Retailers See a Super Tuesday : Spring Sales Hopes Are High as Major Records Hit Stores

Tuesday shapes up as a record retailer’s dream.

It’s when long-awaited albums by Bruce Springsteen, Def Leppard and Wynonna Judd kick off the pop world’s spring sales rush.

“This should be one of the biggest days of the year . . . maybe even one of the biggest days in the last few years,” said Angie Jacobs, marketing director for the Music Plus chain. “It’s so rare to have so many big albums coming out at the same time.”

Springsteen’s two Columbia albums, “Human Touch” and “Lucky Town,” alone should ensure a flood of customers. The veteran rocker’s fans have been waiting for more than four years for new music from him--and the wait has been accompanied by questions over how the changes in his personal life will affect the music.

Since “Tunnel of Love” topped the chart in 1987, Springsteen has moved into his early 40s, been divorced and remarried, and become the father of two children. The question is whether the young rock audience will still be interested in his introspective tales. The albums will be reviewed in Sunday’s Calendar section.

Several record stores--including the Music Plus and Tower chains--will start selling the Springsteen packages Monday at midnight, hoping to capitalize on the fan enthusiasm demonstrated last year when similar special midnight sales were held to promote the release of new albums by acts such as Guns N’ Roses and Michael Jackson.

But some industry observers say Springsteen might be upstaged next week by the release of “Adrenalize,” the first Def Leppard album in five years, based on the fact that the British band’s last Mercury album, “Hysteria,” outsold “Tunnel of Love” in the United States, approximately 10.5 million copies to 3 million copies.

In addition, industry observers believe that Def Leppard may also sell faster than Springsteen because the band’s fans include a lot of teen-agers and young adults who simply “have to have” the album the first few days. “Adrenalize” will also be reviewed in Sunday’s Calendar.

Springsteen supporters, however, have traditionally been fanatics about his music and if his appeal remains, early sales should be sizable.

Adding to Tuesday’s expected sales intensity, MCA will release the first solo album by country singer Wynonna Judd. The question surrounding the album, simply titled “Wynonna,” is whether she can generate the same kind of sales on her own that she did throughout the ‘80s as a member of the mother-daughter team, the Judds. The duo was forced to break up last year because the mother, Naomi, is suffering from chronic active hepatitis.

MCA is optimistic about the new Judd album because “She Is His Only Need,” the first single from the collection, is already No. 2 on the country charts. Heavy pop sales are also expected, especially in the South and other rural areas where Garth Brooks has done so well in recent months, according to retailers surveyed.

But next week is just the start of the spring sales rush.

Also on the way:

* The Cure, the British band that headlined Dodger Stadium on its last U.S. tour in 1989, returns with “Wish,” its first studio album since that year’s “Disintegration” album. Elektra Records expects another best seller.

The album will probably shoot into the national Top Five--maybe even No. 1--in its first week in the stores.

* Tracy Chapman’s “Matters of the Heart,” the third album by the singer-songwriter whose socially conscious “Fast Car” single made her the talk of the pop world in 1988, is due April 28. Elektra Records is hoping the new album regains the initial commercial and critical momentum that slowed with her second album, 1989’s “Crossroads.”

* Other late April releases include ZZ Top’s “Greatest Hits” on Warner Bros.; the Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head” on Capitol; George Strait’s “Holding My Own” on MCA; the hard-rocking Slaughter’s “The Wild Life” on Chrysalis; Annie Lennox’s first solo album, “Diva,” on Arista; and Soul II Soul’s “Just Right” on Virgin.

* The Black Crowes, the ‘60s-influenced Southern rock band that made a flashy debut last year, is expected to be back in mid-May with its second Def American album, “The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion.”

* Lionel Richie, one of the pop-soul superstars of the ‘80s, launches a comeback after a six-year hiatus with “Portrait.” However, it’s not all new material.

Richie will ease back into the pop mainstream with a greatest-hits package that is highlighted by three new songs. His biggest seller, 1983’s Grammy-winning “Can’t Slow Down,” sold more than 10 million copies.

The May lineup also includes new releases by Los Lobos, the Boys, rapper Yo-Yo, Kiss, Neil Diamond (another “greatest hits” package) and Midnight Oil (a live album).

June is expected to start off strongly with the most eagerly awaited soul album of the year: the third Bobby Brown collection. Due June 9, it is the follow-up to 1988’s “Don’t Be Cruel,” which has sold almost 6 million copies.

In addition, June releases are expected from Wilson Phillips, INXS, Faith No More, Elton John, sax player Kenny G. and the B-52’s.

POP DATE BOOK

Genesis will be at Dodger Stadium June 18. Tickets go on sale next Saturday. . . . Tickets are on sale for the May 19-20 shows added to Bob Dylan’s Pantages Theatre engagement. . . . X, the original Blasters and Mary’s Danish will give a benefit concert for U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Boxer April 17 at Hollywood Palladium. Tickets go on sale Monday. . . . On sale today is a second Social Distortion date at Hollywood Palladium, April 24. . . . Robby Krieger of the Doors, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and Rick Vito of Fleetwood Mac are among performers scheduled for a show Sunday at the Palomino benefiting UNICEF.