‘8 Mile’ soundtrack tops chart

There’s a familiar name at the top of the national album sales chart again this week: Eminem.

The explosive rapper, who already has spent six weeks at No. 1 this year with his “The Eminem Show” album, reentered the chart at No. 1 Wednesday as part of the soundtrack for his upcoming film, “8 Mile.”

The album sold 702,000 copies during its first week in the stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan. That’s far fewer than the 1.3 million copies that “Show” sold during its first week in May, but it’s the fifth-highest single-week total of the year, and very impressive for a soundtrack package.

Eminem is featured on four tracks on the album, which includes music “from and inspired by” the film, which opens Friday. The movie is a stark, loosely biographical tale of a young man, played by Eminem, struggling against his insecurities and harsh surroundings to become a rap star.

“The Eminem Show,” with total sales nearing 6.5 million, ranks No. 8 this week.

It was a strong week for new arrivals on the chart. Christina Aguilera’s “Stripped” finished No. 2 with sales of 330,000, while a Nirvana greatest-hits package finished No. 3 with sales of 234,000.

Other Top 10 arrivals this week: Rascal Flatts and Tori Amos at No. 5 and No. 7, respectively. On the singles front, Madonna’s “Die Another Day” remains No. 1.