On the Line
On the Line, a romantic comedy starring'N Sync's Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, is accompanied by this disc, which both consolidates the standing of some of the industry's biggest teen-poppers and singles out new Jive Records signings. New 'N Sync and Fatone tracks, along with the title cut (a summit meeting of Bass, Fatone,Mandy Moore, and others), offer little new, whileBritney Spears's "Let Me Be" points to her growing vocal maturity. Much more audacious is "My Hit Song," aMelissa Leftontune that displays aJosie and the Pussycats-style irony about the current star-making machinery. Along withVitamin C'sAbba-esque "Do You C What I C?" and the return ofRobyn("What It Takes") on "Say You'll Walk the Distance," it's a highlight. Adolescent country artistMeredith Edwardsadds to the project's synergy with a second version of Fatone's showcase, "Ready to Fall," whileAl Green's disco-fied remake of his "Let's Stay Together" is a puzzler, distinguished only by his joyous performance.--Rickey Wright