Beyonce sets sales record with iTunes release of surprise new album

Music fans snapped up more than 800,000 digital versions of Beyonce's new album in just three days, smashing an iTunes record.

The album, called 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, Apple said.

Beyonce's album was released exclusively in Apple's online iTunes Store and became a top seller in 104 countries.

The United States star (pictured) surprised fans on Friday 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 album is an elaborate production, including videos shot around the world.

The pop diva 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.