Breaking Down Beyonce’s Record-Breaking Album Launch

Beyoncé released her self-titled surprise album via iTunes less than a week ago, and the record-breaking results are pouring in.

According to Apple, Beyoncéreached the top spot on the iTunes charts in 104 countries en route toselling828,773 copies worldwide in its first three days–including 617,213 in the U.S. That’s more than the combined opening week sales of Katy Perry’sPRISMand Lady Gaga’sARTPOP, and the numbers makeBeyoncé’s latest effort the fastest-selling album in iTunes history.

“The f...