Presley racks up sales with debut

Thanks to a catchy hit single and an ambitious media blitz, Lisa Marie Presley’s debut album got off to an impressive start Wednesday, entering the national sales chart at No. 5. The collection, “To Whom It May Concern,” sold 142,000 copies in its first week in the stores, according to Nielsen/SoundScan.

The only child of Elvis Presley, the 35-year-old singer-songwriter has been eyeing a pop career for years but was too intimidated until now by the Presley legacy. The album’s centerpiece, “Lights Out,” is in part a reflection on the weight of that legacy.

Boston hard-rockers Godsmack’s new album, “Faceless,” topped the chart after selling 267,000 copies in its first week in the stores. Ginuwine’s “The Senior,” at No. 6, was the only other new release to enter the Top 10 this week. Lucinda Williams’ “World Without Tears” debuted at No. 18.

The White Stripes’ “Elephant,” which is being widely monitored as a sign of the commercial strength of rock’s passionate new rock brigade, slipped seven places to No. 13 in its second week in stores.

“Chicago,” the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film, dropped six places to No. 14. The collection has sold more than 1 million copies since its January release.

-- Robert Hilburn