More good ‘Times’ for Bob Dylan

FORTY-FOUR years after the release of his debut album, Bob Dylan has shown again that he is a vital figure in music: His new CD is the No. 1 album on the U.S. pop chart.

“Modern Times” sold 192,000 copies in its first week in stores, putting Dylan at the top of the chart for the first time since “Desire” reached that peak in 1976.

The 31st studio album from Dylan is getting strong reviews and builds on a recent career surge that has included a volume of memoirs and his own XM Satellite Radio show.

Dylan will play the Forum on Oct. 20.

The next-highest debut belonged to Atlanta rapper Young Dro, who has the No. 3 album this week with his major-label debut, “Best Thang Smokin,” which sold 104,000 copies.

Jessica Simpson, whose music career has taken a back seat to her reality TV fame and film aspirations, returns to the chart at No. 5 with “Public Affair,” which sold 101,000 copies during its first week in stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Two other albums made Top 10 debuts:

Method Man is at No. 8 with “4/21 ... The Day After,” which sold 62,000 copies, and the Roots, the innovative Philadelphia hip-hop collective, are at No. 9 with “Game Theory,” which sold 61,000 copies.

geoff.boucher@latimes.com