Haute 100 Update: Beyonce Releases Surprise Album on iTunes

iTunes users got a huge surprise on Friday when Beyonce’s self titled fifth album just popped up for purchase with no pre-promotion or any sort of notice. The album, which features 14 songs and 17 music videos, is already on its way to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. “I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” she said in a statement.

Mimicking Jay-Z’s “Magna Carta Holy Grail” surprise release for Samsung Galaxy users earlier this year, Beyonce has raised the bar for the entertainment industry hopefully bringing the focus back to the music. The artist’s bold statement removed what she called the distance between the music’s message and her fans. She was able to provide the initial impression that comes from experiencing the music without the advertising and reviews that go along with releasing a new album.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Tuning into the trending tracks it’s clear that although this was a surprise to her fans, Beyonce had been working on this album for quite some time. Listening to collaborations with Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams and Frank Ocean it’s hard to believe that word didn’t get out about the album. The surprise soundtrack will be available in stores in time for holidays.

“I just want to give my album to the people I love and respect,” said Beyonce. “and hope that they feel the same thing I felt when I made the music.”