[November 20, 2009] Susan Boyle's album breaks global records prior to release [Tulsa World, Okla.] Tweet (Tulsa World (OK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 20--The yet-to-be released studio album by British singing breakout Susan Boyle is officially the largest global CD pre-order in Amazon.com's history, the online retailer said this week. It's not only No. 1 in the U.S., but globally -- the first time that's happened in it's 14-year-history, the site claims. "I Dreamed a Dream" is scheduled for international release on Nov. 24 from Sony Music Entertainment. The title track is the song from the "Les Miserables" musical that earlier this year also made her famous on "Britain's Got Talent," its version of "American Idol." The online retailer claims the former church worker's topped "Jay-Z, Whitney Houston and even the Beatles' remastered CDs," in preorder sales, though the site declined to release exact numbers. The No. 2 and No. 3 top pre-ordered albums were Japanese-only releases, publicists said. At No. 4 was Norah Jones' 2007 release "Not Too Late," and Britain's Take That 2008 release of "Never Forget: The Ultimate Collection," at No. 5. Reaction to Boyle's new disc is mixed, spanning from high acclaim to fears of ruthless industry exploitation of the formerly reclusive singer. Noted Chicago Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis gave the album 1.5 stars out of 4, however, saying "While Boyle's voice is an impressive instrument, it cannot be denied that her interpretations of the 12 covers and one original are nowhere near extraordinary enough to merit a fraction of the attention and anticipation they've garnered if considered solely on musical merit." To see more of the Tulsa World, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tulsaworld.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Tulsa World, Okla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]