Pop Album Chart : Brooks Just Misses a Ratings Record

Garth Brooks’ first album, “Garth Brooks,” which experienced a sudden surge in sales after his recent hit TV special, couldn’t quite stay hot long enough to make it to the Top 10. That would have given Brooks an unprecedented three in the elite circle, joining his top-ranked “Ropin’ the Wind” and “No Fences” (No. 3). “Garth Brooks,” which peaked at No. 13, slipped to No. 17. New age superstar Enya’s “Shepherd Moons” moved up four notches to No. 22. Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable” is rising again, from No. 19 to No. 12, probably due to exposure on the American Music Awards show. Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” is the No. 1 pop single again.

* The rock band Pearl Jam is another outfit from that hotbed of rock: Seattle. After more than six months, the group’s debut album, “Ten,” boosted by recent MTV exposure and a Red Hot Chili Peppers tour, is zooming up the chart--this week to No. 37.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”Ropin’ the Wind” 1 2 21 Garth Brooks (Capitol) 2.”Nevermind” 2 1 19 Nirvana (DGC/Geffen) 3.”No Fences” 3 5 74 Garth Brooks (Capitol) 4.”Dangerous” 4 3 10 Michael Jackson (Epic) 5.”Cooleyhighharmony” 7 7 38 Boyz II Men (Motown) *”Ten” 47 58 7 Pearl Jam (Epic)