Fans who pre-ordered Beyoncé’s latest vinyl album are expressing disappointment over the absence of five tracks.
Released on Friday, “Cowboy Carter” received widespread acclaim, described as a “masterpiece” and a “stellar Western saga.” However, reports indicate that several well-received songs, such as “Ya Ya” and “Spaghetti,” are notably absent from the vinyl edition.
One fan expressed sadness on Reddit, lamenting having paid £32 for the pre-ordered album on Beyoncé’s website. Vinyl enthusiasts Matt and Juan echoed this sentiment on TikTok, describing “Ya Ya” as one of their top five favourite tracks on the album.
The missing songs and interludes include “Spaghetti,” “Flamenco,” “The Linda Martell Show,” “Ya Ya,” and “Oh Louisiana.” It remains unclear if all vinyl copies are affected, with reports also emerging of four missing tracks on CD copies.
The likely reason behind the discrepancy is Beyoncé’s late addition of these songs during the album’s production. Vinyl pressing plants often have lengthy lead times, ranging from 10 weeks to six months, necessitating album submissions well in advance of release dates. Last-minute track list adjustments are not uncommon in the music industry, as exemplified by Kanye West’s multiple updates to “The Life of Pablo” after its initial release.
Beyoncé herself mentioned in a press release that “Cowboy Carter” took over five years to create, initially intended for a 2022 release as part of a trilogy. However, due to the pandemic, she released the more dance-oriented “Renaissance” instead, stating a need for uplifting music during challenging times.
The confusion surrounding the delayed release of “Cowboy Carter” led fans to demand explanations from Beyoncé’s official store on Instagram. Some suggested receiving discounts or refunds due to the album’s incomplete state.
Beyoncé’s decision to incorporate organic sounds into the album, deviating from modern digital production techniques, underscores her commitment to authenticity. She utilised old instruments and natural sounds like wind, snaps, and bird chirps, emphasising the album’s raw and human elements.
