Baker’s Cookin’

Anita Baker was somewhat concerned that some fans might forget her after her four-year break from recording. But that core audience must still be there. Her “Rhythm of Love” opened strong--at No. 2 on the Times’ Southern California pop album chart--and No. 3 nationally. Does the album have enough pop appeal for a long stay in the Top 10? Early indications are that it does. Singer-guitarist Eric Clapton struck another blow for classic rock with his new album, “From the Cradle,” debuting at No. 1 on the pop chart. Don’t be surprised if he’s still cranking out hits in his 60s.

TOP 10 ALBUMS

Title, Artist (Nat’l Rank) Last Week 1 From the Cradle, Eric Clapton (1) ... 2 Rhythm of Love, Anita Baker (3) ... 3 II, Boyz II Men (2) 1 4 Dookie, Green Day (5) 2 5 3 Tenors in Concert, Carreras/ Domingo/Pavarotti (13) 5 6 Tuesday Night ..., Sheryl Crow (8) 10 7 Smash, Offspring (6) 6 8 The Lion King, soundtrack (4) 4 9 Forrest Gump, soundtrack (7) 3 10 Segundo Romance, Luis Miguel (47) 7

TOP 10 SINGLES

Title, Artist (National Rank) Last Week 1 I’ll Make Love, Boyz II Men (1) 1 2 At Your Best, Aaliyah (5) 2 3 Stroke You Up, Changing Faces (2) 3 4 Endless Love, Vandross/Carey (3) 6 5 Bop Gun, Ice Cube (13) 4 6 When Can I See You, Babyface (9) 5 7 Never Lie, Immature (6) 19 8 Flava In Ya Ear, Craig Mack (8) 13 9 100% Pure Love, Crystal Waters (15) 12 10 Nappy Heads, Fugees (57) 17

TOP 10 RAP ALBUMS

Title, Artist (National Rank) Last Week 1 Creepin On ..., Bone Thugs (2) 5 2 Regulate ... G-Funk Era, Warren G (3) 1 3 Ill Communication, Beastie Boys (4) 2 4 We Come Strapped, M.C. Eiht (9) 3 5 Ready to Die, Notorious Big (1) ... 6 Volume One, Old School Rap (35) 7 7 It Takes a Thief, Coolio (6) 4 8 Funkdafied, Da Brat (7) 6 9 Very Necessary, Salt-N-Pepa (5) ... 10 Sick N Hour, Public Enemy (8) 8

Source: SoundScan Inc., for week of Sept. 18