Mariah Carey’s ‘Butterfly’ Wings It to Top of Chart

Mariah Carey’s “Butterfly” has taken flight. The latest collection from the 27-year-old pop diva was the nation’s top-selling album last week.

“Butterfly” sold about 235,000 copies to overtake last week’s chart-topper, LeAnn Rimes’ “You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs,” which fell to No. 2 despite selling nearly 205,000 copies, almost 20,000 more than it sold during its first week in stores.

Busta Rhymes’ “When Disaster Strikes” debuts at No. 3.

Meanwhile, Boyz II Men’s “4 Seasons of Loneliness” was the nation’s top-selling single.

What’s Hot

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

Mariah Carey’s “Butterfly” (Columbia). Released in the wake of the singer’s estrangement from Sony Music Entertainment mogul Tommy Mottola, this album is easily the most personal, confessional-sounding record Carey’s ever done.

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.

Oasis’ “Be Here Now” (Epic). Oasis is raising the stakes with its most bombastic and boldly personal effort yet. “Be Here Now” finds songwriter Noel Gallagher and his singing sibling Liam unabashedly laying claim to the pantheon of rock greats, while wistfully reflecting on their own long and winding road to stardom.

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.

Fleetwood Mac’s “The Dance” (Reprise). Reuniting the five members of the Mac’s most successful lineup, this live album features spirited but faithful versions of the lyrical, folk-based tunes that make up the group’s rich catalog and a few new numbers.

Forest for the Trees’ “Forest for the Trees” (DreamWorks). Led by Carl Stephenson--who produced Beck’s breakthrough hit, “Loser”--Forest for the Trees gives us an album informed by a childlike sense of wonder and a spiritual seeker’s urgency.

What’s New

Boyz II Men’s “Evolution” (Motown), Elton John’s “The Big Picture” (Rocket/Polydor/A&M;), Bjork’s “Homogenic” (Elektra), Portishead’s “Portishead” (Go! Beat/London).

What’s Coming

Tuesday: Bob Dylan’s “Time Out of Mind” (Columbia), the Rolling Stones’ “Bridges to Babylon” (Virgin), Luther Vandross’ “One Night With You: The Best of Love, Vol. 2” (Epic).