BEYONCE DROPS HER FIFTH ALBUM ON ITUNES SUPRISE ALL HER FANS

Wait no more beehives, Christmas comes early for Beyoncé fans. In an unprecedented move, the pop superstar quietly released her fifth studio album to iTunes on Friday.

“Surprise!” tweeted Bey moments after the midnight launch.

The visual album, simply titled BEYONCÉ, features 14 songs and 17 videos, with 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. “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 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,” explained Bey. “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.”

The surprise release was a strategic move done to prevent leaks. Manufacturing of physical copies begins today and the double disc CD/DVD will be available in stores in time for the holidays.

See the tracklisting below and head to iTunes to get your copy for $15.99. Individual songs will be available for purchase on December 20.

[DOWNLOAD 'BEYONCE' ON ITUNES]