Keys' latest tops U.S. album charts

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Alicia Keys' new CD, "As I Am," debuted at the top of the U.S. album charts this week, Billboard.com reported Wednesday.

This marks the best-selling sales week for a solo female artist since Norah Jones' "Feels Like Home" sold 1 million copies in 2004.

Keys' latest work moved 742,000 units in the United States, Nielsen SoundScan said.

Josh Groban's "Noel" came in at No. 2, Celine Dion's "Taking Chances" opened at No. 3, the compilation disc "Now 26" bowed at No. 4 and Garth Brooks' "The Ultimate Hits" secured the No. 5 spot.

Rounding out the top 10 are the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden" at No. 6; Led Zeppelin's "Mothership" at No. 7; Jay-Z's "American Gangster" at No. 8; Carrie Underwood's "Carnival Ride" at No. 9 and Chris Brown's "Exclusive" at No. 10.

Album sales were up 17.9 percent from last week to 11.7 million but down 6.2 percent from the same week last year, Billboard.com said.