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II Most Wanted

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"II Most Wanted"
A blurry, black-and-white cover showing Miley Cyrus and Beyoncé's profiles; the latter is wearing a cowboy hat; the words "II MOST WANTED" are placed between them
Single by Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus
from the album Cowboy Carter
ReleasedApril 26, 2024 (2024-04-26)
Recorded2021
Genre
Length3:28
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Beyoncé singles chronology
"16 Carriages"
(2024) 		"II Most Wanted"
(2024)
Miley Cyrus singles chronology
"Doctor (Work It Out)"
(2024) 		"II Most Wanted"
(2024) 		"Psycho Killer"
(2024)
Lyric video
"II Most Wanted" on YouTube

"II Most Wanted" is a song by American singers Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. It was released on April 26, 2024,[1] through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records as the third single from Beyoncé's eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, and interpolates "Landslide" (1975) by Fleetwood Mac.

A country and pop rock track, Beyoncé and Cyrus wrote "II Most Wanted" with Ryan Tedder and Michael Pollack. The track is produced by Shawn Everett, Jonathan Rado and Pollack. The song received acclaim from music critics, naming it one of the best tracks on the album, being nominated at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Commercially "II Most Wanted" became Beyoncé's 23rd and Cyrus' 13th top-ten song on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also debuted at number two on the Hot Country Songs, scoring Beyoncé's third and Cyrus' second top-ten on the chart.

Background

[edit]

So when Beyoncé reached out to me about music, I thought of it right away because it really encompasses our relationship. I told her, "We don’t have to get country; we are country. We’ve been country." I said, "You know, between you being from Texas and me being from Tennessee, so much of us is going to be in this song."

— Miley Cyrus to W in 2024[2]

Beyoncé and Cyrus previously collaborated on "Just Stand Up!" (2008) as part of the charity supergroup Artists Stand Up to Cancer.[3] "II Most Wanted" was initially written by Cyrus around 2020. The song was used after Beyoncé reached out to her about the collaboration.[2]

In 2022, prior to the release of Beyoncé's seventh studio album Renaissance, a Variety article citing an anonymous industry source teased an unknown album featuring both "dance and country-leaning tracks... with contributions from hit songwriter Ryan Tedder." It was unclear at the time as to whether the country songs would appear as a separate album or as a component of her upcoming album.[4]

On March 28, 2024, Beyoncé revealed the song and the collaboration as part of her studio album Cowboy Carter.[5] Upon release, Cyrus took to Twitter to express her admiration for Beyoncé that only deepened in the process of creating the song alongside each other.[6]

Composition

[edit]

The title "II Most Wanted" is a reference to their status in the music industry. The "twangy, down-tempo duet"[7] sees the two singers "blend their distinctive voices"[8] while trading lines and harmonizing.[9] It features "simplistic vocal runs" by Cyrus and more "boisterous rifts" by Beyoncé,[10] accompanied by an instrumental blend of "back porch country" and "pop rock" in the vein of Fleetwood Mac.[6] Additional production, acoustic guitar, and keyboards were provided by Jonathan Rado of Foxygen, while the electric guitar was played by Adam Granduciel of the War on Drugs.[11]

Although Beyoncé confirmed that all the tracks on Cowboy Carter were inspired by films, "II Most Wanted" also draws reference from a friendship or "a more romantic love".[12] Meeting their significant other changed their lives in a profound way so they are committed "to being there for them".[9] The lyrical content was also linked to the theme of a "ride or die" partnership, reminiscent of films like Buck and the Preacher (1972), Thelma & Louise (1991) and Bonnie and Clyde (1967).[10] A prominent motif within the track is the use of "cowboy imagery".[13]

Critical reception

[edit]

The song received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the complementarity of their voices. Rolling Stone's Brittany Spanos deemed "II Most Wanted" as the best collaboration on Cowboy Carter and a "career highlight" for both singers. She likened Carter's and Cyrus' personas to Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, respectively, and praised how their voices "melt[ed] into each other instead of fighting for the spotlight."[14] Rolling Stone ranked the song 46th among the "The 70 Greatest Beyoncé Songs".[15]

Kyle Denis of Billboard ranked "II Most Wanted" as the third best track on the album, praising their "smoky tones" that "pair beautifully". Denis viewed the collaboration as both artists being at the "peak of their powers" that makes every stylistic choice "a home run". They evoke "a sense of emotional gravitas" that makes the song appear "a lot more high-stakes".[16]

Mary Siroky of Consequence defined the song as "one of the more straightforward tracks on the album", describing it "a bit mournful and nostalgic, acknowledging the ever-flowing passage of time and our inability to stop it".[17]

Accolades

[edit]
Awards and nominations for "II Most Wanted"
Organization Year Category Result Ref.
People's Choice Country Awards 2024 The Crossover Song of 2024 Nominated [18]
Grammy Awards 2025 Best Country Duo/Group Performance Pending [19]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The song debuted at number ten on the Billboard Global 200, scoring Beyoncé's third top-ten on the chart, after "Break My Soul" (2022) and "Texas Hold 'Em" (2024), and Cyrus' third after "Flowers" and "Used to Be Young" (2023).[20]

In the United States, "II Most Wanted" debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, scoring Beyoncé's 23rd and Cyrus' 13th top-ten on the chart.[21] The song also became Cowboy Carter's third top-ten, charting simultaneously with "Texas Hold 'Em" and "Jolene".[22] The three songs also occupied the top three positions on the Hot Country Songs, with "II Most Wanted" at second, making Beyoncé the first female artist to achieve it.[23]

"II Most Wanted" debuted at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart on 5 April 2024, one of three songs from Cowboy Carter to chart in the top ten that week. The simultaneous top-ten debut of Beyoncé's cover of "Jolene" brought Beyoncé's tally of UK top ten singles to 24 and Cyrus' to 9.[24]

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "II Most Wanted"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[25] 16
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[26] 55
Brazil (Brasil Hot 100)[27] 60
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[28] 17
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[29] 25
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[30] 36
Denmark (Tracklisten)[31] 27
France (SNEP)[32] 63
Global 200 (Billboard)[33] 10
Greece International (IFPI)[34] 48
Iceland (Tónlistinn)[35] 27
Ireland (IRMA)[36] 13
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[37] 15
Lithuania (AGATA)[38] 58
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[39] 27
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[40] 17
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[41] 1
Norway (VG-lista)[42] 23
Portugal (AFP)[43] 25
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[44] 24
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[45] 20
UK Singles (OCC)[46] 9
US Billboard Hot 100[47] 6
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[48] 18
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[49] 2
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[50] 19
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[51] 33

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "II Most Wanted"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[52] Gold 20,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[53] Gold 40,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "II Most Wanted"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Canada April 20, 2024 Contemporary hit radio Columbia [54]
Various April 26, 2024
[55]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Parkwood Entertainment [@parkwood] (April 26, 2024). "II MOST WANTED single out now 🐎🐎" – via Instagram.
  2. ^ a b Hawgood, Alex (June 3, 2024). "Miley Cyrus Finally Gets Her "Flowers"". W. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  3. ^ Richardson, Randi (March 29, 2024). "Miley Cyrus and Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter collaboration: About 'II Most Wanted'". Today. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  4. ^ Aswad, Jem (June 16, 2022). "Beyoncé to Feature Dance and Country Songs on 'Renaissance' Multi-Part Album (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  5. ^ Lamarre, Carl (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter to Feature Collaborations With Miley Cyrus, Post Malone & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Blistein, Jon (March 29, 2024). "Miley Cyrus Celebrates Beyoncé After Cowboy Carter Collab: 'You're My Everything and More'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  7. ^ Guy, Zoe (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé Gets Custody of Miley Cyrus (and Blue Jeans the Horse?)". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  8. ^ McClay, Caché (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus duet on Cowboy Carter track: What to know about "II Most Wanted"". USA Today. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Bailey, Alyssa (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus' "II Most Wanted" Lyrics Are a Love Letter to Their Long-Term Partners". Elle. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Corinne, Amber (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé And Miley Cyrus' "II Most Wanted" Duet Channels Thelma & Louise On Cowboy Carter". Vibe. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Deville, Chris (March 29, 2024). "The War On Drugs, Nickel Creek, Raye, & More Contributed To Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter". Stereogum. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  12. ^ Bonner, Mehera (March 29, 2024). "The Meaning Behind Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus's Gorgeous New Duet "II Most Wanted"". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  13. ^ Rigotti, Alex (March 29, 2024). "Listen to Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus' tender new collaboration "II Most Wanted"". NME. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  14. ^ Spanos, Brittany (March 30, 2024). "Beyonce Finds a New Freedom and Redefines Country Music on Cowboy Carter". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  15. ^ "The 70 Greatest Beyoncé Songs". Rolling Stone. April 1, 2024. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  16. ^ Denis, Kyle (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter: All 27 Tracks Ranked". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  17. ^ Siroky, Mary (March 29, 2024). "Beyoncé's 'II MOST WANTED' with Miley Cyrus is Song of the Week". Consequence. Archived from the original on April 7, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  18. ^ Grein, Paul (August 14, 2024). "Zach Bryan, Beyoncé & More Lead 2024 People's Choice Country Awards Nominations: Full List". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  19. ^ Atkinson, Katie (November 8, 2024). "Grammy Nominations 2025: See Full List of Nominees". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  20. ^ Trust, Gary (April 8, 2024). "Benson Boone's 'Beautiful Things' Leads Global Charts, Beyoncé, Artemas & ILLIT Hit Top 10". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  21. ^ Trust, Gary (April 8, 2024). "Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar Hold Atop Hot 100, Beyoncé Boasts Three in Top 10". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  22. ^ McIntyre, Hugh (April 8, 2024). "Beyoncé Scores A Trio Of Top 10 Hits On The Hot 100 And Almost Returns To No. 1". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  23. ^ Asker, Jim (April 8, 2024). "With 'Cowboy Carter,' Beyoncé Becomes First Black Woman to Lead Top Country Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  24. ^ Griffiths, George. "Beyoncé becomes first black artist ever to take country album to Number 1 in the UK". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  25. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  26. ^ "Beyoncé – II Most Wanted" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  27. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Brasil Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  28. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  29. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  30. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  31. ^ "Track Top-40 Uge 14, 2024". Hitlisten. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  32. ^ "Top Singles for the week of April 5". SNEP (in French). Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  33. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  34. ^ "Official IFPI Charts - Digital Singles Chart (International) - Week: 14/2024". ifpi.gr. Archived from the original on March 6, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  35. ^ "Tónlistinn – Lög" [The Music – Songs - Week 14] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on April 7, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  36. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  37. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of April 10, 2024". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  38. ^ "2024 14-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. April 5, 2024. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  39. ^ "Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – II Most Wanted" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  40. ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  41. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 8, 2024. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  42. ^ "Singel 2024 uke 14". VG-lista. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  43. ^ "Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – II Most Wanted". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  44. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 14". Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  45. ^ "Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – II Most Wanted". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  46. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  47. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  48. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  49. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  50. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  51. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  52. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – II Most Wanted" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  53. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – II Most Wanted". Music Canada. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  54. ^ "Hozier, Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus, The Beaches Have This Week's Hot New Radio Tracks in Canada". Billboard Canada. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  55. ^ Beyoncé; Cyrus, Miley. "II MOST WANTED". Spotify. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
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