Mya

Moodring Interscope

Mya mixes up the beat on her highly anticipated new release, Moodring.

Mya has put her "Ghetto Superstar" days behind her and is headed straight toward diva stardom. Moodring introduces a new flavor with the Missy Elliot-produced release, "My Love is like·Wo" and a rendition of Tom Petty's old-time classic, "Free Fallin'," incorporating sounds from edgy hip-hop, soul, techno-pop and sultry reggae. The reggae style comes through on track nine, "Things Come and Go," featuring Sean Paul.

Along with her more mature sound, Mya's look has gotten a little sexier since she sang the Rugrats' movie theme song, "Take Me There." The album cover is a great representation of her new style with her in only a bikini top and sarong.

"My Love is Like ·Wo" has been nominated for best choreography in a video and best dance video for the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. Mya has already received a Grammy and a SAG award for best ensemble in the 2002 hit Chicago and there is no doubt this new album will bring her more fame.

Check out Moodring if you are in the mood for a little taste of everything. Whether you're cruising in your car or chilling on your patio having some cocktails, this hot new album from Mya will meet all your needs.

÷ Hayley Contant

311

Evolver Volcano

311 has a good thing going÷ a positive message and a dedicated fan base, coupled with originality and a recognizable sound.

Evolver, the band's seventh studio album, is less ear-friendly than its previous effort, From Chaos. 311 hasn't taken steps backward here, however. They just seem to be losing their ambition 10 years down the road.

2001's From Chaos was a solid compromise for the band and its fans. They found a way to balance pop sensibility with their hybrid strain of reggae-rap-rock. The songs flowed well together and although it was not the 311 of old, it was still hope.

However, after tripping with Soundsystem and recovering with From Chaos, Evolver sounds uninspired and far from evolved. From Chaos emerged after a label switch and it looked like the boys were finally ready to make the music they wanted. This album sounds like they may have lost their hunger to do so.

There are a few exceptions. "Don't Dwell" is a taste of the new 311: creative and rocking, but far from intense. "Beyond The Grey Sky" is a decent mellow return to form. That is the thing with this album, though even the good songs sound like they would be B-sides on old 311 records.

÷ Kevin Smith