‘The Dance’ Bridges the Generations

Fleetwood Mac goes its own way again, ‘90s style. “The Dance”--the live reunion album that returns Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie to the quintet’s lineup--debuts at No. 1 on the pop sales charts after selling more than 199,000 copies in its first week in the stores, according to SoundScan. Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs’ “No Way Out” album fell to No. 2 with sales of 166,000. The nation’s best-selling single for the fourth straight week was the Notorious B.I.G.’s posthumous “Mo Money Mo Problems.”

What’s Hot

Here are some recent releases that are generating critical or commercial attention:

Coolio’s “My Soul” (Tommy Boy). Preserving integrity is the one thing Coolio easily achieves here. Many of the songs prove that despite his success, he cares deeply about his position as a rapper and a spokesman. As always, he finds ways to tell compelling stories, but he still has the ability to shake his groove thang.

Missy Elliott’s “Supa Dupa Fly” (EastWest). Like the Fugee’s Lauryn Hill, Elliott is a triple threat--a cool-as-ice rapper; a singer with an earthy, deeply soulful voice; and a talented songwriter and producer. Whether it’s the rollicking “Sock It 2 Me,” the mysterious “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” or the sultry “Friendly Skies,” this album just doesn’t let up.

Spice Girls’ “Spice” (Virgin). This sexy, prepackaged, female version of the Monkees appears shamelessly one-dimensional--even if it’s all in the name of fun.

Prodigy’s “The Fat of the Land” (Maverick). Employing samples from such varied sources as Ultramagnetic M.C.’s and the Breeders, “Fat” carries you along with the sonic rise and fall of a spectacular roller-coaster ride.

Fleetwood Mac’s “The Dance” (Reprise). Reuniting the five members of the Mac’s most successful lineup, this live album features spirited but faithful versions of the lyrical, folk-based tunes that make up the group’s rich catalog and a few new numbers.

Los Tigres del Norte’s “Jefe de Jefes” (Fonovisa). Los Tigres have been the undisputed masters of norten~o music for years. Songs such as the title track and “El Mojado Acaudalado” (about an illegal immigrant who becomes a tycoon in the United States) showcase clever lyrics and crystal-clear production. The result is a well-rounded collection.

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ “Fabulosos Calavera” (BMG). A deep, heartfelt album by what used to be the most shallow band in Argentine rock, “Fabulosos” finds the group in high gear, immersed in a schizoid’s musical collage that includes cheesy ‘70s pop, spaghetti western soundtracks, hard core and a sudden turn toward the jazzier side of things.

What’s New

In stores now: Coolio’s “My Soul” (Tommy Boy), Oasis’ “Be Here Now” (Epic).

What’s Coming

Tuesday: Genesis’ “Calling All Stations” (Atlantic).

Sept. 9: LeAnn Rimes’ “You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs” (Curb).