In the '80s, singing "Hip to Be Square," Huey Lewis illegitimately bestowed the crown of cool on partying yuppies. Oldschool rockers scoffed; punks found the oldster irrelevant. His well-washed minions, however, guzzled him like Jagermeister. The News were a first-rate bar band; Lewis' singing was less notable than his jockish geniality. Now Huey returns with a tribute to fundamental rock & roll – Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, Don Covay. On "Searching for My Love," "Stagger Lee" and "Blue Monday" he radiates, as always, pro charm – while forgoing almost all of the subtlety, passion and hidden hurt these astonishing songs still can convey. (RS 684)

PAUL EVANS