Beyoncé shocked fans early Friday by announcing a new album, and then releasing it online just hours later. The self-titled “visual album” features 14 tracks and 17 videos, and features collaborations with Jay Z, Pharrell Williams, Sia, and Frank Ocean. It is available exclusively on iTunes until the CD/DVDs are manufactured, which will happen in time for the holidays. “I didn’t want anybody to give the message of when my album is coming out,” Beyoncé said in her statement. The album and videos have been in production for a year and a half, and the fact that Beyoncé was able to keep it a secret stunned music business insiders.
