The melancholy piano introduction to Gravity's Rainbow, Pat Benatar's 11th studio release, is titled "Pictures of a Gone World." Though this brief composition fits the album's themes – tranquillity is past, turmoil reigns – it also refers to the singer's career. So you thought her out-of-left-field blues recording True Love (1991) made her wimpy? "World" ends with a forceful slam of the keys, segueing into a rock track.

Benatar the rock diva still can be heard – but she is older, wiser and socially aware. Instead of issuing threats like "You Better Run" and "Treat Me Right," Benatar is now troubled by passivity and alienation. What sets her apart from other former rebels with a cause is her delivery. "Disconnected" shows that she knows how to pack a punch, and its sizzling instrumental break showcases the band – husband and co-producer Neil Giraldo on guitar, Frank Linx on bass and Myron Grombacher on drums. It's a headbanger.

"Everybody Lay Down" is a rhythmic anthem, the type of melodic hard rock that remains Benatar's winning formula. In fact, it's so catchy that the irony of the lyrics may be lost: "Everybody give up ... nobody hang tough." The simplistic "Somebody's Baby" isn't as sly in its statement that every homeless person was once cared for as an infant. While relying on maternal instinct for social commentary has worked for Benatar in the past ("Hell Is for Children," "Suffer the Little Children"), the song's message soon grows tired.

Gravity's Rainbow is evenly divided between assertive and gentle tracks. Every Time I Fall Back" extols emotional support, while "You and I" – more lullaby than power ballad – notes that "nothing matters more." Benatar may feel snubbed by the reaction to True Love, but she's learned how to compromise: The acoustic "Rise (Part 2)" has a bluesy back-porch feel, and "Crazy" jumps and swings without sounding dated. Her voice is in great shape – that was never the problem. Benatar is capable of performing blues, opera and cabaret material, but she merely comes across as studied. The real truth is in the delivery, and with Gravity's Rainbow, Benatar sounds genuine once again. (RS 666)

ANDREA ODINTZ