Originally Posted on Consequence of Sound

One year ago this week, Beyoncé shocked the world by releasing her self-titled fifth studio album on iTunes with no prior promotion. The “visual album” was a triumph for the pop diva — not only did it elevate her to new heights of sonic exploration, but it also transcended mere album status in becoming a pop culture phenomenon. From accompanying world tours to Internet memes and even into the halls of academia itself, Beyoncé the album helped define much of the last year’s shared cultural makeup.

To commemorate the album’s anniversary, Queen Bey has shared a brand new short film entitled Yours and Mine. Making use of both video clips and behind-the-scenes footage, the 12-minute piece touches on the same themes explored by the album and its more recent Platinum reissue: feminism and equality, the struggle of self doubt, the duality of being a wife and mother, overcoming loss, keeping the romantic spark alive, and generally cherishing life. In an album where the visual aesthetic is so crucial, Yours and Mine offers an even more poignant look into both the music and its enthralling creator. Watch it below.