ROCK/POP/JAZZ
ARETHA FRANKLIN ``One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism'' (Arista AL-8497) - This is Aretha Franklin's first gospel album since 1971's ``Amazing Grace.'' Here she's joined by a 90-member church choir, plus family members, on a double-record set that includes ``Walk in the Light,'' ``The Lord's Prayer,'' and a wonderful duet with Mavis Staples on ``Oh Happy Day.'' PAUL McCARTNEY ``All the Best!'' (Capitol CLW-48287) - This two-record set of McCartney's biggest hits is his second ``best of'' collection from Capitol (the first was only from his band ``Wings''), and includes ``Jet,'' ``Ebony and Ivory,'' ``Say Say Say,'' ``Let 'em In,'' Listen to What the Man Said,'' and 12 others.
EURYTHMICS ``Savage'' (RCA 6794-1-R) - The Eurythmics do more with a one- or two-chord drone than most dance-rock bands. But it's lead singer/composer Annie Lennox who really makes it all happen here. Sometimes she sings engaging flat-voiced harmonies and other times shouts with such rhythm-and-blues fervor, you'd think she was Aretha's little sister. On ``I Need You,'' she does a humorous parody of Bob Dylan.
LINDA RONSTADT ``Canciones de Mi Padre'' (Asylum 60765-1) - After a jaunt in musical theater, a three-album foray into classic standards, and a country album with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, Ronstadt, whose Mexican roots go back several generations, has decided to sing in Spanish. Ronstadt has the right voice to do justice to this collection of mariachi tunes, even though the sometimes syrupy arrangements get in the way.
VARIOUS NEW AGE ARTISTS ``The World of Private Music, Vol. II'' (Private Music 2023-1-P) - Private Music is a New Age label with an electronic and cinematic bent, featuring a variety of composers from around the world. This sampler includes works by Eddie Jobson (formerly of Roxy Music), Jerry Goodman (formerly of Mahavishnu), and Japanese composer Azuma. The pieces range in mood from bland relaxation to genuine inventiveness.
ROSEMARY CLOONEY ``Rosemary Clooney Sings the Lyrics of Johnny Mercer'' (Concord Jazz CJ-333) This new one from Miss Clooney includes some of Johnny Mercer's best and least-known lyrics, from ``Skylark'' (music by Hoagy Carmichael) to ``When October Goes'' (music by Barry Manilow). ``G.I. Jive'' and ``Hooray for Hollywood'' offer some nostalgic humor and some of the best moments on the album. The band features trumpeter Warren Vache, guitarist Ed Bickert, and saxophonist Scott Hamilton.
MOSE ALLISON ``Ever Since the World Ended'' (Blue Note BLJ 48015) - Pianist/vocalist/songwriter Allison again offers his irresistible mishmash of urban wisdom, country blues, and quirky jazz, mixed with gentle, ironic humor. He's joined by saxophonists Arthur Blythe and Bennie Wallace, among others.
