Pop Album Chart : Is Billy Ray Cyrus Already a Has-Been?

Billy Ray Cyrus’ second album, “It Won’t Be the Last,” entered the pop chart at No. 6--which could be a bad sign. Given that his first, “Some Gave All,” passed the 7 million mark and is still one of the best-selling albums on the country chart, his new one had to premiere at the top or the buzz would begin that Cyrus is already a has-been. If next week’s chart position isn’t higher, that talk will get louder and louder. Rod Stewart’s “Unplugged . . . and Seated,” his highest charting album since 1978, remains a solid No. 2. Without Janet Jackson’s huge-selling album blocking its path, Stewart’s collection would be on top by now. “Weak,” the single by the R&B; vocal group SWV (Sisters With Voices), was strong enough to knock Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” out of the No. 1 spot on the pop singles chart.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “janet.,” Janet Jackson 1 1 6 2. “Unplugged . . . and Seated,” Rod Stewart 2 2 5 3. “Core,” Stone Temple Pilots 3 5 27 4. “Breathless,” Kenny G 5 6 32 5. “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre 4 3 28 6. “It Won’t Be the Last,” Billy Ray Cyrus ... ... 1 7. “Last Action Hero,” soundtrack 9 12 3 8. “The Bodyguard,” soundtrack 7 4 32 9. “Pocket Full of Kryptonite,” Spin Doctors 8 7 53 10. “It’s About Time,” SWV 10 10 25 * “Hootie Mack,” Bell Biv DeVoe ... ... 1

* For such a long-awaited album, Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Hootie Mack” debut at No. 19 is very unimpressive. Without a hit single, its relatively slow start could slow down even more.

SOURCE: Billboard / Soundscan