"Cowboy Carter" — Beyonce's first country album — has arrived

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's has officially gone country with the release Friday of her new album, "Cowboy Carter."

The Houston native's eighth album features 27 song tracks and guest appearances from some of country music's biggest stars including Willie Nelson, Mylie Cyrus and Dolly Parton, whose 1973 hit "Jolene" is one of two covers featured. 

"I think people are going to be surprised because I don't think this music is what everyone expects," Beyoncé said in a statement Friday. "But it's the best music I've ever made," said the 42-year-old, considered the one of the top-grossing music artists of all time.