As time goes by, Ciara is becoming a household name. With her debut album, 'Goodies', the R&B singer proved that she is more than a pretty face and now, with 'The Evolution', she marks her territory and imposes herself as a bona fide artist.

Released this week, 'The Evolution' went straight to number one in the Billboard US album chart, sweeping past such heavy competitors as Eminem and Gwen Stefani. Selling over 338,000 copies in its first week, this second album marks a new stage in Ciara's life, a phase in which she becomes more and more involved in her own music, thus making it more personal.

'My second record is called "The Evolution" because I feel like I'm graduating to a whole new level creatively and musically. I co-wrote every song and co-produced many of the tracks on this record so it really reflects where I am as an artist', Ciara explained. And maybe this is the key to success, anyone might say, seeing that the public is no longer as open as it used to be to manufactured singers.

Meanwhile, Eminem's multi-artist compilation, 'Eminem Presents: The Re-Up' opened at number two, selling 309,000. Although the material features such heavy names and collaborations as 50 Cent and D12, its evolution pales in comparison with the rapper's previous album, 'Curtain Call: The Hits', which opened last year at number one, with more than 441,000 items sold in its first week.

Gwen Stefani's 'The Sweet Escape' completes the first three positions of the Billboard chart, with 243,000 units. Compared to her debut solo album, this one doesn't include such smashing hits as 'Hollaback Girl', which might explain the somewhat disappointing sales.

However, Ciara rules both in the album chart and the singles one. Her second single from 'The Evolution', 'Promise' is still at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and you can check it out HERE.