This schizophrenic album is a primer on today's hip-hop/R&B scene: the good, the bad, and the Fugee. Wyclef Jean's gorgeous reggae-tinged title song and three funky cuts by Rodney Jerkins showcase the 35-year-old Houston in all her creative, soulful maturity. In contrast, a trio of schmaltzy Babyface-produced tunes expose her as merely a gifted interpreter of bland radio- ready fare. This unevenness makes Houston's greatest "Love" of all the season's best argument for programmable CD players.

Grade: B+ --