Pop Album Chart : Impressive Debut for Bolton’s Latest

Michael Bolton’s “The One Thing” made an impressive debut at No. 3. The way he usually sells, don’t be surprised if his album jumps to No. 1 in the next few weeks. Expect Sinatra’s second-ranked “Duets” album--an attractive gift item--to hang in the Top 5 for the next few weeks. So far Phil Collins’ “Both Sides” has been a disappointment, dropping from No. 13 to No. 18 in its second chart week. Two rappers made strong debuts--Das Efx’s “Straight Up Sewaside” (No. 20) and MC Ren’s “Shock of the Hour” (No. 22). Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love” continues as the pop top single, driving up sales of his album, “Bat Out of Hell II” (No. 4).

* Make way for Barney! That lovable dinosaur Barney is bounding up the chart again with his “Barney’s Favorites No. 1” as parents start their Christmas shopping. The album is up three more notches to No. 34 and could reach the Top 20. Artists who don’t like being outsold by a kiddie album will have to suffer that indignity a bit longer.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “Vs.,” Pearl Jam 1 1 5 2. “Duets,” Frank Sinatra 2 2 3 3. “The One Thing,” Michael Bolton ... ... 1 4. “Bat Out of Hell II,” Meat Loaf 3 3 10 5. “The Songs of the Eagles,” various artists 4 4 6 6. “Music Box,” Mariah Carey 5 5 12 7. “So Far So Good,” Bryan Adams 9 ... 2 8. “Greatest Hits,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers ... ... 1 9. “janet.,” Janet Jackson 6 6 27 10. “River of Dreams,” Billy Joel 7 7 15 * “Barney’s Favorites Vol. 1,” Barney 37 40 12

Source: Billboard/Soundscan