Mase’s ‘World’ Makes Its Way Straight to Top

Mase’s “Harlem World” was the nation’s best-selling album last week. The debut collection from the New York rapper sold nearly 273,000 copies during its first seven days in stores, according to SoundScan.

Mase, 20, is no stranger to big numbers. The latest protege of Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean “Puffy” Combs made guest appearances on two of the year’s biggest-selling albums--the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Life After Death” and Puff Daddy’s “No Way Out.”

Also making a splashy chart debut: the Dave Matthews Band’s “Live at Red Rocks 8/15/95,” which enters at No. 3.

The nation’s top-selling single was Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997,” which sold nearly 250,000 copies to push its six-week total to almost 6.7 million.

What’s Hot

Here are some recent releases that are generating critical or commercial attention:

Bjork’s “Homogenic” (Elektra). In her third solo album, the Icelander delivers an enigmatic but resonant album that affirms her stature as one of pop music’s most uncompromising adventurers.

Bob Dylan’s “Time Out of Mind” (Columbia). Rock’s master songwriter has come up with what is arguably his most artful and convincing collection since the ‘70s.

Steve Earle’s “El Corazon” (E-Squared/Warner Bros.). The veteran country rocker delivers it straight--and with a twist--as he crafts spare songs from a palette of folk, country, blues and rock.

Green Day’s “Nimrod” (Reprise). The Bay Area trio barrels through its third album with its usual youthful spunk and lyrical low self-esteem, but the adolescent vim belies the mature songwriting that makes the album tick.

Janet Jackson’s “The Velvet Rope” (Virgin). As a musician, Michael’s little sister has never seemed more confident or ambitious than she does here.

LeAnn Rimes’ “You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs” (Curb). In her third album in 14 months, the 15-year-old phenom unleashes her powerful voice on a dozen inspirational songs.

The Rolling Stones’ “Bridges to Babylon” (Virgin). This ballad-heavy collection is bland enough in spirit and attitude to make you long for the good old days of gratuitous controversy and sexist swagger.

Wynonna’s “The Other Side” (Curb/Universal). On her fourth solo album, Wynonna mixes toughness and tenderness.

What’s New

The Spice Girls’ “Spiceworld” (Virgin), Bobby Brown’s “Forever” (MCA), Jane’s Addiction’s “Kettle Whistle” (Warner Bros.).

What’s Coming

Tuesday: Barbra Streisand’s “Higher Ground” (Columbia), LSG Levert.Sweat.Gill’s “LSG Levert.Sweat.Gill” (EastWest).