Warner Records have removed Estelle's latest album from iTunes in an apparent bid to force people to buy the album on CD.

The decision, which is only enforced on the US store, is designed to encourage fans to buy the complete album rather than downloading individual tracks.

'Shine', which was released earlier this year, has plummeted to number 159 on the Billboard Chart as a result of the move.

Single 'American Boy' has also suffered a fall in sales, dropping out of iTunes top-10 list of most popular tracks chart.

A spokesman for the record label told the Wall Street Journal that the removal is one of a host of new initiatives "uniquely tailored to each artist and their fanbase in an effort to optimise revenues and promote long-term artist development".

At this stage, it's not clear whether the decision will be implemented in any other countries.

(by Jason Gregory)