Beyonce Eyeing 2009 Tour

There's prolific, and then there's Beyoncé.

The Grammy-winning icon-in-waiting has spoken out about her upcoming album, a labor of love she's spent the past 12 months working on and claims to have "poured [her] heart and soul into."

Make that heart and soul and songwriting skills.

Knowles tells fans in a statement on her website that she recorded a grand total of 70 songs—that's seven-zero—for her new album.

"I have taken the time so I can create my sound, something that says who I am at this stage in my life," the 26-year-old says. "It is my baby."

The R&B diva continues in full gush mode, saying the album has turned into her most time-consuming professional endeavor to date.

"It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny's Child when I was 15 years old. I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me."

And, rest assured, there's a lot more to reveal of Mrs. Jay-Z.

"I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all."
But critics be warned: Knowles is not to be pigeonholed.

"There is no label or tag on my sound. It's me and I am so excited to share it with the world on Nov. 18."

She's expected to kick off a world tour in support of her third solo album next spring.