Beyoncé

The architect of the modern visual album.

Beyoncé released her self-titled fifth studio album on December 13, 2013, through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. This surprise drop marked a pivotal moment in music history, introducing the world to a fully realized visual album created in secrecy. The project emerged after Beyoncé invited top producers to live with her at a Hamptons mansion for a month in mid-2012, though touring later interrupted the process until early 2013. The result is an electro-R&B record featuring heavy bass and synthesizers that explores sexuality and monogamy from a feminist perspective. It shattered iTunes sales records immediately upon release and was later reissued as the Platinum Edition in November 2014.

Quick Facts

Released: 13 December 2013
Recorded: 2012–2013
Genre: Electro-R&B
Label: Parkwood; Columbia

Lore & Background

The development of this era began after Beyoncé gave birth to Blue Ivy on January 7, 2012. She performed at a concert residency just four months postpartum to show mothers they need not pause their careers. By mid-2012 in the Hamptons, she stepped away from the public eye to begin work with producers like Sia, Timbaland, and The-Dream, describing the environment as a family camp where they dined daily. In March 2013, she released "Bow Down/I Been On," a track that confused journalists due to its aggressive nature and the refrain "Bow down, bitches."

Beyoncé later clarified this was intended as female empowerment, which appeared on the final album's track "Flawless" interpolating Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk. The unknown artist Boots joined in mid-2013, writing 80 percent of the album after Beyoncé found potential in his experimental demos, including a stream-of-consciousness rap called "Ghost" that became half of "Haunted."

Reader's Guide

Upon release, the album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and broke the record for the fastest-selling album in iTunes Store history. It reached number one in Australia, Canada, Croatia, the Netherlands, and Poland, achieving six-times platinum certification in the US. Five songs were released as singles: "Blow", "XO", "Drunk in Love", "Partition", and "Pretty Hurts," with "Drunk in Love" peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was supported by the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour and the On the Run Tour co-headlined with Jay-Z. Critical acclaim highlighted its experimental production and vocals, leading to wins for Best Surround Sound Album, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2015. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it 81st on their "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Pretty Hurts	Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler, Beyoncé Knowles	4:17
2	Haunted (contains intro song "Ghost")	Boots, Knowles	6:09
3	Drunk in Love (featuring Jay-Z)	Noel Fisher, Knowles, Shawn Carter, Andre Proctor, Rasool Díaz, Brian Soko, Timothy Mosley, Jerome Harmon	5:23
4	Blow	Pharrell Williams, Knowles, James Fauntleroy, Mosley, Harmon, Justin Timberlake, [[Te
Total length			66:35

Did You Know?

Beyoncé recorded eighty songs in total for the album but removed "Standing on the Sun" and "Grown Woman" to fit a minimalist approach.
The beat for "Partition" was created by Justin Timberlake banging on buckets in the studio, which Beyoncé felt reminded her of hip hop from her early romance with Jay-Z.
Vocals for "XO" were never re-recorded despite Beyoncé having a sinus infection because she believed their imperfections fit the song.
The surprise release of this album prompted the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry to change Global Release Day from Tuesday to Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beyoncé's role?

She functions as the chief creative force behind her projects, overseeing writing, direction, and performance simultaneously. This approach allows her to craft immersive experiences where live shows, films, and records blend into a single narrative.

What themes does Beyoncé explore?

Her work centers heavily on themes of empowerment, Black heritage, and strength that resonate with fans worldwide. This independent creative sphere consistently sets new standards for live performance and cultural representation.

Who is Beyoncé married to?

Her personal life includes a marriage to Shawn Carter, who stands alongside her as part of her broader cultural influence. Together they navigate the entertainment industry while she maintains control over her specific artistic vision and legacy.