‘Butterfly’ Takes Off

Bob Carlisle’s debut album, “Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace),” apparently was a popular Father’s Day gift.

The year-old collection by the 40-year-old Santa Ana High graduate--driven by the enormous airplay given the song “Butterfly Kisses,” which tells of a father’s love for his daughter as she grows into womanhood--was the nation’s top-selling album last week, selling nearly 234,000 copies, according to SoundScan.

Falling hard to No. 2 was the Wu-Tang Clan’s “Wu-Tang Forever,” which sold about 185,000 copies during the seven-day period that ended Sunday after selling 612,000 copies the previous week.

The week’s highest debut was the “Batman & Robin” soundtrack, which features new songs by the Smashing Pumpkins, Jewel and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The collection enters the chart at No. 9.

The nation’s best-selling single was “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute to slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. by Sean “Puffy” Combs and B.I.G.’s widow, Faith Evans.

What’s Hot

Here are some recent releases that are generating critical or commercial attention:

Wu-Tang Clan’s “Wu-Tang Forever” (Loud). The overwhelming passion of the music and the relentless nature of the rhyming make the concept “Wu-Tang Forever” feel more like a reality than a folly.

Foo Fighters’ “The Colour and the Shape” (Roswell/Capitol). Hard and soft, erratic and edgy, packed with anger, fear and foreboding, “Colour” slips fresh air into its sound as guitarists Dave Grohl and Pat Smear duel with kidlike flair.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s “Year of the Horse” (Reprise). A strong, dynamic collection neatly capturing the reflective yet expansive tone of Young’s remarkable ‘90s studio albums--Young’s trademark guitar sculptures are as nakedly emotive as his words and voice.

Ron Sexsmith’s “Other Songs” (Interscope). There are enough highlights in this splendid, 14-song package to fill a healthy percentage of the selections of any “best-of” 1997 singer-songwriter showcases you could put together.

God’s Property From Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation’s “God’s Property” (B-Rite Music). This is the kind of group it takes to reinvent the field of gospel music and make it palatable--and irresistible--to a whole new generation of fans. And Franklin has the goods to be this genre’s new leader.

Rome’s “Rome” (Grand Jury/RCA). While much of the music sounds like an R. Kelly tribute, his heartfelt singing shows this Los Angeles Lothario has a legitimate shot at the big time.

Ricky Lee Jones’ “Ghostyhead” (Reprise). Say hello to MC Rickie Lee. Pop’s neo-beat chanteuse has met the new beat as Jones plunges into the chatter and squeal of sampled rhythms and synthesized atmospheres. While digital in nature, the album is primal in feel, and Jones’ ethereal vocals always hold the center.

What’s New

In stores now: En Vogue’s “EV3” (EastWest), Ben Harper’s “The Will to Live” (Virgin), K-Ci & Jo-Jo’s “Love Always” (MCA), Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s “The Year of the Horse” (Reprise), Ron Sexsmith’s “Other Songs” (Interscope), Rickie Lee Jones’ “Ghostyhead” (Reprise).

What’s Coming

Tuesday: Wyclef Jean’s “Wyclef Jean Presents the Carnival, Featuring Refugee Allstars” (Columbia), Motley Crue’s “Generation Swine” (Elektra), Lady of Rage’s “Necessary Roughness” (Death Row), Master P’s “Ghetto Dope” (No Limit/Priority), UB40’s “Guns in the Ghetto” (Six Degrees/Island), Crystal Waters’ “Crystal Waters” (Mercury), Brownstone’s “Still Climbing” (MJJ/WORK Group).