NELLY FURTADO

“Loose”

(four stars)

Geffen NELLY Furtado wanted a lot from her third album, “Loose.” But mostly she desired a disc that wouldn’t tank like her good, but underappreciated, ’03 electronica offering, “Folklore.” This time, the Canadian singer hit the bull’seye with a record that’s different from most everything she’s done before. Nelly’s bought a ticket to urban pop and punched it with sexy lyrics.

Featuring key vocal collaborations with Latin superstar Juanes and hip-hop knob twirler Timbaland (who also produced), the album is edgy electro-funk that’s completely radio-ready. This disc is a major step in her artistic evolution, with complex lyrics matched with melodies that let the songs stand up to repeated spins.

And there’s musical variety.

She proves herself to be a nimble rapper (albeit in Portuguese) on the Reggaetoninfluenced “No Hay Igual”; she’s sweet on the lullaby “In God’s Hands”; and is the perfect bad girl on the hip-hop hoedown “Promiscuous,” which features a rare MC turn by Timbaland.

Furtado’s newfound devotion to youth culture is a polished, intelligent effort that will stand as one of the best records of 2006. Did someone say Grammy?

Download: “No Hay Igual”

FRANK BLACK

(three stars)

“Fastman Raiderman” (Back Porch) LIKE with his laid-back solo record, “Honeycomb,” Pixies frontman Frank Black continues in the same folkish country-rock vein on this doubledisc.

The 27-song CD has a harder edge, though, taking a few lessons at the Neil Young school of music.

Download: “Where the Wind Is Going”

GUSTER

(three stars)

“Ganging Up on the Sun” (Reprise)

WITH only one listen, Guster’s latest seem scattered and unfocused. But after a few spins, the band’s skilled melodies connect the dots. There’s a mature pop aesthetic and nice vocal harmonies.

Guster’s fifth album might be their breakthrough.

Download: “Satellite”

COUNTING CROWS

(three and a half stars)

“New Amsterdam” (Geffen)

UNLIKE the stiff “Across a Wire,” this one captures just how fine a concert band Crows is. They smoke through catalog hits and even toss in a good new song, “Hazy.” The band’s unusual electric/ acoustic attack conjures a real playful mood.

Download: “Holiday in Spain”