Pop Album Chart : Sting’s ‘Tales’ Makes a Strong Debut

Sting’s strong debut with his new album, “Ten Summoner’s Tales,” still wasn’t enough to overcome Eric Clapton’s “Unplugged,” which remains the chart topper, continuing to attract new fans after winning all those Grammys. Sting zoomed up to No. 2 and, partly depending on the success of his single, “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” could challenge Clapton for chart supremacy in the next few weeks. Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” premiered at a surprising No. 18 and country singer Tracey Lawrence’s “Alibis” came aboard at No. 39. The new dancehall star Snow holds onto the top spot on the pop singles chart with “Informer.” His album, “12 Inches of Snow,” is plowing its way toward the Top 10, rising six notches to No. 14.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “Unplugged,” Eric Clapton 1 1 29 2. “Ten Summoner’s Tales,” Sting ... ... 1 3. “The Bodyguard,” soundtrack 2 2 17 4. “Breathless,” Kenny G 3 4 17 5. “Pocket Full of Kryptonite,” Spin Doctors 8 10 39 6. “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre 5 8 13 7. “19 Naughty III,” Naughty by Nature 4 3 3 8. “Some Gave All,” Billy Ray Cyrus 6 6 43 9. “3 Years 5 Months . . .,” Arrested Development 7 9 50 10. “Lose Control,” Silk 10 13 12 * “Till Death Do Us Part,” Geto Boys ... ... 1

* Notorious for their vulgar sexist commentary, the rapping Geto Boys’ have a new one, “Till Death Do Us Part,” which is off to a fast start, entering at No. 11. The album, which won’t get much airplay, will not continue that sales pace, but is expected to do very well--indicating there’s a still big market for such material.

Source: Billboard/Soundscan