POP LP CHART : MJ, Prince in Slide; Chapman Rising

Michael Jackson’s single “Dirty Diana” has hit No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart, the fifth chart-topper from the “Bad” album. It’s the first time one artist has had five No. 1 singles on the same album. After 41 weeks on the pop album chart, “Bad” isn’t doing badly either. It’sNo. 15, having sold more than six million units. After a meteoric rise, Prince’s “Lovesexy” (No. 19) is still slipping down the album chart. Newcomer Tracy Chapman appears headed for the Top 10. Her “Tracy Chapman’ album moved up four notches to No. 16. Speaking of No. 1 singles, Whitney Houston may soon have another one to add to her collection. Her new one, “Love Will Save the Day,” debuted at No. 52.

Pop music seems to be stuck in yesterdays. Another hangover from rock’s golden era, the Moody Blues, is still selling--largely to Beemer-loads of aging baby boomers, but selling nonetheless. The Moodies’ new album shot up 29 places to No. 44.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. OU812 1 5 3 Van Halen (Warner Bros.) 2. Faith 2 1 33 George Michael (Columbia) 3. Hysteria 3 3 46 Def Leppard (PolyGram) 4. Dirty Dancing 5 4 42 Sound track (RCA) 5. Open Up and Say Ahhh! 4 2 7 Poison (Capitol) Sur La Mer 73 -- 2 The Moody Blues (PolyGram)