Beyoncé announced Sunday evening that she’s dropping a new country-themed album as a follow-up to “Renaissance,” minutes after starring in a clue-laden Verizon commercial about “breaking the internet” that aired shortly after the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show. The title album referred to as “Act II,” will arrive on March 29 album.
The commercial, which aired shortly after halftime, featured Beyoncé joking with comedian Tony Hale about doing something to “break the internet.” She playfully went through various ideas before dropping the bombshell: “Drop the new music.” Following the commercial, Beyoncé’s website was updated to confirm the release of “Act II” on March 29.
“Act II” is expected to be the second part of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album project. Two new songs, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” quickly surfaced online, hinting at a country-rock theme.
“Texas Hold ‘Em” features rapid-plucked guitar and a stomping beat, with lyrics like “It’s a real live boogie and a real live hoedown.” On “16 Carriages,” an epic ballad, Beyoncé reflects on life, with visuals showing her in cowboy hats—a signature style from her previous “Renaissance” World Tour.
Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album, released in July 2022, marked the first part of a “three-act project” recorded during the pandemic. Described as “Act I,” the album featured a 1990s retro dance theme and achieved significant success, contributing to a tour that sold $580 million in tickets.
Beyoncé is no stranger to blending genres, having previously explored country music on her 2016 album “Lemonade.”
