Jump to content

Texas Hold 'Em (song): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
false
Line 9: Line 9:
| album = [[Renaissance Act II]]
| album = [[Renaissance Act II]]
| released = February 11, 2024
| released = February 11, 2024
| recorded = 2020{{cn|date=February 2024}}
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = * [[Country pop]]
| genre = * [[Country pop]]

Revision as of 17:47, 17 February 2024

"Texas Hold 'Em"
Beyoncé in front of a brown background, wearing a cowboy hat, large earrings, and a black jacket on top of a bikini
Single by Beyoncé
from the album Renaissance Act II
ReleasedFebruary 11, 2024
Genre
Length3:56
Label
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)
  • Beyoncé
  • Killah B
  • Nathan Ferraro
Beyoncé singles chronology
"My House"
(2023) 		"Texas Hold 'Em"
(2024) 		"16 Carriages"
(2024)
Visualizer
"Texas Hold 'Em" on YouTube

"Texas Hold 'Em" is a song by American singer-songwriter Beyoncé for her currently unnamed eighth studio album (Act II of the Renaissance Trilogy). It serves as the album's co-lead single (alongside "16 Carriages"). The song was a surprise release and debuted during Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. Titled after the poker game, "Texas Hold 'Em" is an uptempo country pop and western song featuring elements of folk and soul.

Music critics praised "Texas Hold 'Em" for its playful tone, authentic sound, Beyoncé's vocal performance, and its celebration of the black roots of country music. The track also ignited discussions on black musicians' place within country music, increased the listenership of black country artists and country radio in general, and spurred the reclamation of Western culture by those who had traditionally felt excluded.

Background and release

During Super Bowl LVIII, American singer-songwriter Beyoncé starred in a commercial with actor Tony Hale for Verizon.[1] Her appearance was teased by the company in the days leading up to the Super Bowl with teaser trailers referencing her sixth and seventh studio albums, Lemonade (2016) and Renaissance (2022).[2][3] At the end of the commercial, which sees the singer attempt to "break the Internet" in various ways, Beyoncé says, "Okay, they ready. Drop the new music," leading to media speculation of the second act of her ongoing Renaissance trilogy.[4]

Beyoncé then took to her Instagram account and announced her eighth studio album, tentatively titled Act II, with a release date of March 29, 2024, through a teaser of an unidentified woman starting up a car with a license plate that read "Texas Hold 'Em".[5] As she drives through an empty road, she passes by a group of men staring at a billboard with the same slogan as the license plate featuring a cutout of Beyoncé in a seductive pose.[5] As the Super Bowl continued, she released two lead singles from Act II to streaming services and digital download: "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages".[6]

Composition

Named after the poker game, "Texas Hold 'Em" is an uptempo country pop and western tune with elements of folk and soul.[7][8][9] It features a "rapid-plucked" banjo and acoustic guitar introduction that moves into a "stomping" beat.[10] Chris Willman of Variety likened the song to Beyoncé's "Daddy Lessons" (2016) for its "playful" sound and danceability,[11] while Ben Beaumont-Thomas of The Guardian found whispers of the Jonas Brothers' "What a Man Gotta Do" (2020) in its melody.[12]

Beyoncé wrote "Texas Hold 'Em" with Nathan Ferraro, Elizabeth Boland, Megan Bülow and Raphael Saadiq; she produced it with Killah B and Nathan Ferraro.[13] Rhiannon Giddens, who has long advocated for the reclamation of country music instruments by Black musicians, plays banjo and viola on the song.[14]

Critical reception

"Texas Hold 'Em" received acclaim from music critics.[15] In a review for Variety, Chris Willman described "Texas Hold 'Em" as a "genre-embracing and -transcending" track that acts as a radical venture into "unexplored territory", with Beyoncé reclaiming country music as a black genre. Willman noted that instead of being "genre tourism", Beyoncé is taking a serious and authentic approach to her embrace of country music, exercisizing her "natural right" to reach back into her roots as a Texas native.[16] The Guardian's Ben Beaumont-Thomas admired the "rootsy and authentically country" vocal and instrumental arrangements on track, as well as how Rhiannon Giddens' inclusion on the song highlighted her work to deepen listeners' understanding of how instruments such as the banjo was originated by black musicians.[17]

In an article for Time, Taylor Crumpton wrote that Beyoncé's presence in country music is "signaling the birth of a new era" in which "those who have continued to carry on the legacy of country's music heart and soul" are celebrated. Crumpton also commented on how, rather than molding herself to the will of the gatekeepers of country music, Beyoncé "has been country for the entirety of her life", growing up in a community that saw a "cultural exchange between Black, Tejano, and Indigenous communities".[18] Craig Jenkins for Vulture praised how "thornily" the song "plays dealer with a stack of country clichés like wisdom earned in card games and dive bars but pumps them full of lyrics that would make a Grand Ole Opry audience sweat."[19]

Writing for Consequence, Mary Siroky proclaimed "Texas Hold 'Em" as her early song of the summer while lauding Beyoncé's "inimitable" vocal performance.[20] Kyle Denis of Billboard also praised Beyoncé's "impassioned vocal performance", as well as the "slick harmonies" and powerful instrumentation on the track.[21] Pitchfork's Nadine Smith appreciated how the song brought the "parallel worlds" of country and soul music together through its collaborators, but criticized Beyoncé's attempts at "9-to-5 relatability" and "car commercial"-esque production.[22] Will Hodgkinson of The Times wrote that the track "sure is fine", praising the "ultra-catchy melody" and describing it as a soon-to-be wedding classic.[23] Chris Richards of The Washington Post wrote that the song felt "dull, dry, unimaginative, unnecessary, unconfident and uncool."[24]

Impact

Black artists in country music

The release of the song spotlighted black musicians in the country music space and boosted their listenership, according to Taylor Crumpton of Time. These musicians include Adia Victoria, Amri Unplugged, Brittney Spencer, Mickey Guyton, Reyna Roberts, Rissi Palmer, Sacha and Tanner Adell. Black-led country organizations such as the Black Opry also received a significant increase in followers, while banjo player Rhiannon Giddens, a long-time advocate and public educator of the banjo's African roots, saw an increase in interest following the release of the song.[18] The BBC's Daisy Woodward wrote that Beyoncé's embrace of country music "galvanises" the reclamation of Western culture by those who have felt excluded by it and subverts the traditional image of cowboys.[25]

In an article for The Nashville Tennessean, Andrea Williams explained how Beyoncé has opened the door for others in country music and proved that black songwriters, producers and musicians belong in the genre. Williams wrote that black people are generally "shut out of country music's creation" and that they "have been waiting for the opportunity to take part in the genre their forefathers helped build, to not be told they’re too urban for Nashville studios". With "Texas Hold 'Em", Williams writes, Beyoncé celebrates black country musicians, proving they are "country enough" and allowing them to receive their due credit and remuneration.[26] In an analysis for American Songwriter, Thom Donovan reported that "country music’s embrace of hip-hop was the natural progression" and "Texas Hold 'Em" is "more than a cheeky metaphor; it’s part of the larger arc of Beyoncé’s work celebrating the legacy of Black artists". As the singer did with the first act, Donovan wrote that "Beyoncé reminds listeners that country music is another kind of dance music".[27]

Alice Randall, in a interview for The Washington Post, affirmed that Beyoncé "is spotlighting and building on a profound tradition" which started with Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music by Ray Charles, stressing that "[Beyoncé] is going to take it even further if the things she’s already done in country is any indication", even if Charles wasn't prized by the music genre at the time.[28]

Popularity and accessibility of country music

SiriusXM host Mike Muse told Good Morning America that "Texas Hold 'Em" is sparking a "global conversation" and "social discourse" on country music and increasing public interest in the genre.[29] Beyoncé's country music will "open the floodgates" for other country musicians, according to BBC News.[30] Country artist Kezia Gill said that Beyoncé's presence will make the genre "accessible to everyone" and "bring in a whole generation" of new listeners. Roisin O'Connor, music editor at The Independent, said that the new track is "a tipping point" for country music, spreading the genre to new audiences.[30]

Country radio

Country radio managers shared their excitement about the song bringing new listeners. Mike Levine of Go Country 105 said that "anything to make country more approachable is amazing, so it's fantastic", while 93Q Country program manager Travis Moon said: "This is exciting not just for country radio, but for the artist and the legacy that she's done in her entire career." Moon noted that instead of just fitting a certain "vibe", "Texas Hold 'Em" has a "fresh" and "exciting" new sound, saying: "Just the way the song is constructed, the vocals are amazing, the instrumentation's fantastic. It fits the vibe of what we're doing on this radio station."[31] Programmers at Cumulus Media's country stations had a call where they spoke "enthusiastically" about the song, with chief content officer Brian Philips describing it as "a gift". Philips told Variety: "This adds a completely unforeseen, unimagined new angle to country radio... We have 55 major country stations and it's very hard to get them to agree on anything. But everybody at country wants to play it." iHeartMedia chief programming officer and president Tom Poleman spoke of his excitement to play the song on iHeartRadio stations, describing Beyoncé as an "innovator" who "continues to push the creative boundaries in music". SiriusXM senior director of country programming Johnny Chiang also shared his excitement to add the track to Pandora country stations, telling Variety: "It’s a good song, and a legit modern country song. And she's iconic, so it's a no brainer... This is nothing but good for our format."[32]

Controversy

Country radio stations

A country radio station courted controversy after rejecting a request to play "Texas Hold 'Em", igniting a wider debate on black musicians' place within country music.[33] After the publication of the lead singles "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages", they were sent to U.S. pop, Hot AC, rhythmic, urban AC and country radio stations. In the two songs' first 24 hours of release, 8 out of 150 radio stations considered for Billboard Country Airplay Chart played "Texas Hold 'Em" while no station played "16 Carriages".[34]

On February 13, 2024, a listener requested Oklahoma S.C.O.R.E. country station KYKC play "Texas Hold 'Em". The general manager Roger Harris replied, writing, "We do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station."[35] The answer went viral and caused a stir on social media against country music stations, leading Beyoncé's fans to flood the radio station with requests to play the song and started trending on Twitter with #Beyonceiscountry.[36][37][38] After adding the song to radio rotation, a representative from S.C.O.R.E. responded to racism and boycott accusations against the singer's music with a statement: "We are a small market station. We're not in a position to break an artist or help it that much, so it has to chart a little bit higher for us to add it. But we love Beyoncé here. We play her on our [other top 40 and adult hits stations] but we're not playing her on our country station yet because it just came out."[39] The station further clarified its position, saying it was unaware the song had a country sound until staff members heard it, and subsequently added it to their playlist.[40]

Variety reported that Sony Music, owner of Columbia Records that holds a contract with Beyonce's company Parkwood Entertainment, "did not immediately respond to requests for comment about any plans to promote the song at country radio", as of IHeartRadio e Cumulus Media.[41] After the media attention, CMT added "Texas Hold 'Em" to its branded streaming stations.[34] In the afternoon of the same day, after the impact on social media, Billboard confirmed that Columbia officially sent the song to country radio stations, pointing out that country stations generally do not broadcast songs not supported by the labels.[34]

Commercial performance

North America

In the United States, "Texas Hold 'Em", debuted at number 54 on Billboard Country Airplay Chart, with 1.1 million in audience via 100 stations, becoming Beyoncé’s first entry on the chart.[42] The song also debuted at number 38 on Pop Airplay Chart, with its plays on 98 chart reporters translating to 1.3 million audience impressions at the format.[42]

International

In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart with only three days of sales, becoming the week’s highest new entry and Beyoncé's 22nd top 10 song in Britain as a solo artist.[43]

Personnel and credits

Performers

  • Beyoncé – vocals

Musicians[44]

Charts

Chart performance for "Texas Hold 'Em"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[45] 38
Ireland (IRMA)[46] 12
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[47] 36
Netherlands (Tipparade)[48] 12
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[49] 26
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[50] 74
UK Singles (OCC)[51] 9
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[52]
[53] 		54

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Texas Hold 'Em"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various February 11, 2024
[54]
United States February 13, 2024 Contemporary hit radio Columbia [55][56]
Country radio [57]
Rhythmic contemporary radio [58]
Italy February 23, 2024 Radio airplay Sony Italy [59]

References

  1. ^ Dailey, Hannah (February 11, 2024). "Beyoncé Confirms New Music in Verizon Super Bowl 2024 Commercial: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  2. ^ Getahun, Hannah (February 10, 2024). "The Beyhive was right: Verizon's cryptic teasers led to a Beyoncé Super Bowl ad". Business Insider. Archived from the original on February 11, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  3. ^ Roeloffs, Mary Whitfill (February 9, 2024). "Verizon Seemingly Confirms Beyoncé Starring In Super Bowl Ad—Here's What We Know". Forbes. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  4. ^ Gonzales, Erica (February 11, 2024). "Beyoncé Is Bound to Break the Internet Again With Her Super Bowl Commercial". Elle. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Denis, Kyle (February 11, 2024). "Beyoncé Drops 2 New Songs, Unveils 'Act II' Release Date: Here's When It Arrives". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Chelosky, Daniella (February 11, 2024). "Beyoncé Surprise Drops New Songs "Texas Hold 'Em" & "16 Carriages" Following Super Bowl Commercial". Stereogum. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Smith, Nadine (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé: "Texas Hold 'Em"". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  8. ^ Sherman, Maria (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé drops new songs 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages.' New music 'Act II' will arrive in March". The San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  9. ^ Mitchell, Gail (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé Lays Down Her Country Cards With New Singles '16 Carriages' & 'Texas Hold 'Em': Review". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  10. ^ Sisario, Ben (February 11, 2024). "Beyoncé Announces New Album in Super Bowl Commercial". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  11. ^ Willman, Chris (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé Shows Her Country Music Cards With 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages': Song Review". Variety. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  12. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé: Texas Hold 'Em and 16 Carriages review – country gets brilliantly Beyoncéfied". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  13. ^ Corcoran, Nina (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé Announces New Album Act II, Shares Two New Songs: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  14. ^ Hiltner, Justin (February 12, 2024). "Yes, That Is Rhiannon Giddens Playing Banjo on Beyoncé's New Track". The Bluegrass Situation. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  15. ^ Hodgkinson, Will (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé: Texas Hold 'Em/16 Carriages review — the star goes country". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  16. ^ Willman, Chris (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé Shows Her Country Music Cards With 'Texas Hold 'Em' and '16 Carriages': Song Review". Variety. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  17. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé: Texas Hold 'Em and 16 Carriages review – country gets brilliantly Beyoncéfied". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  18. ^ a b Crumpton, Taylor (February 14, 2024). "Beyoncé Has Always Been Country". Time. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  19. ^ Jenkins, Craig (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé's New Country Songs Are Plain Ol' Fun". Vulture. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  20. ^ Siroky, Mary (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé's Country Era Starts Strong with Two Songs: Review". Consequence. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  21. ^ Denis, Kyle (February 15, 2024). "Beyoncé Unleashes 'Texas Hold 'Em' A Cappella & Instrumental Versions: Stream Them Now". Billboard. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  22. ^ Smith, Nadine (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé: "Texas Hold 'Em"". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  23. ^ Hodgkinson, Will (February 14, 2024). "Beyoncé: Texas Hold 'Em/16 Carriages review — the star goes country". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  24. ^ Richards, Chris (February 13, 2024). "Beyoncé goes country? Might be a wrong turn". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  25. ^ "The reinvention of the cowboy hat". www.bbc.com. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  26. ^ Williams, Andrea (February 15, 2024). "Beyonce's use of Black writers and musicians can open the door for others in country music". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  27. ^ Donovan, Thom (February 15, 2024). "The Meaning Behind "Texas Hold 'Em" by Beyoncé and Why She's Taken a Country Turn". American Songwriter. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  28. ^ Kingsberry, Janay (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé's new country songs salute the genre's Black cultural roots". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  29. ^ News, A. B. C. "Beyonce's new music is sparking conversations in the country music world". ABC News. Retrieved February 16, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  30. ^ a b "Beyoncé: Star 'can open UK country music floodgates'". BBC News. February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  31. ^ "Will country radio play Beyoncé's new songs? Station managers weigh in". EW.com. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  32. ^ Willman, Chris (February 16, 2024). "The Country Format Is Bullish on Beyoncé's 'Texas Hold 'Em,' Top Radio Execs Say". Variety. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  33. ^ Schmall, Emily (February 14, 2024). "Beyoncé Fan's Radio Request Reignites Country Music Debate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  34. ^ a b c Newman, Melinda (February 14, 2024). "Country Radio Has Been Slow to Play Beyoncé's New Music, But That Doesn't Mean It Won't". Billboard. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  35. ^ Stenzel, Wesley (February 13, 2024). "Country radio station plays new Beyoncé songs after fan outcry". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  36. ^ Archie, Ayana (February 13, 2024). "A radio station is now playing Beyoncé's country song after an outcry from fans". National Public Radio. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  37. ^ Keller, Erin (February 14, 2024). "Oklahoma country station won't play new Beyoncé song — here's why". New York Post. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  38. ^ Carr, Mary Kate (February 13, 2024). "Beyoncé fans launch campaign to get new singles on country radio". The A.V. Club. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  39. ^ Mc Clay, Caché (February 13, 2024). "Oklahoma country station explains why it turned down a fan's Beyoncé song request". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  40. ^ "Beyoncé: Radio station now playing Texas Hold 'Em after country music outcry". February 15, 2024.
  41. ^ Willman, Chris (February 13, 2024). "Will Country Radio Play Beyoncé's New Songs? A Superstar's Surprise Move Will Put Old Rules to the Test". Variety. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  42. ^ a b Trust, Gary; Asker, Jim (February 16, 2024). "Beyoncé Makes Her Country Radio Chart Debut With 'Texas Hold 'Em'". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  43. ^ Smith, Carl (February 16, 2024). "The season of Noah Kahan! Vermont singer-songwriter celebrates the Official Chart Double". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  44. ^ Browne, David (February 13, 2024). "Beyoncé Wanted Some 'Country Fire.' She Knew Just Who to Call". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  45. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. February 19, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  46. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  47. ^ "Beyoncé – Texas Hold 'Em" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  48. ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 7, 2024" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  49. ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 19, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  50. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 7". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  51. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  52. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  53. ^ "Billboard Country Update" (PDF). Billboard. February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  54. ^ Treisman, Rachel (February 11, 2024). "Beyoncé releases two new songs during the Super Bowl, teasing more to come". NPR. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  55. ^ Cantor, Brian (February 13, 2024). "Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'Em" Ranks As Pop Radio's Most Added Song". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  56. ^ "YOUR RADIO ADD RECAPS". HITS Daily Double. February 13, 2024. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  57. ^ Newman, Melinda (February 13, 2024). "Country Radio Has Been Slow to Play Beyoncé's New Music, But That Doesn't Mean It Won't". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2024. On Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 13), Columbia officially serviced "Texas Hold 'Em" to country radio, whereas it had previously been sent to other formats, according to a source.
  58. ^ "YOUR RADIO ADD RECAPS". HITS Daily Double. February 13, 2024. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  59. ^ Sisti, Sara (February 12, 2024). "Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM (Radio Date: 23-02-2024)". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved February 12, 2024.


Stub icon

This 2020s single-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Texas_Hold_%27Em_(song)&oldid=1208477723"