Pop Album Chart : Joel Floats Right to the Top With ‘River’

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel, often the target for barbs of many critics, still his share of album-buying fans. His “River of Dreams” entered the chart at No. 1. There was some doubt about the disc’s potential since Joel, now in his mid-40s, is at the age when many established stars start losing their sales clout, partly because their aging fan base doesn’t buy as many records. The question now is how long the album will stay atop the charts: If it lasts in the Top 10 for at least a month, that would be a sign that Joel may be appealing to new fans--a key to the album’s long-term success. Kris Kross’ “Da Bomb” slipped a bit, from No. 13--its entry slot--to No. 15. So far this album doesn’t look like a strong follow-up to the duo’s first.

* This debut, at No. 20, is impressive for a veteran of more than two decades in pop-rock. While Taylor’s albums of new music don’t sell like they used to, he’s still a major concert draw. This live album, of course, is aimed that his concert fans--mainly aging baby boomers.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”River of Dreams,” -- -- 1 Billy Joel 2.”Sleepless in Seattle,” 1 2 8 soundtrack 3.”Black Sunday,” 2 1 4 Cypress Hill 4.”janet.,” 3 4 13 Janet Jackson 5.”Core,” 5 5 34 Stone Temple Pilots 6.”Zooropa,” U2 4 3 6 7.”Blind Melon,” 10 28 6 Blind Melon 8.”Promises and Lies,” 6 7 3 UB40 9.”Get a Grip,” 9 13 17 Aerosmith 10.”The Bodyguard,” 7 8 39 soundtrack * “Live,” James Taylor -- -- 1

Source: Billboard/Soundscan