Tuesday Tracks — “16 Carriages” by Beyoncé
“16 Carriages” is one of two singles released in anticipation of Beyoncé’s long awaited album, Renaissance Act II.
Released Feb. 11, 2024, “16 Carriages” is a beautiful country ballad that tells the story of Beyoncé’s rise to stardom, family matters, and her passion for her craft. Published alongside “Texas Hold ‘Em”, the song is a window into what fans can expect from the Renaissance Act II album. Beyoncé is going COUNTRY, and I could not possibly be more excited.
The song begins with gentle guitar strumming, and I transform immediately into that Kim Kardashian prairie girl photoshoot, you know the one. This is the song you listen to while standing on the wraparound porch at your house out in the sticks, wind blowing in what’s left of your greying hair, while you reminisce on the life that could have been.
Beyoncé’s voice enters smoothly, with tantalizing flips that showcase her vocal skill. “16 Carriages drivin’ away / while I watch them ride / with my dreams away”. Beyoncé does not hold back from the very first line, she lets us know exactly what this song is about and the journey she is deciding to take us on.
In short, the song is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices required to achieve the kind of stardom that Beyoncé has and to do so in the face of a music industry that continuously refuses to give her the appropriate accolades despite all of her creative innovations and boundless talent. It is not just a musical choice to make this a country song, but it is a statement. Once the target of a racist scandal at the Country Music Awards in 2016, releasing a country album is a way to reclaim the genre.
Alluding to her days with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé sings, “On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band / going so hard, gotta choose myself”. The music group was formed in 1990, when Beyoncé was just nine years old. She remained a core member of the group until 2002, when she left to pursue her career as a solo artist. A lifetime consumed by touring, music production and performances is most certainly one of immense privilege, but also of sacrifice, especially considering the age at which she began.
Overall, “16 Carriages” is a deeply emotional and musically brilliant country ballad. It is now available on all streaming platforms.
