Pop Album Chart : Meat Loaf Becomes Filet Mignon

Seventies’ rocker Meat Loaf bounced back on the chart in a big way, with his “Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell” premiering at No. 3. It’s not likely to last that long in the Top 10, unless he has a major hit single. Still it’s an indication that hard-core Meat lovers haven’t forgotten him. Billy Joel’s “River of Dreams” (No. 4) keeps rolling on, defying detractors who predicted it would last just a week or two in the Top 10. White Zombie’s raunchy rock collection “La Sexorcisto” continues to creep up the chart, climbing five more notches, to No. 37. After a debut in the Top 10, “Barney’s Favorites Vol. 1” dropped from No. 9 to No. 16--still commendable for a kiddie album.

* Prince’s three-CD/tape set of oldies and B-sides of singles entered the chart at No. 19, an impressive showing for such an expensive package. Available separately, “The Hits 1” debuted at No. 46 and “The Hits 2” at No. 55.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1.”In Pieces,” 1 1 3 Garth Brooks 2.”Music Box,” 2 2 3 Mariah Carey 3.”Bat Out of Hell II: ... ... 1 Back to Hell,” Meat Loaf 4.”River of Dreams,” 3 3 6 Billy Joel 5.”Blind Melon,” 4 4 11 Blind Melon 6.”Sleepless in Seattle,” 5 5 13 soundtrack 7.”janet.,” 6 6 18 Janet Jackson 8.”Core,” 8 7 39 Stone Temple Pilots 9.”Human Wheels,” 7 ... 2 John Mellencamp 10. “Black Sunday,” 10 8 9 Cypress Hill *”The Hits/The B-Sides,” ... ... 1 Prince

Source: Billboard/SoundScan