Beyoncé shocked fans around the world on Thursday night when she teased a fifteen second video on her Instagram account announcing a new album. The self-titled “visual album” was then released, guerrilla style on iTunes only – just in time for Christmas.
Beyonce’s fifth studio LP features 14 original tracks (including a collaboration with her daughter Blue Ivy, JAY Z and Frank Ocean) and 17 videos, 14 videos to accompany each track on the album and three separate videos altogether.
“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” the pop star said of her desire to expand beyond traditional audio releases. “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.”
Beyoncé enthusiasts can download the entire album with songs and videos for $15.99 right now at www.itunes.com/beyonce.
