In what is quite a surprise for fans, Beyoncé released her new album to iTunes with no public announcement or prior warning. The music world had been anticipating Queen Bey’s album during all of this year, however, most people assumed that it wouldn’t be ready until 2014 due to production delays. The new self-titled album is currently only available in digital form and it features 14 new songs and 17 videos.
According to consequenceofsound.net:
“Beyoncé won’t let 2013 come to a close before she has her say. In a bold move, the pop singer has released a new self-titled album without warning, making it available via iTunes at the stroke of midnight Friday.
“The track list includes collaborations with her husband Jay Z, Frank Ocean, and Drake, plus Beyoncé’s first child, Blue Ivy, makes a cameo on a track aptly dubbed ‘Blue.’ Below, preview the videos for ‘Blow’ and ‘Drunk in Love.'”
This unorthodox release is something Beyoncé’s husband Jay Z dreamed about doing with his Black Album. The idea is to release an album with no singles, press or hype. Just give music to the people and let them form their own opinions. While Jay came close to that kind of release with his Magna Carta …Holy Grail, Beyonce’s new album executes the plan flawlessly. In a statement from her label, Columbia Records, Beyonce said:
“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it. 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.”
Check the track listing for the new Beyoncé album below, as well as two new video previews. Download the album here.
Beyoncé – Beyoncé (Tracklisting):
1. “Pretty Hurts”
2. “Haunted”
3. “Drunk in Love” (Feat. Jay Z)
4. “Blow”
5. “No Angel”
6. “Partition”
7. “Jealous”
8. “Rocket”
9. “Mine” (Feat. Drake)
10. “XO”
11. “***Flawless” (Feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
12. “Superpower” (Feat. Frank Ocean)
13. “Heaven”
14. “Blue” (Feat. Blue Ivy)
Video Tracklisting:
15. “Pretty Hurts”
16. “Ghost”
17. “Haunted”
18. “Drunk in Love” (Feat. Jay Z)
19. “Blow”
20. “No Angel”
21. “Yoncé”
22. “Partition”
23. “Jealous”
24. “Rocket”
25. “Mine” (Feat. Drake)
26. “XO”
27. “***Flawless” (Feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
28. “Superpower” (Feat. Frank Ocean)
29. “Heaven”
30. “Blue” (Feat. Blue Ivy)
31. “Grown Woman” (Bonus Video)