About this album
Sound:
"A bold fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, layered with emotional depth and cultural commentary."
Where they were
Released on December 13, 2013, this eponymous album marked Beyoncé's fifth studio effort and her first visual album. Following the commercial success of '4' (2011), she embraced a more liberated artistic vision, blending personal storytelling with societal critiques.
Why it matters
The album received critical acclaim, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Surround Sound Album. Its innovative surprise release strategy challenged traditional music distribution methods and influenced how artists engage with audiences.
Essential tracks
- "Drunk in Love" — With its infectious beat and sultry lyrics, this track captures the intoxicating highs of romance while featuring a memorable guest verse from Jay-Z.
- "***Flawless" — This anthem of empowerment combines confident lyrics with a powerful sample from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk, making a bold statement about feminism.
- "XO" — A tender love ballad that showcases Beyoncé's vocal range and emotional depth, it stands out as one of the album's most poignant tracks.
Release Date
December 13, 2013
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Pretty Hurts 4:17
- 2 Haunted 6:09
- 3 Drunk in Love 5:23
- 4 Blow 5:09
- 5 No Angel 3:48
- 6 Partition 5:19
- 7 Jealous 3:04
- 8 Rocket 6:31
- 9 Mine 6:18
- 10 XO 3:35
- 11 ***Flawless 4:10
- 12 Superpower 4:36
- 13 Heaven 3:50
- 14 Blue 4:26
Disc 2
- 1 Pretty Hurts 7:05
- 2 Ghost 2:32
- 3 Haunted 5:21
- 4 Drunk in Love 6:21
- 5 Blow 5:26
- 6 No Angel 3:53
- 7 Yoncé 2:03
- 8 Partition 3:49
- 9 Jealous 3:26
- 10 Rocket 4:31
- 11 Mine 4:59
- 12 XO 3:36
- 13 ***Flawless 4:12
- 14 Superpower 5:24
- 15 Heaven 3:55
- 16 Blue 4:35
- 17 Credits 2:34
- 18 Grown Woman 4:24
