Beyoncé releases unannounced self-titled studio album

There is a new Beyoncé album on iTunes. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

We woke up this morning, on a dull and drizzly Friday 13th, to discover that Beyoncé has released her fifth studio album exclusively on iTunes – with no warning whatsoever.

The self-titled set – the follow-up to 2011’s 4 – features 14 new tracks, as well as 17 music videos.

The Sweet Dreams star described BEYONCÉ as a “visual album”.

“I see music,” said the singer. “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 features collaborations with Drake, Jay Z, Frank Ocean and her daughter Blue Ivy, who appears on Blue.

She added that she is “bored” of releasing her records the traditional way.

“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,” she stated.

According to the album’s press release, the record is “designed to be consumed as a comprehensive audio/visual piece of top to bottom” and is “a non-linear journey through the thoughts and visions of Beyoncé”.

See the full tracklist for Beyoncé below:

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 Adiche)
12. Superpower (feat. Frank Ocean)
13. Heaven
14. Blue (feat. Blue Ivy)