An ‘Extreme’ Slip for Houston

Is Whitney Houston slipping? A few years ago, the pop singer’s new album would have been No. 1 by now. Instead, after three weeks, “I’m Your Baby Tonight” is No. 3. It’s hardly a flop, but it’s not the kind of powerhouse album you’d expect from such a megastar. Phil Collins’ live album, “Serious Hits . . . Live!,” is a big hit, racing up to No. 16 in only three weeks.

* Madonna’s greatest-hits package features two new singles, including “Justify My Love,” the fastest-rising single on the pop chart, climbing to No. 10 in just four weeks. Madonna’s video was just banned by MTV, a move that’s bound to generate more interest in the single. This album is also the fastest rising on the pop chart.

POP ALBUM CHART

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”To the Extreme” 1 1 12 Vanilla Ice (SBK) 2.”Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” 2 2 40 M.C. Hammer (Capitol) 3.”I’m Your Baby Tonight” 5 22 3 Whitney Houston (Arista) 4.’Mariah Carey” 3 3 24 Mariah Carey (Columbia) 5.”Rhythm of the Saints” 4 4 6 Paul Simon (Warner Bros.) *”The Immaculate Collection” 32 ... 2 Madonna (Sire/Warner Bros.)