iTunes crashes under the weight of Beyonce

Beyonce has apparently crashed iTunes, stirring up a whopping frenzy by releasing a surprise album to the platform.

The artist released her fifth solo studio album, called Beyonce and referred to as the "visual album," without any announcement or warning, as an exclusive to iTunes. While not everyone may be a Beyonce fan, it seems that numerous users really really loved the surprise.

Twitter went crazy over the unexpected album release and so many Beyonce fans rushed to get it that they crashed iTunes with their overwhelming demand, the Daily Mail reported.

The fifth solo studio album from Beyonce consists of 14 new songs and "17 visually stunning, provocative videos shot around the world from Houston to New York City to Paris, and Sydney to Rio de Janeiro," notes a press release.

"I see music," said Beyonce, explaining why she chose to make a visual album. "It's more than just what I hear. When I'm connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. And they're all connected to the music."

Whatever music Beyonce "sees," it's apparently quite intense, as a quick look at the album's listing on iTunes shows 12 titles with a red "explicit" label attached. Then again, the press release did mention that the videos were "provocative."

The surprise album release as an exclusive to iTunes is apparently an "unprecedented strategic move," as Beyonce wanted to deliver her songs and videos directly to her fans, "with no filter."

As previously mentioned, the album brings 14 new songs, available for one single purchase. Beyonce fans will not be able to purchase individual tracks, they'll have to get the whole album, which retails for $16.

Judging by the iTunes temporary crash, the floodgates opened by this surprise release will likely drive sales through the roof. The album is available worldwide so fans everywhere can enjoy it. On a side note, Spotify's recent move to add Led Zeppelin to its music library seems very little appreciated compared to this Beyonce frenzy. Then again, you can't compare apples to oranges, and we all respect each other's tastes, right?