On their second LP, Huey Lewis and the News prove they can cut loose when they feel like it, but more often they make nice with a brace of soulful pop confections designed to subliminally tweak the ears of today's half-tuned-in Walkman and -woman. Which is not to detract from the considerable achievement here: these guys have managed to gather together so many competing currents in one place that Picture This is a virtual sampler of musical fashion. In the same tune you'll hear everything from Graham Parker to Pat Benatar ("Change of Heart"), from the Doobie Brothers to Squeeze ("Tell Me a Little Lie"). Oh, and not forgetting the Southside Johnny-meets-ELO of "Do You Believe in Love," the band's Top Ten single.

Really, though, Huey Lewis buries his best intentions at the end of each side. "Workin for a Livin" is a boot-stomping blue-collar anthem and "Buzz Buzz Buzz" an authentic piece of the rockabilly. A little more of that kind of straight-ahead rocking would serve this upscale journeyman well. (RS 370)

PARKE PUTERBAUGH