Texas Hold ‘Em – Beyonce's new chart-topping single

The sought-after American singer-songwriter and talented actress Beyoncé released her new Texas Hold ‘Em song from her upcoming eighth studio album.

Texas Hold ‘Em was a surprise release and debuted during the Super Bowl on February 11, 2024. The song is titled after the Poker Game, and it is an up-tempo country pop, western and soul song featuring elements of folk music.

Beyoncé made history when the song topped the Hot Country Songs chart, making her the first black woman with a number-one in country music history. Beyoncé wrote Texas Hold ‘Em with Nathan Ferraro, Elizabeth Boland, Megan Bulow and Raphael Saadiq, produced by Killah B and Nathan Ferraro.

Reviews from music critics

Chris Willman described the song as a genre-embracing track as a revolutionary venture into "unexploited territory". Being a Texas native, Beyoncé exercised her "natural right" to return to her roots.

Ben Beaumont-Thomas from The Guardian admired the realism of the vocal and instrument arrangements on the track.

Taylor Crumpton wrote that Beyoncé's presence in country music is "signalling the birth of a new era" in which "those who have continued to carry on the legacy of the country's music heart and soul" are celebrated.

Craig Jenkins praised Beyoncé on how "thornily" the song "plays dealer with a stack of country cliches like wisdom earned in card games and dive bars, but pumps them full of lyrics that would make the audience sweat".

Hodgkinson of The Times said that Texas Hold ‘Em "sure is fine", describing it as a soon-to-be wedding classic. Chriss Richards from The Washington Post commented that the song felt "dull, dry, unimaginative, unnecessary, unconfident and uncool.”

Response from country artists

Country icon Dolly Parton recognised the impact Texas Hold ‘Em has, and she praised Beyoncé as "fantastic and beautiful". Parton continued to applaud Beyoncé on social media, posting an image with the caption, "I am a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she has done a country album".

Lainey Wilson, country singer-songwriter, vocalised her excitement about Beyoncé's crossover into country. Wilson told Billboard, "I love it! The more, the merrier. Country music is about storytelling, and Beyoncé knows how to tell a story".

Texas Hold 'Em went international

She debuted at number four on the Billboard Global 200, with a staggering 31,9 million streams and a total of 48,000 downloads sold worldwide, making this her second top-ten hit after Break My Soul reached number six in 2022.

Beyonce managed to use classic Southern symbols, like the Texas Hold 'Em poker game, to talk about a new romantic relationship, and she touched people all around the world. Maybe even added casino industry enthusiasts to her fan group.

If you are a fan of this popular table game, you can also check a different version with Live Ultimate Texas Hold'em game. 

Texas Hold ‘Em came in at number 11 on the Canadian Hot 100 and reached number one the following week. The song reached number 44 on the Billboard Canada Country chart.

In the UK, Texas Hold ‘Em debuted at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. The Official Charts Company stated that Texas Hold ‘Em became the first female country song to reach number on the chart and second in the country.

Australia allowed the song to climb 35 positions to reach a new peak of number three. New Zeeland debuted the song at number 26, and it reached number one the following week.

The tease

Beyoncé announced her eighth studio album on Instagram through a teaser of a woman starting up a car with a license plate that read "Texas Hold'Em". As the woman drives, she passes a group of men staring at a billboard with the same slogan: Texas Hold'Em featuring Beyoncé in a seductive pose.

During the Super Bowl LVIII, Beyoncé was also featured in a commercial, and her appearance was teased in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, with trailers referencing her previous studio albums. At the end of the commercial, Beyoncé is seen attempting to "break the internet" in various ways. Beyoncé then says, "Okay, they ready. Drop the new music."

As with all great singer-songwriters, we all have a background, which is the root of our future development. Let's look at this icon's background in the country music industry.

Background in country music by the singer-songwriter

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born September 4, 1981, and raised in Houston, Texas. The city's cowboy heritage and country music greatly influenced her upbringing.

She attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with her family every year growing up, wearing Western clothing. She then performed at the Rodeo four times between 2001 and 2007.

Beyoncé, throughout her career, celebrated her roots by implementing elements of country music in her albums by performing a country version of "Irreplaceable" in 2007. She celebrated her country identity with "Formation" in 2016 and released the country track "Daddy Lessons" from Lemonade. Beyoncé later performed the song with The Chicks at the 2016 CMA Awards.

Beyoncé released the Ivy Park x Adidas "Rodeo" clothing line inspired by the "overlooked history of the American Black cowboy".

Beyoncé's music is R&B, pop, and hip-hop, but she also adds some soul and funk to her songs. Beyoncé was coached phonetically by the American record producer Rudy Perez.

Conclusion

Texas Hold ‘Em is a song to listen to! Beyoncé showcased her powerhouse vocals and has once again proved her status as a true icon in the music industry. This song quickly became a fan favourite.

The themes of this song make it a powerful anthem for anyone who is unstoppable. If you haven't heard the music yet, please turn the volume up and press the play button. Texas Hold ‘Em is the best Texas can get.