Pop Album Chart : Luther Romances His Way Into Top 10

Soul crooner Luther Vandross debuted at No. 8 with his latest batch of romantic tunes, “Never Let Me Go.” But he’s not likely to challenge chart-topping Janet Jackson, whose album, “janet.,” has the advantage of featuring the No. 1 pop single, “That’s the Way Love Goes.” After several weeks of simmering at No. 12, “Core,” by Stone Temple Pilots--one of the year’s most promising rock bands--finally made the leap into the Top 10--at No. 10. The hottest new soundtrack is the collection from the hit movie about some more guys in the ‘hood, “Menace II Society.” After a debut at No. 21 last week, it jumped to No. 11.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “janet.,” Janet Jackson 1 1 3 2. “Unplugged ... and Seated,” Rod Stewart 2 ... 2 3. “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre 8 7 25 4. “The Bodyguard,” soundtrack 3 2 29 5. “Breathless,” Kenny G 4 5 29 6. “Get a Grip,” Aerosmith 6 3 7 7. “Pocket Full of Kryptonite,” Spin Doctors 5 4 51 8. “Never Let Me Go,” Luther Vandross ... ... 1 9. “It’s About Time,” SWV 9 8 22 10. “Core,” Stone Temple Pilots 12 12 23 * “Sliver,” soundtrack ... ... 1

* Not too far behind “Menace II Society” is the soundtrack from “Sliver,” the erotic thriller starring Sharon Stone. The “Sliver” album entered the pop album chart at No. 23.

Source: Billboard/Soundscan