POP LP CHART : Janet Jackson Holds On to Top Spot

Janet Jackson, No. 1 on the Billboard pop album chart for the second straight week with “Rhythm Nation 1814,” is probably secure in the top spot for another week or two. Rappers on the rise: Young M. C.’s “Stone Cold Rhymin” (No. 13) and Ice-T’s “The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech . . .”(No. 40). Bad English’s pop-rock album, “Bad English”--No. 29--started slowly but has been rising rapidly in the last few weeks thanks to a Top Five pop single, “When I See You Smile” (No. 5). Tracy Chapman’s “Crossroads” is the hottest new album on the chart, reaching No. 10 in just three weeks. She did it the hard way, without a hit single. Roxette’s “Listen to Your Heart” is the new No. 1 pop single.

* Billy Joel’s “Storm Front” stormed up to No. 47 in its first week on the chart. His single, “Didn’t We Start the Fire”--No. 21 on the pop singles chart--is boosting album sales. The single has a good chance of making the Top Five.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. “Rhythm Nation 1814” 1 2 5 Janet Jackson (A&M;) 2. “Girl You Know It’s True” 2 3 33 Milli Vanilli (Arista) 3. “Dr. Feelgood” 3 1 7 Motley Crue (Elektra) 4. “Steel Wheels” 4 4 8 Rolling Stones (Columbia) 5. “Pump” 6 6 6 Aerosmith (Geffen) * “Storm Front” ... ... 1 Billy Joel (Columbia)