After 81 Weeks, Abdul Still Reigns

It looks like Paula Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl” may be forever in the Billboard magazine pop-album Top Five. This week, it’s back to No. 1, pushed to the top by another hit single, “Opposites Attract,” which is jumped six notches to No. 2 on the pop singles chart and is a cinch to inch into the No. 1 spot next week. The flurry of Top-Five action is remarkable for an album that’s been on the chart 81 weeks. Recently it passed the 5-million mark in sales. Babyface’s “Tender Lover” album has been a strong, steady seller, cracking the 1-million mark and, this week, rising to No. 19. Quincy Jones’ “Back on the Block” is the newest entry in the Top 10 at No. 9.

* After nearly a half year on the pop chart, Harry Connick Jr.’s album, also big with the jazz and New Age crowd, is surging again. This week it leaped from No. 70 to No. 55.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title(Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. “Forever Your Girl” 2 3 81 Paula Abdul (Virgin) 2. “Girl You Know It’s True” 3 2 46 Milli Vanilli (Arista) 3. “... But Seriously” 1 1 10 Phil Collins (Atlantic) 4. “Rhythm Nation 1814” 5 5 18 Janet Jackson (A&M;) 5. “Storm Front” 4 4 14 Billy Joel (Columbia) * “Music From ‘When Harry 70 87 25 Met Sally”’ Harry Connick Jr. (Columbia)