TORONTO — Pop superstar Beyoncé surprised fans early Friday by releasing a 14-song album and 17 videos.
The self-titled collection is Beyoncé’s fifth studio album.
“I see music,” the singer explained in a statement. “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 album, available only on iTunes, comes with no advance publicity or marketing.
“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” Beyoncé said. “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.”
Beyoncé said while it’s not a concept album, it is intended to be experienced from start to finish.
She collaborated with a long list of songwriters, producers and video directors, including Toronto’s Drake on the track “Mine.”
The videos were mostly shot during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour at locations like a beach in Brazil, the rollercoaster at Coney Island and in a roller skating rink in Houston.
A CD/DVD version of the album will be released in the coming days.
Fans reacted quickly on social media.
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