Reviews of noteworthy recent CDs

POP

Elton John

Songs from the West Coast (Universal): Defined by crisp and clear production of often bare-bones vocals and instrumentation, Elton John's latest is a warm and engaging effort with a comfortable retro-feel. Standout tracks include the John Lennon-esque single "I Want Love," and a hauntingly epic "Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes." John's recent work has been sparked by returns to his '70s roots, particularly "Made in England" (1995), but "Songs from the West Coast" shines more brightly, thanks to a consistent tone and a heartfelt performance. By Bill Wright

Shakira

Laundry Service (Epic): The flaxen-haired Colombian pop star is moving and shaking everywhere these days - Pepsi commercials, MTV, Top 40 radio stations. Her first English-speaking album, "Laundry Service," featuring five Spanish songs, Brazilian drums, and Middle Eastern rhythms, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts. "Laundry Service" has some catchy pop Latin hooks, such as the single, "Whenever, Wherever," but her songs are mostly stuck in the spin cycle of '70s disco music. Despite this, the former child prodigy must be doing something right: "Laundry" has sold nearly 3 million copies worldwide. By Lisa Leigh Parney

ROCK

Starsailor

Love Is Here (Capitol): Even before they'd finished recording their first album, Starsailor was quickly anointed by Britain's music press as the island's best band on the strength of a few singles. Perhaps a demotion is in order. True, the languid grooves of "Fever" and "Good Souls" are deserving of the band's recent slot on David Letterman. But Starsailor's mild-mannered stomps, though driven by pretty acoustic strumming, too often follow the path of least resistance. Lyrically and melodically, you know where each song is going next, and barely a syllable goes by without singer James Walsh sounding overwrought in his angsty earnestness. This will endear Starsailor to some, but make it wearisome listening for others. By Stephen Humphries

Elbow

Asleep in the Back (V2): British band Elbow frequently delves into minimalistic musical textures - drizzle-light drumming here, plucked acoustic chords there - to accompany the Peter-Gabriel-like vocals of Guy Garvey. Taken together, the band's exploration of the space between notes and their understanding of light-and-shade dynamics add up to an intimate grandeur. The romantic longing of "Red" and "Powder Blue" makes this ideal listening for the after hours of the night. By Stephen Humphries

Pink Floyd

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