Thomas not morose or repetitive on new disc

Rob Thomas
Cradlesong
(Emblem/Atlantic)

After a reunion disc with his Matchbox Twenty comrades, Rob Thomas' second solo release eschews the blockbuster duets that helped make him one of the world's biggest pop stars. It reunites him with production cohort Matt Serletic and emphasizes the big arrangements and upbeat sensibility that are his trademarks.

At times, Thomas will inject musical surprises, most notably the world music influences and instrumentation that underline "Her Diamonds" and "Cradlesong."

But songs like "Fire on the Mountain," "Mockingbird" and "Give Me the Meltdown" feature prominent, simple melodies, earnest vocals and overall style and structure that squarely put them on the pop side of the ledger.

Thomas's voice and delivery are pleasant and identifiable, and while his music takes few chances, it also never gets morose or repetitive.

Joe
Signature
(Kedar Entertainment/563/Fontana)

Sleek, exuberant ballads are the thematic focus of Joe's eighth studio CD, which exclusively features love tunes and romantic numbers written, arranged and produced by Joe, with one exception. That's his sterling cover of Marvin Gaye's "Come Get to This," which looms as the primary influence for Joe's sound and approach.

He's a polished, outstanding technical singer, whose delivery and articulation rank among the finest in the urban ranks. Even if the disc's song quality isn't uniformly impressive, Joe's performances on "Friends Don't Let Friends," "Sex Girl," "Miss My Baby" and "Metaphor" enhance and elevate them.

There's nothing groundbreaking about anything on Signature, but Joe's vocal prowess makes it anything but routine.

Nanci Griffith
The Loving Kind
(Rounder)

Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith delivers one of her most ardent, rousing works with this 13-song statement that contains moving commentaries on contemporary and historic events.

The title track recounts the historic fight of the Lovings, a Virginia couple whose court challenge helped eliminate laws against interracial marriage. Other numbers like "Money Changes Everything," "Across America," "Not Innocent Enough" and "Up Against the Rain" examine other emotional and personal issues.

Griffith's singing and playing have a poignant, powerful quality, and she receives equally strong musical assistance from an all-star lineup of pickers and vocalists.

The Loving Kind is stirring, upbeat music, featuring some of Griffith's finest writing and performances.

Tom Morello/Boots Riley
Street Sweeper Social Club
(SSSC)

Dynamic guitarist and vocalist Tom Morello joins forces with rapper Boots Riley of The Coupe and slashing drummer Stanton Moore from Galatic in the edgy, erratic ensemble Street Sweeper Social Club.

This band evidently hasn't heard (or doesn't believe) rap-rock is in decline, because they've embraced it without reservation. They've crafted several uncompromising left-wing anthems such as "Clap for the Killers," "The Oath, "Fight! Smash! Win!" and "Somewhere in the World It's Midnight."

They verbally slash and burn multinational corporations, corrupt politicians, even fans more interested in celebrity exploits and trendy tunes than diversified presentation and topical songs. Morello's guitar work is jagged and exciting, while Riley bemoans and agitates and Moore flails away. The results range from torrid to chaotic.

Teena Marie
Congo Square
(Concord/Stax)

Teena Marie's 13th release is also her most varied and expansive, with 16 songs that move from funk to soul, jazz and rap.

Marie excels on both magical solo numbers and first-rate duets and collaborations. Whether teaming with jazz pianist George Duke, vocalists Faith Evans, Howard Hewitt and Faith Evans, or rappers MC Lyte and her daughter Rose Lebeau, Marie nicely fits her majestic voice into every setting.

In addition, such compositions as "Congo Square," "Harlem Blues and "Black Cool" provide fleeting glimpses into vintage periods, while "The Pressure," "Can't Last a Day" and "The Rose N' Thorn" demonstrate she's just as effective on current material with more complex production.

Congo Square is a fine welcome to a new label for Teena Marie.