A Prolonged Spin ‘Cycle’ for Staind

Staind, one of the rare metal bands in recent years that is enjoying widespread critical support, continues to top the nation’s album chart, outselling its nearest rival last week by almost 2 to 1.

The band’s “Break the Cycle” collection sold 326,000 copies, bringing its two-week total to just more than 1 million copies. It’s the third consecutive week a hard-rock album has topped the U.S. charts, a rarity in a time when hip-hop or teen-pop collections have tended to rule the bestseller list.

In reviewing the Flip/Elektra release for The Times, Lina Lecaro said singer Aaron Lewis “has one of the most expressive voices in modern metal, and the CD’s mix of harmonious and heavy complements his passionate croons perfectly.”

Behind Staind, Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” moved up from No. 3 to No. 2 by selling 169,000 copies. The female pop-R&B; trio’s album has sold almost 1.6 copies since its release May 1.

Benefiting from the widespread release of the film and massive radio exposure of song “Lady Marmalade,” the “Moulin Rouge” soundtrack climbed five places to No. 3 in its third week on the charts.

The other spots on the Top 10 were claimed, in order, by Tool, the hits compilation “Now That’s What I Call Music! Vol. 6,” Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, Redman, Weezer and Train.

The highest new release was country singer Brad Paisley’s “Part II,” which finished at No. 31. The only other new release to reach the Top 40 was the soundtrack for “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” at No. 38.

Another soundtrack, “Pearl Harbor,” also moved up strongly, from No. 31 to No. 14.

But the news was not good for some veteran acts. Despite generally strong reviews and a more accessible tone than its recent releases, R.E.M.’s “Reveal” fell from No. 24 to No. 35 in its third week in stores. Stevie Nicks’ “Trouble in Shangri-La,” released in early May, fell to 37; Aerosmith’s “Just Push Play” has proved sluggish after a fast start. That collection, released in March, is No. 84.

Lil’ Romeo’s “My Baby” is the No. 1 single for the fourth week.