POP ALBUM CHART : R.E.M.’s ‘Out of Time’ Out of Sight

R.E.M.’s album, “Out of Time,” which has garnered favorable reviews, is a favorite with fans too, rocketing to No. 5 on the Billboard magazine pop album chart. The soundtrack from the movie “The Doors” jumped into the Top 10--rising three notches to No. 8. The renewed interest in the ‘60s rock group has boosted one compilation album into the Top 40. One of the fastest-rising albums on the chart, “Best of the Doors” leaped from No. 46 to No. 32. Another collection of the group’s oldies is selling again too--”Greatest Hits” (No. 136). The other hot soundtrack is “New Jack City,” which moved up from No. 40 to No. 24. No. 1 pop single: Londonbeat’s “I’ve Been Thinking About You.”

*Veteran rocker Rod Stewart continues to prove that he’s not too old to rock ‘n’ roll. His new album, “Vagabond Heart,” debuted at No. 61, buoyed by his hit pop single, “Rhythm of My Heart,” which moved up three notches to No. 23, probably on its way to the Top 20.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”Mariah Carey” 1 1 42 Mariah Carey (Columbia) 2.”Gonna Make You Sweat” 2 2 14 C&C; Music Factory (Columbia) 3.”Wilson Phillips” 3 4 53 Wilson Phillips (SBK) 4.”Shake Your Money Maker” 4 5 56 The Black Crowes (Def American) 5.”Out of Time” 16 27 3 R.E.M. (Warner Bros.) *”Vagabond Heart” ... ... 1 Rod Stewart (Warner Bros.)