Pop Album Chart : ‘Bodyguard’ Shows Its Muscle

Three Christmas albums dropped off the Top 10 chart this week, making room for the return of Pearl Jam’s “10,” R.E.M.’s “Automatic for the People” and Wreckx-N-Effect’s “Hard or Smooth.” But “The Bodyguard” sound track album continues to lead the pack. In fact, the album should dominate the charts for several weeks, thanks to the exposure it got from the film and Whitney Houston’s best-selling single, “I Will Always Love You.” Eric Clapton’s “Unplugged” is the runner-up for the second straight week. Kenny G’s “Breathless,” however, may challenge him. The album has jumped from No. 9 to 5 to 3 the last three weeks.

* Shai’s debut album, “If I Ever Fall in Love,” was the week’s highest newcomer. It entered the charts impressively at No. 18.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”The Bodyguard,” 1 1 6 soundtrack 2.”Unplugged,” 2 6 18 Eric Clapton 3. “Breathless,” 5 9 6 Kenny G 4.”Timeless (The Classics),” 3 3 13 Michael Bolton 5.”The Chase,” 4 4 14 Garth Brooks 6.”Ten,” Pearl Jam 11 13 54 7.”Some Gave All,” 6 5 32 Billy Ray Cyrus 8.”Automatic for 12 12 12 the People,” R.E.M. 9.”Home for Christmas,” 7 2 12 Amy Grant 10.”Hard or Smooth,” 18 28 5 Wreckx-N-Effect *”If I Ever Fall in Love,” .. .. 1 Shai

Source: Billboard/Soundscan