Pop Album Chart : A Week of Christmas Albums, ‘Bodyguard’

The chart is still dominated by Christmas albums, with the No. 7-10 spots occupied by holiday collections, which have been much more prominent on the chart than in past years. Industry observers, though, claim it’s no real trend and don’t predict a chartful of Christmas-oriented smashes in future holiday seasons. The “Bodyguard” soundtrack, a phenomenal seller, probably profited more from the holiday sales season than did Christmas albums. Of course, it’s getting strong boosts from both its hit movie and hit single, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” This may wind up in more Christmas stockings than any other album this year.

* One of rap’s bad boys, Dr. Dre, the former N.W.A. member who’s been involved in so many scandals that he’s been labeled a chronic troublemaker, has a new solo album--appropriately titled “The Chronic.” It’s off to a strong start, entering the chart at No. 27.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”The Bodyguard,” soundtrack 1 1 4 2.”Unplugged,” Eric Clapton 6 6 17 3. “Timeless,” Michael Bolton 3 2 12 4. “The Chase,” Garth Brooks 4 3 13 5. “Breathless,” Kenny G 9 9 5 6. “Some Gave All,” 5 4 31 Billy Ray Cyrus 7.”Home for Christmas,” 2 5 11 Amy Grant 8.”A Very Special Christmas 2,” 7 7 8 various artists 9.”Christmas Album,” 8 14 11 Neil Diamond 10. “Beyond the Season,” 10 10 17 Garth Brooks * “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre ... ... 1

Source: Compiled by The Times From Data From SoundScan Inc.