Mya

The self-titled debut by 18-year-old Mya combines trendy tracks with more thoughtfully constructed songs for a multi-textured album. An array of guest performers, including popular R&B crooner act Dru Hill and innovative hip-hop rhymer Missy Elliott, help out on this set. Mya is at her best in lower vocal registers, such as on the rolling "Baby It's Yours" and the funky, soul-struttin' "We Gonna Make You Dance." Piano and organ synthesizers set a noble tone for the romantic ballad "If You Were Mine," while gentle acoustic guitar play and a swaying melody effectively deflect the rather vengeful lyrics of a lover spurned on "If You Died I Wouldn't Cry Cause You Never Loved Me Anyway." Despite its derivative elements, Mya provides entertaining listening for contemporary R&B fans. --J.R.

Reynolds