>DONT BE AFRAID OF THE DARK The leader's guitar and voice are the heart and the soul of this bluesy set by the Robert Cray Band. (Mercury-Hightone)
DREAM OF LIFE After a long hiatus, Patti Smith returns, none the less acute for wear. (Arista)
REG STRIKES BACK
Elton John mixes his commercial instincts with a sharper social conscience, trading glitz for—can it be?—relevance. (MCA)
SHOOTING RUBBER BANDS AT THE STARS Edie Brickell & New Bohemians' nifty debut is a reminder that there's more to Texas than armadillos and the Cotton-eye Joe. (Geffen)
THE TEMPLE OF LOW MEN The Australian band Crowded House gets a little more serious without sacrificing its pop touch. (Capitol)
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