Lenny Kravitz

Greatest Hits (Virgin)

That's right-even as you were listening to "Hangin' Tough" back in '89, Lenny Kravitz was establishing a serious musical career, the defining moments of which are included in this album. If Kravitz's name conjures up memories of his elevator fodder "It Ain't Over Til It's Over," give him a chance-his music has definitely evolved along with his sartorial tastes. The questionable pinstripes have given way to piercings and a sex-god image, and the songs have likewise improved since the days of such musical mistakes as "Stand By My Woman" and "Mr. Cab Driver." In fact, the seductive "I Belong to You" is so sexy that most women will probably melt upon hearing Kravitz confidently coo: "I belong to you/You belong to me, too." Also included are familiar tunes from recent times: "Are You Gonna Go My Way," "American Woman" and the broken-record-like "Fly Away."

Be forewarned that Kravitz's lyrics are profoundly uninspired at best ("You make my life complete/You make me feel so sweet"). But he makes up for it with strong vocals, great melodies and silky-smooth harmonies. In "Let Love Rule," Kravitz's voice is so enjoyable it takes you a while to realize that "Love transcends all space and time/And love can make a little child smile" is nonsensical schlock. And as you start to sing along, you might realize that you don't mind so much. B -Myung! Joh

Gomez

Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline/Machismo EP (Virgin)