SOUND CHECK.

MAROON 5: "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" (Universal) - Two stars

With its sunny disposition, banal songwriting and freeze-dried musicianship, the middle-of-the-road band Maroon 5 is the new face of 'N Sync. But that's a minority view -- because millions have been waiting anxiously for this latest falsetto-packed dispatch from the maroon planet. On the disc, the L.A. band embraces the sort of funk lite you hear in elevators, but there were hints of that five years ago, too.

"Little of Your Time," the album's opening call to the dance floor, finds high-pitched, slight-voiced singer Adam Levine trying on a little soul with mixed results. The soothing "Wake Up Call" is an anguished lament about infidelity that illustrates how radio-ready production can turn anything into a hit. And "Nothing Lasts Forever," which takes up with the chorus of Kanye West's "Heard 'Em Say" (which utilized Levine), really isn't too bad for an instantly forgettable bit of fluff.

Other tracks, such as "Won't Go Home Without You," owe a bit too much to '80s dance-pop. And like that ancient synth-dated sound, Maroon 5 is currently in vogue -- but for how long?

-- Fred Shuster

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III: "Strange Weirdos:Music From and Inspired by the Film 'Knocked Up'" (Concord) - Four stars

"When it's gray in L.A., I sure like it that way 'cause there's way too much sunshine round here." That's the acerbic opening line of this CD from this veteran songwriter, who has been turning out gems for more than 30 years. Brought in by writer-director Judd Apatow -- a fan -- to write tunes for the upcoming comedy "Knocked Up," Wainwright is at the top of his game.

Droll, observant and always slyly humorous, much of this collection revolves around the film's plot, including songs about commitment ("Final Frontier"), impending parenthood (a gospel-tinged "X or Y") and parenthood ("Daughter"), and a new recording of his insightful 1973 "Lullaby." (Loudon is the father of singer-songwriters Martha and Rufus Wainwright, by the way.) There's also a funny look at a midlife crisis, "Doin' the Math" (aren't we all?). Finally, there's the wry "Valley Morning" with the lines "But life is a movie out here in the Valley/What else were we all thinking of?" So true.

-- Rob Lowman

MICHAEL BRECKER: "Pilgrimage" (Heads Up) - Four stars

Tenor saxophone titan and session superstar Brecker died in January, too soon at 57. His illness weakened him severely, but you'd never know it from listening to his fiery final session, recorded with an all-star cast including Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, Jack DeJohnette and John Patitucci. Brecker wrote all nine songs and they're uniformly lengthy, twisty workouts with soaring, even celebratory, solos. As swan songs go, "Pilgrimage" is nothing short of amazing.

-- Glenn Whipp

BETTY DAVIS: "Betty Davis" (Light in the Attic) - Four stars

There are few discoveries left when it comes to great funky soul music of the '70s golden era. This reissue of the 1973 debut album from the incredible Davis (an ex-wife of Miles Davis) makes today's crop of so-called r&b singers and rappers sound like the Teletubbies. Recorded with a who's who of San Francisco funk stars -- Sly & the Family Stone's rhythm section, the late, great disco star Sylvester, and the Pointer Sisters, and produced by Sly Stone drummer Greg Errico, this is a slice of nasty, hard-core monster funk (played by actual instruments -- revolutionary), fronted by a ferocious voice with an uncut delivery that rips right into you. Davis, who wrote every song she ever recorded, including this album's jaw-dropping "Anti Love Song" and "Game Is My Middle Name," shouldn't be ignored any longer. Also available from this label is the equally fantastic second Davis album, "They Say I'm Different." Get them both and be knocked out.

-- F.S.

ADRIENNE YOUNG: "Room to Grow" (Addiebelle) - Three stars

Young's first two releases were witty yet sincere tributes to rural life and traditional American music. This third outing is more electrified and anthem-happy. While it's a bit of a shame to hear this talented singer-songwriter grow more puffed-up and rocked-out, happily enough she's still keeping much of her focus down on the farm: The disc's best cuts are its most discernibly country-folk, and a portion of every sale goes to a sustainable agriculture support group.

-- Bob Strauss

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(1) no caption (Maroon 5)

(2 -- 6) no caption (CD covers)