Pop Album Chart : ‘Chase,’ ‘Erotica’ 1-2 on the Charts

All that hype about Madonna’s “Sex” book didn’t translate into enough album sales for her to topple chart leader Garth Brooks. Her “Erotica” landed at No. 2, chasing Brooks’ “The Chase.” She may still reach the top, but her best chance to unseat him was this first week. Michael Bolton’s “Timeless,” considered a potential No. 1, has been steady in the 5-to-6 range. * Rapper Grand Puba, formerly of the Brand Nubians, is off to a good start in his solo career with “Reel to Reel,” which entered the pop chart at No. 28.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”The Chase,” Garth Brooks 1 1 5 2.”Erotica,” Madonna ... ... 1 3.”Unplugged,” Eric Clapton 3 4 9 4.”Some Gave All,” 4 3 23 Billy Ray Cyrus 5.”Automatic For 2 2 3 the People,” R.E.M. 6.”Timeless (The Classics),” 6 5 4 Michael Bolton 7.”Ten,” Pearl Jam 7 7 45 8.”,” Prince 5 ... 2 9.”Pure Country 22 23 6 (Soundtrack),” George Strait 10.”What’s the 411?,” 9 10 13 Mary J. Blige *”Reel to Reel,” ... ... 1 Grand Puba

Source: Billboard/Soundscan