LOS ANGELES, March 28 -- The wait is almost over. On March 29, Beyonce will release her eighth studio album, titled Act II Cowboy Carter. On this record, the American singer tries out new registers and proves, for those who might still doubt it, that she is one of the most versatile voices in American music.

"Act II Cowboy Carter" channels country influences

Just under two years after the critical and public acclaim of Renaissance, Beyonce is back with a new album in which she redraws the contours of country music. Fans of the superstar may have already anticipated this musical shift following her appearance at the recent Grammy Awards on February 5. For the occasion, Beyonce donned a wide-brimmed white cowboy hat, heralding a new era i...