Pop Album Chart : Going After the Over-35 Crowd

In the record industry it’s snidely called the resurrection of “old folks” music. Two of the top three albums, the “Sleepless in Seattle” soundtrack (No. 2) and Barbra Streisand’s “Back to Broadway” (No. 3), are filled with chestnuts that appeal mostly to the over-35 audience that doesn’t buy many records. The “Sleepless” soundtrack, including songs from such old-timers as Jimmy Durante and Gene Autry, is selling on the strength of the smash hit movie. Streisand, who has remarkable record-market clout for a fiftysomething singer, is simply luring fans who like her interpretations of venerable show tunes. The other prominent album of “old folks” music is Natalie Cole’s “Take a Look,” which is selling respectably, at No. 38, after about a month on the market. The Streisand and Cole albums, which don’t rely heavily on radio play or current tastes, should be strong long-range sellers. UB40’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is still the No. 1 pop single.

* Clint Black’s “No Time to Kill” premiered impressively, at No. 14, helped considerably by his hit single, “A Bad Goodbye,” with Wynonna.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”Zooropa,” U2 1 ... 2 2.”Sleepless in Seattle,” 4 9 3 soundtrack 3.”Back to Broadway,” 2 1 3 Barbra Streisand 4.”janet.,” 3 2 9 Janet Jackson 5.”Core,” 6 4 30 Stone Temple Pilots 6. “Unplugged ... and Seated,” 7 5 8 Rod Stewart 7.”It Won’t Be the Last,” 5 3 4 Billy Ray Cyrus 8.”The Chronic,” 8 6 31 Dr. Dre 9. “It’s About Time,” 11 10 28 SWV 10. “Breathless,” 10 7 35 Kenny G * “No Time to Kill,” ... ... 1 Clint Black

SOURCE: Billboard/Soundscan