Oliver Anthony is no stranger to controversy. Known for his unapologetic stance against the mainstream music industry, the artist behind “Rich Men North of Richmond” recently turned his attention to Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album and didn’t hold back. Anthony criticized the album in a fiery video, branding it “complete trash” and “cringe,” while exposing the music industry’s attempts to force artificial narratives onto artists.
This clash between Anthony’s fiercely independent approach and Beyonce’s genre-blending experiment highlights two opposing forces in modern music: authenticity versus industry manipulation.
Oliver Anthony Takes on Beyonce’s Album and Jolene Cover
Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, released in 2024, was an unexpected foray into country-inspired music. While the album sparked intrigue and debate, it wasn’t officially classified as a country record. Beyonce herself clarified that it wasn’t meant to be. Despite this, her reinterpretation of Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene” became a focal point for fans and critics.
For Anthony, however, it wasn’t just a misstep—it was emblematic of a deeper problem in the music world. “It makes me just want to throw up, trying to listen to the beginning of her version of ‘Jolene,'” he said. “Just total cringe. It represents how degenerative our society has become that a song like Beyonce’s version of ‘Jolene’ can come out and anybody actually listens to it and think it’s not complete trash.”
Anthony’s brutal comments starkly contrast to Dolly Parton’s praise of Beyonce’s work. But Anthony dismissed the endorsement, emphasizing his disdain for what he views as a disingenuous attempt to blend genres for marketability rather than artistry.
The Music Industry’s Push for Manufactured Narratives
Anthony’s criticism of Cowboy Carter didn’t stop at the music itself. He also revealed how the industry tried to involve him in promoting the album to boost his “cool factor.” According to Anthony, his management team suggested that he publicly praise Beyonce’s album—even though he found it unlistenable.
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“One of the guys I worked with wanted me to make some stupid f**king post about Beyonce’s country album,” he shared. “About how it was good… even though it was complete trash.”
Anthony argued that this moment highlights how labels and management teams often push artists into endorsing projects or opinions that don’t align with their personal beliefs. He criticized this practice as a way to fabricate connections between artists and appeal to broader audiences at the expense of authenticity.
“I was supposed to make a post… basically trying to associate myself with Beyonce in hopes of us doing some kind of song together,” Anthony revealed. He further noted that many artists don’t even manage their own social media accounts, leaving fans engaging with posts written by PR teams rather than the artists themselves.
Authenticity vs. Industry Expectations
Oliver Anthony’s critique of Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter goes beyond one album. It reflects a larger frustration with a music industry prioritizing profits and manufactured narratives over genuine artistry. Anthony’s fiery comments, though divisive, resonate with fans who value authenticity in an era where mainstream music often feels formulaic and disconnected.
While Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter may have opened doors for cross-genre experimentation, Anthony’s sharp criticism underscores the risks of blending styles without staying true to the roots of the genre. His refusal to play along with industry expectations serves as a reminder that independent voices like his have the power to disrupt the status quo.
Watch the full video below for a deeper dive into Oliver Anthony’s unfiltered take on Beyonce and the music industry. His candid perspective sheds light on the challenges of navigating an industry where artistry and authenticity often clash with corporate interests.
