WEEK IN PREVIEW:
MAXWELL'S SMART!

After a one-week break from Top 25 debuts, the march to the fourth quarter is cranking up again this week with Columbia’s Maxwell dominating the chart and making an early run at the top spot, followed closely by Cash Money/Universal’s Juvenile. Both of those wacky newcomers will ultimately find themselves in the upper reaches of the Top Five.

Of course, life does not necessarily begin and end in the Top Five (unless, of course, your salary depends on it) and Arista’s Adema is making a serious statement with its first-week performance. This one looks like it will post bigger debut numbers than current rock chartbangers Linkin Park and Sum 41. That may suggest something to you.

Speaking of rock, have you been watching DreamWorks’ Alien Ant Farm? Our Top 40 Einsteins are screaming that the single "Smooth Criminal" is going to have another HUGE week at Pop, as PDs drool over the perfect mass appeal rock record.

Other cuts contributing to the Top 40 droolfest are from Epic’s Michael Jackson and Columbia’s Jessica Simpson, while Universal’s Afroman and Virgin’s Gorillaz both have fine close-outs.

At JAMZ, Public Announcement’s "John Doe" was making a name for itself as the format turned much of its attention to the tragic death of Aaliyah.

At Post Modern, there are a lot of really cool things happening, but you’ll have to wait to read about them later, since our sense of self-preservation can’t find an upside to obtaining that information for you. Thank you.