Jordan Knight
On his first solo album, formerNew KidJordan Knight turns in a surprisingly stylish record that, though hardly unflawed, makes a convincing case for him as a grownup pop singer in the tradition ofGeorge Michael. (Or perhaps that ofRobert Palmer, to whom Knight bears a remarkable vocal resemblance. Of course, Palmer hasn't been this with-it since the new-wave days ofClues.) The R&B; stylings of the disc's first few numbers make for its most convincing music; "A Different Party" could actually draw a crowd to the dance floor. Less successful, if well-enough sung, are the ballads that fill most of the second half's space. It's a relief when a lively but pedestrian95 Southremix of the first cut, "Give It to You," appears at the end. Still,Jordan Knightshould earn its namesake some of the cred he obviously wishes for.--Rickey Wright