Critically acclaimed and beloved pop culture icon Beyoncé officially entered her country music era by releasing her new single, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Beyoncé surprised fans during the 58th annual Super Bowl on Feb. 15 with a comedic halftime Verizon commercial, in which she revealed a March 29 release date for the highly anticipated second installment of her three-part Renaissance series. Beyoncé’s newest single marks her entry into country music and we are here for it.

This February, Beyoncé put out two lead singles to build excitement among fans around her next album, Renaissance Act II: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” released Feb. 9. Both songs have country-rooted vocals and instrumentals that stand out from the rest of her previously released music, which typically leans towards a more electronic pop direction. 

Beyoncé’s entrance into a new genre of music has caused a clamor in the music industry and sparked excitement among fans and new listeners for her upcoming work. Even those who don’t typically flock towards country music can find a common middle ground with her newest single, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Beyoncé’s new single offers the perfect excuse to bust out cowboy boots and hats while tuning into the country-esque lyrics. “This ain’t Texas (Woo), Ain’t no hold ‘em (Hey), So lay your cards down,” she sings in the song’s catchy chorus. The lyrics have been speculated to pay a sweet tribute to her birthplace in Houston, Texas. 

The song’s instrumentals are mostly pure acoustic guitar and bass drums, perfectly complimented by Beyoncé’s infectious vocals. This step away from pop and house music with “Texas Hold ‘Em” previews a raw country feel for her next album, offering a fresh sound to listeners.

Beyoncé typically sticks to pop and R&B/hip hop music, but her newest single “Texas Hold ‘Em’ marks her successful entry into a new genre outside of her typical zone. Four days after the release, “Texas Hold ‘Em” reached the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, earning her the title of the first Black woman to top the charts and land the number one spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. 

While Beyoncé’s previously released Renaissance album falls under a different genre of music and boasts a different tone than her new two singles off Renaissance Act II, all of her work cohesively mirrors the same powerful and inspiring tone making both separate albums flow seamlessly despite their different genres.

“Texas Hold ‘Em” embraces a clear country theme outlined in its lyrics, sparking excitement among country fans and expanding Beyoncé’s audience to new listeners. Both of Renaissance Act II’s lead singles promise an outstanding new album from the versatile and talented Beyoncé, earning “Texas Hold ‘Em” four out of five feathers.