Featuring 38 hits by the biggest names in pop music, the charity album Songs for Japan went on sale on iTunes this week and has become an international sensation, rocketing to number one in 18 countries.

The album was released to help raise funds for disaster relief after an earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan earlier this month.

Featuring tracks by rock legends U2, John Lennon and Lady Gaga, the album went on sale last Friday and quickly became a breakout hit, with the CD version scheduled to hit the shelves on April 4.

Right now the album is number one in 18 countries including the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Sweden and Japan.

All proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross society. The earthquake and the giant tsunami that followed it left more than 27,500 dead or missing there.