POP ALBUM CHART : Will Vanilla Hurt ‘Em?

AC/DC’s “The Razor’s Edge” slipped a notch to No. 3 on the Billboard magazine pop chart. So it doesn’t look like the metal band has enough clout after all to punch M. C. Hammer’s “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” out of the top spot it’s held for 21 weeks. Looks like it’s up to another rapper, Vanilla Ice, whose sizzling “To the Extreme” took over No. 2. Surprisingly, Iron Maiden--which has been called a has-been band--has the fastest-rising new album, “No Prayer for the Dying” (No. 17). Bette Midler’s “Some People’s Lives” (No. 25) isn’t far behind. Paul Simon’s “Rhythm of the Saints” debuted impressively at No. 37.

* This little ol’ Texas trio is off to a flying start with “Recycler,” which debuted at No. 33. Look for the Top to blast its way into the Top 10 in the next few weeks.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1.”Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” M.C.Hammer (Capitol) 1 1 35 2.”To the Extreme” 5 7 7 Vanilla Ice (SBK) 3.”The Razor’s Edge” 2 6 5 AC/DC (Atlantic) 4.”Mariah Carey” 4 3 19 Mariah Carey (Columbia) 5.”Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” George Michael (Columbia) 3 2 6 *”Recycler” ... ... 1 ZZ Top (Warner Bros.)