Next week, Epic’s Natasha Bedingfield appears headed for the highest debut, with a total that could have her competing for #1.

KEYS A LOCK FOR #1

Raheem DeVaughn Top Debut, Juno Soundtrack, Mary J. Blige, Radiohead Top 5
It’s a brand-new year, but the same old sales slump.

J’s Alicia Keys climbs back to #1 over Rhino’s Juno soundtrack, with 61k, the lowest since last year at this time when the Dreamgirls soundtrack topped the chart with 60k

Jive/ZLG R&B star Raheem DeVaughn is the week’s top debut, bowing at #4, while Columbia’s John Legend is #7 with his live album, an exclusive at retail to Target.

Geffen’s Mary J. Blige (#3) and tbd/ATO/RED’s Radiohead (#5) round out the Top 5, while Big Machine’s still-strong Best New Artist Grammy nominee Taylor Swift (#6), EMM’s Now 26 (#8), Jive/ZLG’s Chris Brown (#9) and Disney’s Hannah Montana 2 (#10) stake out the Top 10.

Lyric Street’s Rascal Flatts (#33-21, +11%) and Universal Republic’s multiple Grammy nominee Amy Winehouse (#47-36, +11%) are the week’s top double-digit gainers, followed by Hannah Montana 2 (+8%), Canvasback/Columbia/Sony Music Soundtrax’s Once soundtrack (#37-30, +3%) and Interscope’s Soulja Boy Tell’Em (#43-37, +5%).

Geffen’s Kate Nash (#39-35, down only 1%) is also looking strong.

Next week, Epic’s Natasha Bedingfield appears headed for the highest debut, with a total that could have her competing for #1.

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The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
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