POP LP CHART : Madonna’s ‘Prayer’ Streak Rolls On

Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” is No. 1 on the Billboard pop album chart for the fifth straight week. None of the albums within striking distance seem to have enough clout to unseat her. Tom Petty’s “Full Moon Fever” jumped from No. 87 to No. 18. His star power has been immeasurably increased by his participation in the “Traveling Wilburys” album, which has sold more than 2 million units. Donny Osmond’s album--”Donny Osmond”--rocketed from No. 134 to No. 68, propelled by “Soldier of Love”--which is No. 4 on the pop singles chart. The new No. 1 pop single is Paula Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl”--her second straight chart-topper, following “Straight Up.”

* Remember when the Cure was an obscure new-wave band with a tiny cult following? Those days are long gone. Now these quirky rockers, led by Robert Smith, have turned into a big-time commercial outfit. Their “Disintegration” entered the chart at No. 45 and is a good bet to reach the Top 10 in the next few weeks.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. “Like a Prayer” 1 1 7 Madonna (Sire/Warner Bros.) 2. “Loc-ed After Dark” 3 2 14 Tone Loc (Delicious Vinyl) 3. “The Raw and the Cooked” 4 4 11 Fine Young Cannibals (I.R.S/MCA) 4. “G n’ R Lies” 2 3 23 Guns N’ Roses (Geffen) 5. “Don’t Be Cruel” 5 5 44 Bobby Brown (MCA) * “Disintegration” ... ... 1 The Cure (Elektra)