R&b

BLACKSTREET & MYA FEATURING MASE & BLINKY BLINK Take Me There (4:01)
PRODUCER: Karyn Rachtman
WRITER: not listed
PUBLISHER: not listed
Interscope 6474 (CD promo)
This first single from the "Rugrats" soundtrack oozes with appropriate innocence and, in fact, reeks with cute all the way through. Mya's lead vocal is plenty girlish and joyous, with solid, recognizable harmonies from Blackstreet. Mase's co-lead is crisp and fluid, while Blinky Blink provides a suitable, albeit requisite, rap in the midsection. This "rat-a-tat"-driven song is catchy enough to hook young audiences and just about tough enough to snare some interest from radio. Its best bet: young-leaning top 40 and R&B.

MARY J. BLIGE Beautiful (3:20)
PRODUCERS: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Mary J. Blige
WRITERS: J. Harris III, T. Lewis
PUBLISHER: not listed
Flyte Tyme/MCA 4261 (CD promo)
With each new release, Mary J. Blige seems to take a step forward in musical elegance and fortitude. This lovelorn single from the soundtrack to "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" is ever so satisfying, as the artist cuddles every line with a dramatic vulnerability we've not previously witnessed. You can almost envision her in the studio, waving her hands in the air and swaying to and fro as she channels the one she loves. Lyrically, it's all about unconditional love for her man and the strength it inspires in her. Pour a glass of wine, dim the lights, and ready yourself for a fine time. This one is aces.

Nicole (FEATURING MOCHA) I Can't See (4:20)
PRODUCER: Brian Alexander Morgan
WRITERS: B.A. Morgan, C. Loving
PUBLISHERS: A Stolen Peoples Music/Mo Lovin', ASCAP
Gold Mind/EastWest 7356 (CD promo)
This slow-jam thumper is the debut single for Nicole, who packs promise via her flexible, trend-conscious voice. The beat on this number is hard not to swing a little neck action to, but if that doesn't reel you in, there's no mistaking the background commentary from the ubiquitous Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, who served as the project's executive producer. There's little not to like about this well-constructed track. Love it, play it, and wait for the phones to ring. From the upcoming "Make It Hot."

THE JETS Sacrifice (3:30)
PRODUCER: LeRoy Wolfgramm
WRITER: L. Wolfgramm
PUBLISHER: Mike Chapman, ASCAP
Cold Front/K-tel 4208 (CD promo)
The Jets return after a lengthy absence with a sensual, all-grown-up R&B slow jam, guided by lots of electronic razzles and dazzles and a bass thump so intense that it could be heard miles away. "Sacrifice" features nicely harmonized male vocals, a far cry from the group's staple female-led late '80s ballads like "You Got It All" and "Make It Real." Lyric-wise, the Jets serve up a message of steadfast devotion, such as "Everything I have I'd sacrifice/Just to be close to you." A pleasant song that might reignite interest in this talented ensemble at adult R&B.