For his sophomore solo effort, the singer/songwriter whose sure melodic instincts fueled Crowded House has teamed with Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, the dynamic duo who collaborated on a number of vintage Prince recordings. But the album, which also features guest spots by Sheryl Crow and guitar-pop savant Mitchell Froom, isn't as exciting as the talent that informs it. Wistful, shimmering tracks such as The Climber and Lullaby Requiem and the driving, Beatlesque Turn and Run prove that Finn hasn't lost his flair for lovely tunes and elegant arrangements. But other selections, while gracefully executed, fail to approach the levels of beauty or inspiration these musicians have reached previously. Still, they've made one of the better pop albums this season.

***