Beyoncé is the eponymous fifth solo album by American singer Beyoncé . The record was released on December 13, 2013, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records . Developed as a "visual album", its songs are accompanied by non-linear short films that illustrate the musical concepts conceived during production. Its dark, intimate subject material includes feminist themes of sex , monogamous love , and relationship issues, inspired by Beyoncé's desire to assert her full creative freedom.