Beyonce releases surprise album

Beyonce has released a new album completely out of the blue — the pop star announced her fifth, self-titled album on iTunes.

The digital record includes collaborations with husband Jay Z, Drake and Frank Ocean, and the final track Blue features her daughter Blue Ivy.

“I see music. It’s more than just what I hear,” Beyonce said of her decision to create a visual album.

“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.”

iTunes, Apple’s music download division, described the album’s release on the same day as its announcement as “an unprecedented strategic move by the artist to deliver music and visual content directly to her fans ”. With no “middle man”, fans are encouraged to form their own opinions.

Thanks BEYONCÉ for reminding the industry it’s about the fans… always has been…always will be.

— Teresa LaBarbera (@tLaBarbera_AnR) December 13, 2013

Today is the first day in human history that every woman on earth is in a good mood. Thank you Beyonce.

— 🤦🏿‍♂️ (@_JayDeuce_) December 13, 2013