Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’ posts third week at No. 1

Taylor Swift’s “Red” easily held on to the top spot on the national album chart for a third week, selling another 196,000 copies. The total is almost double the number sold by the newest “Now That’s What I Call Music” compilation, which entered the chart at No. 2, according to figures released Wednesday.

“Red” has sold nearly 1.75 million copies in three weeks, making it the top-selling album released in 2012. Over the weekend, Swift also collected three trophies at the European MTV Awards, including best female artist, best live act and best look.

“Now That’s What I Call Music 44” sold just under 99,000 copies, one of four albums to debut in the Top 10 of this week’s chart. Ne-Yo’s “R.E.D,” which sold 66,000 copies, landed at No. 4, and Aerosmith’s “Music From Another Dimension” was right behind at No. 5 with sales of 63,000 copies. “Miracle” by Christian rock band Third Day entered at No. 10 with sales of 29,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

It’s also beginning to feel a lot like the holidays on the album chart. Rod Stewart’s “Merry Christmas Baby” held at No. 3 with sales of 74,000, and Lady Antebellum’s “On This Winter’s Night” appeared at No. 11 (27,000 copies). Blake Shelton’s “Cheers It’s Christmas” came in at No. 14 (24,000), Michael Buble’s “Christmas” rose to No. 18 (20,406) from No. 54 last week, and Scotty McReery’s “Christmas With Scotty” appeared at No. 19 (20,264).

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Follow Randy Lewis on Twitter: @RandyLewis2

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