Britney Spears is letting fans stream her upcoming Britney Jean album free on iTunes a week before its Dec. 3 release. Apple often streams major albums in advance of their releases to encourage preorders, placing the play button directly beside the buy button.
Britney Jean (click here to launch the album in iTunes) is the 31-year-old pop star's eighth studio album, which features the energetic hit lead single, "Work B*tch." Spears appears topless on the cover of Britney Jean.
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After releasing the album, she will begin a two-year Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood, which is described as a "performance hybrid where club meets theater."
In October, Spears wrote an intimate letter to fans, in which she talked about the album, Twitter's limitations and her personal and highly publicized past struggles:

Dear Fans, I haven't sat down to write you guys in SUCH a long time. Long overdue! We're all so used to getting our thoughts out in 140 characters, but sometimes its nice to take time to sit down and write something a little longer and more personal. I am putting the finishing touches on my new album, Britney Jean over the next few days and I am so excited for you to hear it. I poured my heart and soul into this album and it's been an incredible journey. I've learned a lot about myself, and as I am finishing, I am reminded of the incredible foundation that has supported me for the last 15 years. Thank you all for continuing to follow me on this journey and for allowing me to do what I love to do. I can’t believe this is my eighth studio album and I know I keep telling you that it is my most personal record yet, but its true and I’m really proud of that. I have been through a lot in the past few years and it has really inspired me to dig deeper and write songs that I think everyone can relate to. Working with people like Sia, William Orbit, and of course Will.i.am has been an amazing experience. They have listened to all of my ideas and helped me bring them to life. There are a lot of really fun, upbeat dance songs, but it was important to me that I show my strength, and my attitude, and my vulnerability. Of course, I also have some surprises for you guys ;) I want to show you the different sides of Britney Spears. I am a performer. I am a Mom. I am funny. I am your friend! I am Britney Jean. Hope you love my labor of love!
Love Always, Britney
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Image: Britney Spears