Beyonce: Record breaker

Antonia Acott
Dec 17, 2013, updated Dec 17, 2013

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Just 72 hours after superstar Beyonce released her self-titled album unannounced on iTunes, she has broken the record for the fastest selling album in Apple’s history.

The record breaking ‘visual’ album was placed exclusively on iTunes on December 13 with absolutely zero PR, something unheard of among most major recording artists.

The bold move paid off for the singer, with US sales exceeding 600,000 in just three days, while international sales were pegged at 828,773.

The 14-track album, which includes 17 videos, also features collaborations with Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce’s sister Solange, and her husband, rap mogul Jay-Z.

The track No Angel will be of particular interest to Australian ‘Bey’ fans. It features the footage Beyonce and her team shot in Brunswick, Victoria earlier this year while she was on tour.

In a press release, Beyonce said she shunned the PR juggernaut usually associated with mega music releases so she could be closer to her her fans.

“I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it. I am bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans,” she said.

“There’s so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.”