Beyoncé's new album has sold over 80,000 copies in just three hours in the US.

The singer's fifth studio record is likely to top the Billboard 200 chart next Wednesday (Dec 18).

Beyoncé was unexpectedly released online on Thursday (December 12).

The iTunes exclusive visual album has also risen to the top of the download chart in the UK.

The LP contains 14 tracks, each with their own music video and other bonus video content. A physical release is expected before Christmas.

Garth Brooks's latest LP is currently on top in the Billboard 200 midweek charts, and it is estimated to shift up to 160,000 copies by the end of the week. Beyoncé is already halfway to matching that total in just a few hours.

Beyoncé's last studio album 4 sold 310,000 units in its debut week back in July 2011.