Christmas comes early for Beyoncé fans. In the biggest surprise move of the year, the pop superstar quietly released her fifth studio album to iTunes on Friday.
“Surprise!” tweeted Bey moments after the midnight launch.
The visual album, simply titled BEYONCÉ, features 14 songs and 17 videos, with contributions from Jay Z, Drake, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, Pharrell, Timbaland, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and even her daughter Blue Ivy.
The videos were shot throughout the world in New York, Paris, Sydney, and Rio de Janeiro during her worldwide “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.”
“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” said Bey. “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.”
She has also premiered the first part of “Self-Titled,” a mini documentary feature that offers a glimpse into the entire project. It details her mind-set and artistic vision throughout the making of BEYONCÉ.
See the tracklisting below and head to iTunes to get your copy for $15.99. Individual songs will be available for purchase on December 20.
BEYONCÉ SONG LIST
1. “Pretty Hurts”
2. “Haunted”
3. “Drunk in Love” (Featuring JAY Z)
4. “Blow/Cherry”
5. “No 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)
BEYONCÉ VIDEO LIST
1. “Pretty Hurts” – Directed by Melina Matsoukas
2. “Ghost” – Directed by Pierre Debusschere
3. “Haunted” – Directed by Jonas Akerlund
4. “Drunk in Love” – Directed by Hype Williams
5. “Blow” – Directed by Hype Williams
6. “No 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 Akerlund
15. “Heaven” – Directed by Beyoncé & Todd Tourso
16. “Blue” – Directed by Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
**BONUS VIDEO – “Grown Woman” – Directed by Jake Nava