Lavigne’s third ends up in first

AVRIL LAVIGNE’S “The Best Damn Thing” lived up to its name by debuting at No. 1 on the nation’s album chart with first-week sales of 286,000 copies.

It’s Lavigne’s third album and follows the 2004 collection “Under My Skin.” The first single from the new album, the brash, pop-leaning “Girlfriend,” is a hit on radio, although some fans have criticized it as a departure from her punkish persona.

At No. 2 this week: “Year Zero,” the new concept album from Nine Inch Nails that is enjoying strong reviews and sold 187,000 copies. “Year Zero” has also gotten considerable press coverage for its complex tale of conspiracy and global crisis, which plays out not just in music but also on websites that have fans on a scavenger hunt for clues and subplots. Trent Reznor, the auteur of Nine Inch Nails, has even hinted that “Year Zero” may yield a film project of some sort.

Bucky Covington, one of the fifth-season finalists from “American Idol,” makes his first appearance on the charts compiled by Nielsen SoundScan: His debut CD opens at No. 4 with 61,000 copies sold.

Another country artist, Clay Walker, is at No. 15 this week with his new CD, “Fall.” It’s the ninth album from the Texas native and it sold 32,000 copies during its first week on shelves.