II Most Wanted

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]

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]

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 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]

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]