Monica Tops Us Album Charts

R'n'B sensation Monica has scored a surprising number one in the American album chart - knocking Luther Vandross off the top spot.

The SO GONE hitmaker sold an incredible 186,000 copies of her new long player AFTER THE STORM, and achieved her biggest opening sale yet.

Vandross, who remains in hospital after a stroke, slipped to second place with his acclaimed album DANCE WITH MY FATHER. Metallica charted in third place with their new record ST ANGER, closely followed by Radiohead's HAIL TO THE THIEF.