Bonnie Raitt Surges to No. 1

In one of the most dramatic post-Grammy surges in memory, Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick of Time” has moved into the No. 1 spot on Billboard magazine’s national album chart. Raitt’s surprising sweep at last month’s Grammy ceremony is behind the renewed momentum of the LP, which had already become the veteran singer’s best-selling record before the awards.

* A singer roughly half Raitt’s age--Irishwoman Sinead O’Connor--entered the chart at No. 24 with her second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” powered by the Prince-written single “Nothing Compares 2 You,” which moved to No. 9 on the pop singles chart.

POP ALBUM CHART

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. “Nick of Time” 6 12 51 Bonnie Raitt (Capitol) 2. “Forever Your Girl” 1 1 89 Paula Abdul (Virgin) 3. “Rhythm Nation 1814” 2 2 26 Janet Jackson (A&M;) 4. “Soul Provider” 4 6 37 Michael Bolton (Columbia) 5. “Alannah Myles” 3 3 18 Alannah Myles (Atlantic) * “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” 31 59 3 Sinead O’Connor (Chrysalis)