1. Lauryn Hill, ''The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill''(Ruffhouse)
The queen of the Fugees throws down a solo manifesto of personal, universal, and karmic import, singing and rapping her sly fusion of hip-hop, old-school soul, and reggae.
2. Herbie Hancock, ''Gershwin's World''(Verve)
With guests as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and Kathleen Battle fitting right in, pianist Hancock probes the influences behind Gerswhin's music, making this CD more than your usual tribute.
3. Belle & Sebastian, ''The Boy With the Arab Strap''(Jeepster/Matador)
Wimpy and proud of it, this press-shy pop combo from Scotland spins clever, pastoral tunes that
suggest a folky cross between the Velvet Underground and the Smiths.
4. Billy Bragg & Wilco, ''Mermaid Avenue''(Elektra)
From the melancholy to the mischievous, folk/country rebels from England and America unite to knit fresh musical clothes for Woody Guthrie's unpublished lyrics; a smart collaboration.
5. The Lounge Lizards, ''Queen of All Ears''(Strange & Beautiful Music)
New York's fringe-crawlers mature with impressionistic etchings of chamber jazz and world music.
6. Lucinda Williams, ''Car Wheels on a Gravel Road''(Mercury)
This country-rock veteran's singing can get drony, but her sensitive, scrappy songs are instilled with real-life truths.
7. Terry Callier, ''TimePeace''(Verve Forecast)
Boosted by cult status in England, a '60s soul-jazz folkie returns with a sublime, if dated, comeback of wisdom and sophistication.
8. Vince Gill, ''The Key''(MCA)
After his father's death and the breakup of his marriage, Gill unlocks tunes with more personal, roots-minded reverence than most mainstream country.
9. Matt Wilson, ''Going Once, Going Twice''(Palmetto)
A dialogue between jazz instruments and a farm auctioneer is just one of the irreverent, whimsical delights found on this cohesive second disc from Illinois-bred New York drummer Wilson.
10. Solas, ''The Words That Remain''(Shanachie)
Another inspired outing from a group keeping Irish traditional music fresh, undiluted by cameos from Bela Fleck and Iris DeMent.
Singles: ''Thank U,'' Alanis Morissette; ''The Rockafeller Skank,'' Fatboy Slim; ''Got the Life,'' Korn.
