Release from Official Charts:

After just 48 hours on sale, Beyonce’s new self-titled album debuts in the Official Albums Chart Top 5 during one of the busiest sales weeks of the year.

The follow-up to 2011’s 4 was widely expected to be released early next year, however the former Destiny’s Child singer decided to take a leaf out of David Bowie’s book, and issued her fifth full-length without any prior notice on Friday morning (December 13).

The 14 track album, which is currently only available digitally, features collaborations with Drake, Frank Ocean, as well as her husband, Jay Z, and her one-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy.

Martin Talbot, the Official Charts Company’s Chief Executive, said, “It is a great achievement by Beyoncé to make such an impact so quickly, after just two days sales – and especially with only the digital edition available. Few (if any) albums have sold as many digital copies in such a short space of time.”

Coinciding with the release of the new album, Beyonce also announced her return to the UK next year, bringing further dates to her Mrs Carter Show World Tour. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10am and expected to sell out quickly; click here to be redirected to Ticketmaster UK and for more information.

Nearly 68,000 copies of Beyoncé the album were purchased in the UK during its first 48 hours on sale. Hit the iTunes link below to buy now: