Weekly Album Chart Report — Chart Date 03/05/2012

With 40.05% of the reporting complete, this week’s album chart brings a familiar snapshot: the same top four artists as last week, led by Adele. Her album 21 remains at number one, a run that marks what will be her 23rd week at the summit of the chart. That dominance may be challenged soon, as Bruce Springsteen is releasing an album this week. Adele also holds another spot in the top five with her earlier release, 19.

Whitney Houston continues an impressive presence on the chart, occupying multiple high-ranking positions. Between Adele and Whitney, the two artists account for eight of the current top ten positions. Whitney’s entries include the compilation Whitney – The Greatest Hits at number two, The Bodyguard soundtrack at number four, and a Triple Feature collection at number six. Additional Whitney albums spread through the chart: I Look to You at number seven, the self-titled Whitney Houston at number eight, My Love Is Your Love at number ten, I’m Your Baby Tonight at number twelve, and Just Whitney at number thirteen. That concentration demonstrates the enduring commercial strength of Whitney Houston’s catalog this week.

Aside from Adele and Whitney, two other albums sit inside the top ten. The compilation Now That’s What I Call Music 41 claims the number three spot, and Tyga’s Careless World is at number nine; Tyga’s album includes a song featuring Season 6 American Idol contestant Chris Richardson. These entries provide some variety among the dominant placements.

Looking at artists with American Idol connections, Kelly Clarkson is the top solo Idol presence this week with Stronger at number 21. Clarkson also appears as a guest on Jason Aldean’s album (position 15) and on the 2012 Grammy Nominees compilation (position 17). Scotty McCreery appears further down the chart in the late twenties. The judges from The Voice are also represented: Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton appear on the 2012 Grammy Nominees collection at number 17, and Blake Shelton’s own album Red River Blue is on the chart as well.

Below is a concise table of notable entries from this week’s report, including last week (LW), this week (TW), artist, album, label where available, and the reported power index figure. The list focuses on the entries called out in the current report.

Chart metadata: CHART DATE: 03/05/2012. LAST UPDATE: 03/05/2012 10:53:53. NOW IN: 40.05% of reports received.

Summary: This week’s report emphasizes catalog strength—Adele’s current reign with 21 and multiple entries from Whitney Houston dominate the landscape. Compilation albums and soundtrack releases provide some contrast, while appearances by Idol alumni and Voice judges add further interest to the mid- and lower-tier chart placements. As additional reports come in, and with upcoming new releases from established artists, the composition of the chart may shift, but for now the top positions remain heavily concentrated among a small group of high-profile acts.