JOLENE: INTRO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Introduced by the legend Dolly P herself, EVERYONE knows Jolene. I think it is TELLING that Dolly proceeded her own song and introduced B covering her track. This song is ICONIC- everyone knows the lyrics and everyone knows the music. So, how is Beyonc\u00e9 gonna tackle this cover whilst also making it her own. SHES GONNA CHANGE THOSE LYIRCS. The message of the song is changed as in Queen Bee\u2019s version, the protagonist isn\u2019t begging or pleading\u2014 she\u2019s WARNING. The changes to the messaging are brilliant and I LOVE what she brought to this song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n JOLENE: LYRICS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Intro]<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Jolene)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Jolene)<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus: Beyonc\u00e9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m warnin\u2019 you, don’t come for my man (Jolene)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t take the chance because you think you can<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 1: Beyonc\u00e9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re beautiful, beyond compare<\/p>\n\n\n\n Takes more than beauty and seductive stares<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To come between a family and a happy man<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jolene, I’m a woman too<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Th\u0435 games you play are nothing new <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So you don’t want no h\u0435at with me, Jolene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We’ve been deep in love for twenty years<\/p>\n\n\n\n I raised that man, I raised his kids<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know my man better than he knows himself (Yeah, what?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n I can easily understand<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why you’re attracted to my man<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot with someone else (You heard me)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus: Beyonc\u00e9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m warnin’ you, woman, find you your own man<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jolene, I know I\u2019m a queen, Jolene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m still a Creole banjee bitch from Louisiane (Don’t try me)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 2: Beyonc\u00e9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a thousand girls in every room<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That act as desperate as you do<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You a bird, go on and sing your tune, Jolene (What?)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I had to have this talk with you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Cause I hate to have to act a fool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your peace depends on how you move, Jolene<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Bridge: Beyonc\u00e9 & Choir]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Me and my man crossed those valleys<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Highs and lows and everything between<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good deeds roll in like tumblin’ weeds<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I sleep good, happy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Cause you can\u2019t dig up our planted seeds<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I know my man’s gon’ stand by me, breathin’ in my gentle breeze<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I crossed those valleys<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Highs and lows and everything between<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good deeds roll in like tumblin’ weeds<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good and happy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Cause you can’t dig up them planted seeds<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ma stand by her, she gon’ stand by me, Jolene<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Outro: Beyonc\u00e9 & Choir]<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ma stand by him, he gon’ stand by me<\/p>\n\n\n\n (I’ma stand by her, she gon’ stand by me)<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ma stand by him, he gon’ stand by me, Jolene<\/p>\n\n\n\n JOLENE: VOCALS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n She gave a fiery vocal performance in this one. It was sassy. It was a warningggg. The riffs and runs that adds at the ends of her phrases are lovely. She adds a lot of variety in her dynamics and vibrato which is so smart, especially on a familiar song. <\/p>\n\n\n\n JOLENE: MUSIC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The music of this song is iconic and instantly recognizable. I loved the way she approached this\u2014 she kept the iconic beat and guitar while making tasteful additions. There is a bigger production and I LOVED the harmonica! There\u2019s an intensity in this version that, musically, she was able to match from her lyrical changes. Big fan of what was kept and the decisions made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DAUGHTER: INTRO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n SORRY IM ANIMATED ON THIS ONE\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n THIS SONG STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS. SHOCKING. HAUNTING. I was living for every second. The religious imagery that is built into this song through the lyric being backed by the instrumental choices! Brilliant writing music and vocals. This feels like a song that has been famous for years. (if this goes in a movie it BETTER be perfect)<\/p>\n\n\n\n DAUGHTER: LYRICS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your body laid out on these filthy floors<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your bloodstains on my custom coutures<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bathroom attendant let me right in<\/p>\n\n\n\n She was a big fan<\/p>\n\n\n\n I really tried to stay cool<\/p>\n\n\n\n But your arrogance disturbed my solitude<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now I ripped your dress and you’re all black and blue<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look what you made me do<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Refrain]<\/p>\n\n\n\n They keep sayin’ that I ain’t nothin’ like my father<\/p>\n\n\n\n But I’m the furthest thing from choir boys and altars<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you cross me, I’m just like my father<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am colder than Titanic water<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Chorus]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Help me, Lord, from these fantasies in my head<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They ain’t ever been safe ones<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I don’t fellowship with these fak\u0435 ones<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So let’s travel to whit\u0435 chapels and sing hymns<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hold rosaries, and sing in stained glass symphonies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleanse me, Holy Trinity<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n From this marijuana smoke smell in my hair<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [Verse 2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n I sashayed my dress<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did my best impression of a damsel in distress<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This alcohol and smell of regret<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allured my catch<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outfit too small to hide my scars<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feelin’ bottled up like bottle service broads<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long can he hold his breath before his death?<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Bridge]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caro mio ben<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Credimi almen<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Senza di te<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Languisce il cor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Il tuo fedel<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sospira ognor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n