Beyoncé Releases Self Titled Visual Album on iTunes
Beyonce has surprised fans and the world by releasing her fifth studio album on Friday the 13th.
The self titled set, which has been declared a visual album by the singer, features Jay Z, Drake, Frank Ocean and daughter Blue Ivy. There had been no announcement prior that the 32-year-old pop queen would release an album, much less with its accompanying videos. In total, Beyonce released 14 songs and 17 videos exclusively to iTunes. A physical CD is expected in stores before Christmas.
The multiple Grammy winner explained her reasoning in a press release after the move took the internet by storm. Social media was ablaze with comments, including Demi Lovato.
HOW IS ANYONE NOT TWEETING ABOUT #BEYONCE RIGHT NOW?!!?!?
— demetria lovato (@ddlovato) December 13, 2013
“I see music,” Beyoncé said. "It’s more than just what I hear. When I’m connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. And they’re all connected to the music.”
The diva, who is currently on her Mrs. Carter World Tour, explained that she did want to simply do what she had done before.
“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” she continued. “I am bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans. There’s so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.”
Below is the full list tracking.
1. Pretty Hurts
2. Haunted
3. Drunk in Love (Featuring JAY Z)
4. Blow/Cherry
5. Angel
6. Yoncé/Partition
7. Jealous
8. Rocket
9. Mine (Featuring Drake)
10. XO
11. Flawless (Featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
12. Superpower (Featuring Frank Ocean)
13. Heaven
14. Blue (Featuring Blue Ivy)
Videos:
1. Pretty Hurts - directed by Melina Matsoukas
2. Ghost - directed by Pierre Debusschere
3. Haunted - directed by Jonas Åkerlund
4. Drunk in Love - directed by Hype Williams
5. Blow - directed by Hype Williams
6. Angel - directed by @lilinternet
7. Yoncé - directed by Ricky Saiz
8. Partition - directed by Jake Nava
9. Jealous - directed by Beyoncé, Francesco Carrozzini & Todd Tourso
10. Rocket - directed by Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
11 .Mine - directed by Pierre Debusschere
12. XO - directed by Terry Richardson
13. ***Flawless - directed by Jake Nava
14. Superpower - directed by Jonas Åkerlund
15. Heaven -directed by Beyoncé & Todd Tourso
16. Blue - directed by Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
17. **BONUS VIDEO – Grown Woman - directed by Jake Nava