Pop Album Chart : The ‘Unforgettable’ Coles

So far, the surprise hit of the year is Natalie Cole’s album of father Nat’s music, “Unforgettable.” After debuting high on the chart, at No. 25, three weeks ago, it’s grown stronger, shooting up to No. 4 on the Billboard magazine pop chart. This is Cole’s biggest hit album since “Unpredictable” in 1977. Vanilla Ice’s live album “Extremely Live” is only No. 30 after a month on the chart, a disappointing showing for the rap superstar. On the pop singles chart, Paula Abdul’s “Rush Rush” is the leader for the fifth week.

* As expected, Bonnie Raitt’s “Luck of the Draw” debuted high on the chart--at No. 9. It should jump into the Top 5 next week and challenge the Van Halen album for the No. 1 spot.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” 1 ... 2 Van Halen (Warner Bros.) 2.”Slave to the Grind” 2 1 3 Skid Row (Atlantic) 3.”Spellbound” 3 2 7 Paula Abdul (Virgin) 4.”Unforgettable” 11 25 3 Natalie Cole (Elektra) 5.”Gonna Make You Sweat” 5 5 27 C+C Music Factory (Columbia) *”Luck of the Draw” ... ... 1 Bonnie Raitt (Capitol)