Pop Album Chart : ‘Friday’ Soundtrack on the Fast Track

The soundtrack from Ice Cube’s new movie, “Friday” had a strong opening week, debuting at No. 2--getting a big sales boost from its hit single, Dr. Dre’s “Keep Their Heads Ringin’.” Alison Krauss’ bluegrass album “Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection” is doing surprisingly well (No. 48) on the pop chart. After an impressive debut last week at No. 19, “Thank You,” Duran Duran’s album of covers, plummeted to No. 41. Pop singles: Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do it” is No. 1 for the third straight week, while 2Pac’s “Dear Mama” (No. 9) and Blessed Union of Soul’s “I Believe” (No. 10) appear headed for the Top 5. * A few weeks ago, Dionne Farris’ eclectic, R&B-based; album “Wild Seed, Wild Flower” was nearly out of the Top 100. Now it’s No. 57 and surging, partly due to her hit pop single “I Know” (No. 6).

For the week ending April 15

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “The Lion King,” soundtrack 2 2 46 2. “Friday,” soundtrack ... ... 1 3. “Cracked Rear View,” 3 3 40 Hootie & the Blowfish 4. “Live,” Throwing Copper 4 5 51 5. “Me Against the World,” 2Pac 1 1 5 6. “Astro Creep 2000,” ... ... 1 White Zombie 7. “II,” Boyz II Men 9 9 33 8. “Hell Freezes Over,” 7 6 23 Eagles 9. “Tuesday Night Music Club,” 8 8 59 Sheryl Crow 10. “Greatest Hits,” 5 4 7 Bruce Springsteen * “Wild Seed, Wild Flower,” 77 95 9 Dionne Farris