Pop Album Chart : Wynonna Faces Jackson Challenge

Wynonna Judd has an acclaimed follow-up to her solo debut album in “Tell Me Why,” which entered the pop album chart at No. 5. She might have a good shot at No. 1 if Janet Jackson’s new one weren’t due to hit the chart next week--almost certainly at No. 1, a position it will hold down for at least a few weeks and probably much longer. Incidentally, Jackson’s single, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” tops the pop chart again. Aerosmith’s “Get a Grip” continues at No. 2, indicating this album may have more longevity than most mainstream rock albums--which tend to sink like rocks after high-flying chart debuts. The country duo Brooks and Dunn has quietly turned into one of the hottest acts in the business with two big-selling albums, the current “Hard Workin’ Man” (No. 18) and its last one, “Brand New Man”--No. 43 and on the rise again.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “The Bodyguard,” soundtrack 1 1 26 2. “Get a Grip,” Aerosmith 3 2 4 3. “Breathless,” Kenny G 2 4 26 4. “Pocket Full of Kryptonite,” Spin Doctors 4 5 48 5. “Tell Me Why,” Wynonna ... ... 1 6. “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre 5 7 21 7. “Unplugged,” Eric Clapton 6 6 38 8. “It’s About Time,” SWV 8 9 19 9. “Love Deluxe,” Sade 9 11 28 10. “Ten Summoner’s Tales,” Sting 11 12 10 * “Republic,” New Order ... ... 1

* New Order’s “Republic” made a surprisingly splashy debut, at No. 11. Indications are that it will be able to sustain this sales level for at least a few weeks.

Source: Billboard/Soundscan