Full Steam Ahead

So much for the theory that the “Titanic” soundtrack has run its course, as some record retailers were suggesting.

“Titanic” was the nation’s top-selling album for the 14th week in a row, sailing past “The Bodyguard” soundtrack for the second-longest chart-topping run of the SoundScan era, which began in 1991. Only country singer Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All,” which topped the chart for 17 consecutive weeks in 1992, spent more successive weeks at No. 1.

“Titanic” sold nearly 410,000 copies during the week ending Easter Sunday as total sales climbed to almost 7.4 million.

The soundtrack to rapper Master P’s “I Got the Hook-Up!”--which was expected to challenge for the top spot--sold about 183,000 copies and debuted at No. 3 behind Celine Dion’s “Let’s Talk About Love.”

What’s Hot

Some recent releases generating critical or commercial attention:

Eric Clapton’s “Pilgrim” (Duck/Reprise). Most of the 14 tracks on this album lament lost love, but the songwriting on Clapton’s first collection of original material since 1989 rarely rises above cliche.

Bonnie Raitt’s “Fundamental” (Capitol). Strip away the fancy production touches and you’re left with more of the same lovelorn roots-rock that Raitt’s been playing for nearly a decade.

Various artists’ “I Got the Hook-Up!” soundtrack (No Limit/Priority). The treats are few in this mixed-bag collection of angst-riddled raps and whiny R&B; melodies compiled for rapper-mogul Master P’s second independent film.

Scott Weiland’s “12 Bar Blues” (Atlantic). Having loudly declared himself a rock star, Weiland backs up his claim with a solo debut that’s so far from his work with Stone Temple Pilots that it could have come from another galaxy.

What’s New

Tamia’s “Tamia” (Qwest/Warner Bros.).