POP ALBUMS : ‘Saints’ Off to Sizzling Start

Though “Rhythm of the Saints,” Paul Simon’s follow-up to his smash hit “Graceland” album, was expected to be a solid long-term seller, its sizzling start is somewhat of a surprise. “Rhythm” rocketed to No. 5 on Billboard’s pop album chart in just three weeks. ZZ Top’s “Recycler” is red-hot too, shooting up to No. 6 in just three weeks. Since Bette Midler turned to crooning sentimental, uplifting songs, she has become a major force in the record market. Her “Some People’s Lives” moved up to No. 12. Debuts: The Cure’s “Mixed up”(No. 33) and Traveling Wilburys’ “Vol. 3” (No. 40). Mariah Carey’s “Love Takes Time” is still the No. 1 pop single.

* Sales of this Led Zeppelin retrospective set have been phenomenal. Though it sells for $55 in tape and $65 in CD, it’s going faster than most albums. No. 40 last week, it’s jumped to No. 18.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”To the Extreme” 1 2 9 Vanilla Ice (SBK) 2.”Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” 2 1 37 M.C. Hammer (Capitol) 3.”Mariah Carey” 4 4 21 Mariah Carey (Columbia) 4.”The Razors Edge” 3 3 7 AC/DC (Atco) 5.”Rhythm of the Saints” 11 37 3 Paul Simon (Warner Bros.) * “Led Zeppelin” 40 --- 2 Led Zeppelin (Atlantic)