Beyonce Drops Surprise Album On iTunes, Sells 80,000 Copies In Three Hours

Rucuss staffDecember 13, 2013

Beyonce quietly released he fifth studio album on iTunes on Friday.

The Love On Top singer debuted the new music titled BEYONCÉ at midnight. Bey announced the news via Twitter with the tweet, “Surprise!” According to Billboard, the iTunes exclusive will likely debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 when final sales are revealed on Wednesday, December 18. It has reportedly sold 80,000 copies in the first three hours.

The visual album features 14 songs and 17 videos. It has contributions from Jay Z, Blue Ivy, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Drake, The-Dream, Sia, Ryan Tedder, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Hit-Boy, Ammo, Boots, and Detail.

“I see music,” said Beyoncé about her decision to create a visual album,” Beyonce said. “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.”

Beyoncé

The videos were shot throughout the world in New York, Paris, Sydney, and Rio de Janeiro during her worldwide Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.

“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” Beyonce 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. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.”

Beyonce quietly released the album to prevent leaks. Physical copies and double disc CD/DVDs is in production and will be available in stores for the holidays.

If you can’t wait for a physical copy of the album, its available for purchase on iTunes for $15.99. Individual songs will be available for purchase on December 20.

Watch 30-second teasers of Beyonce’s videos below. The full videos can be purchased with the album on iTunes.