Pop Album Chart : Cole Remains ‘Unforgettable’

Retailers say Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable”--No. 1 for the second week on the Billboard pop album chart--is gathering strength and may last on top at least another week or two. The single of the title song--the duet with her late father--is one the fastest-rising singles on the chart, jumping from No. 37 to No. 25. The single’s wide exposure will boost album sales. “Robin Hood” is also doing big business in record stores; the soundtrack moved up a notch to No. 5.

* Another hot movie is helping to sell soundtrack albums. “Boyz N the Hood,” featuring raps from Ice Cube and 2 Live Crew, climbed from No. 23 to No. 14 in its second week.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”Unforgettable” 1 2 6 Natalie Cole (Elektra) 2.”For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” 2 1 5 Van Halen (Warner Bros.) 3.”Spellbound” 3 4 10 Paula Abdul (Virgin) 4.”Gonna Make You Sweat” 4 5 30 C+C Music Factory (Columbia) 5.”Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” 6 7 3 Soundtrack (Morgan Creek) *”Boyz N the Hood” 23 ... 2 Soundtrack (Qwest/Warner Bros.)