CD REVIEWS

An occasional update of music releases

COUNTRY Collin Raye - Extremes (Epic): On ``Extremes,'' the third release from Collin Raye, the singer competes against a barrage of lily-gilding instrumentation. The producers know the tricks of their trade too well. The good news is that Raye still manages to assert himself. The twangy, tear-streaked ballads, ``Man of my word'' followed by ``A Bible and a Bus Ticket,'' should quickly gain airplay on country radio. Dance hall DJs will prefer the rowdy ``That's My Story,'' ``My Kind of Girl,'' and ``To the Border and Beyond.'' Raye is to be commended for his tasteful cover of Waylon Jennings's ``Dream My Dreams With You.'' Waltzes are too scarce on the dance floor. Despite its instrumental excesses, ``Extremes'' will add to Raye's stature as a country music up-and-comer.