Big-Voiced Alison Moyet's two solo albums since the end of her inspired partnership in Yazoo, with Vince Clarke – who worked with Moyet between stints with Depeche Mode and Erasure – are characterized by if-onlys and coulda-beens: If only she had found another partner who understood her vocal gift, and if only she had progressed from Clarke's synth soul to the real horn- and guitar-driven thing instead of dinky Swain-Jolley electro-pop, she could have been at least the equal of Eurythmic Annie Lennox, if not a British Aretha.

Fortunately, the third time has proven the charm. In producer and co-writer Pete Glenister, Moyet has finally found someone capable of providing the musical guts she had been missing. It's a combination that stakes out its own territory, and yet, perhaps not coincidentally, often recalls the Lennox-Dave Stewart pairing. The opener, "Footsteps," sets the tone with a sexy guitar riff and punch-out horns; the soulful, poppy "It Won't Be Long" follows. From there it's a rewarding mix of ballads and rockers, each smart and seductive.

But Hoodoo's magic is not just Glenister's doing; Moyet wasn't blameless for past failures, so she deserves credit for this success. There's a gospellike confidence and maturity to both her singing and her lyrics, underscoring a sense of personal discovery and independence. Now the only if-only is the wish that these two had found each other years ago. (RS 612)

STEVE HOCHMAN