The eponymous album titled simply "Beyonce" sold 828,773 copies over the weekend, easily eclipsing a record set by Justin Timberlake after the March release of "The 20/20 Experience," according to Apple.
"Beyonce's album was released exclusively on Apple's online iTunes Store and became a top seller in 104 countries," Apple said.
Beyonce surprised fans last week by releasing a previously unannounced fifth solo album on iTunes, bypassing customary record roll-outs and creating a sensation on the Internet.
Despite the lack of prior publicity, the self-titled album is an elaborate production, including videos shot around the world.
The pop star returns to the feminist themes of her earlier works and, in some of her most intimate ballads yet, performs with her husband Jay-Z and their baby, Blue Ivy.
"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," Beyonce said in the statement.
The work was described as a "visual album' because it included videos shot in an array of locations including Paris, Sydney, New York City, and Rio de Janeiro.
Now 32, Beyonce delves into female sexuality and empowerment in songs such as "Pretty Hurts." In the video, Beyonce plays the role of a beauty pageant contestant under pressure to keep a trim waist.
The star says a hard copy, double CD/DVD of the album will be available in stores before Christmas.
California-based Apple describes iTunes as the world's most popular music shop, featuring a library of more than 26m songs with the service available in 119 countries.
Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge
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