Beyonce

BEY'S BACK: Talk about your Q4 surprise: An iTunes-exclusive “visual album” from Columbia’s Beyonce has just become available, featuring 14 audio tracks and 17 videos filmed in Paris, NYC, Sydney, Rio and other locales, primarily during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Guest collaborators on the self-titled release include Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Drake, Pharrell Williams, Frank Ocean, Sia, The Dream, Ryan Tedder, Miguel, Timbaland and her Destiny’s Child bandmates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland. Daughter Blue Ivy is also noted as a featured guest. Titles include “Pretty Hurts,” “Drunk in Love” (f/Jay Z), “Haunted” and “No Angel.” You’ll find it here, where the megastar currently dominates the entire iTunes carousel. As to the sudden release, with no wind-up, tease or preamble? “I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” reads a quote from the artist in the album announcement. “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's Facebook page has been updated accordingly, with a video link here. A CD/DVD package is promised in time for the holidays. (12/12p)