SINGLE: THE BRIDGE

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Breathtakingly simple and heartfelt, "The Bridge" is Elton John's most affecting single in years. The first release from upcoming "The Captain and the Kid" (a concept album that bookends 1975's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy") is just John and piano with a touch of haunting vocal echo and a well-placed background layer. The lyric addresses human crossroads where tough choices are made: "Every one of us has to face the day/Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away?" John has certainly never lost relevancy with adults, but there is a sense of renewal and purpose here that is striking. One listen is enough to bring tears to sentimental eyes. So many years, so many songs, and this beloved artist still makes it matter. Splendid.

ARTIST: INDIA.ARIE

SINGLE: HEART OF THE MATTER (Universal Motown)

Like many of India.Arie's mind-stimulating songs, "Heart of the Matter" -- from third album "Testimony: Life & Relationship" -- is all about taking the high road. Her remake of Don Henley's 1991 top 25 hit intricately explores the benefits of forgiveness while embracing the uncertainty that accompanies it and the serenity that results. Arie perfectly conveys that complexity with her sturdy vocals, alongside transcendent cello plucks and piano taps. Radio may not latch onto this peaceful jewel, but one senses Arie couldn't care less.

ARTIST: CASSIE

SINGLE: LONG WAY 2 GO (Next Selection/Bad Boy/Atlantic)

R&B freshman Cassie follows her pandemic club-groove debut, "Me & U," with the cutesy midtempo "Long Way 2 Go," a nonsinger's effort with a juvenile lyric that warns prospective pursuers to work it with the right attitude. Perhaps in an attempt to tap into current pop trends, she mimics the playful rhyming style of Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" and Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous," both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100. But while those artists found ways to flow with the beat, Cassie's faint vocals seem to clash with her song's dizzying synths. Nonetheless, this cut's hummable melody and simple hook should give it enough edge for sizable pop and urban airplay.

ARTIST: SCISSOR SISTERS

SINGLE: I DON'T FEEL LIKE DANCIN' (Universal Motown)

With happy-go-lucky piano tinklings, courtesy of Elton John, that recall Andrea True Connection's "More, More, More" and the 4 Seasons' "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night), "I Don't Feel Like Dancin"' is wickedly retro. But like the Killers and other acts that mine sounds and rhythms that came before them, Scissor Sisters keep their feet in the real time of 2006. The lead single from the band's sophomore album, "Ta-Dah" (due September 26), "Dancin"' is decidedly pop. Period. Of course, this could pose a problem on top 40 radio, which continues to favor rock and hip-hop. Perhaps, though, with something as hip and fun as this, top 40 programmers will feel the need to expose listeners to that which they don't yet know they need.

ARTIST: DEEP SIDE

SINGLE: LET'S MAKE LOVE (Jive Records)

New Jive male quartet Deep Side (which released an indie CD in 2002) may be reminiscent of the days when boy bands ruled the charts with potent vocal meshing, but these Floridians are no kids. Witness panting first single "Let's Make Love," which offers to "release your tension" "til the sweat starts pouring," along with other suggestive commentary. Posturing aside, the guys prove themselves worthy chart contenders with a damn catchy major-label debut. Lyrically, the sexually charged track oozes with convincing swagger, making for a hot enough ride, but Rude Boi, Penny, Pretti Sly and Mike Ezay have the vocal ease to back their promises. Ingeniously crafted and addictive the first time through, "Love" is one rousing romp. Lablemate R. Kelly contributes, but such props are hardly required.

ARTIST: BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

SINGLE: CONCRETE JUNGLE (Roadrunner Records)

Single "Concrete Jungle" pre-empts Black Label Society's new record, "Shot to Hell," arriving September 12 on Roadrunner. Bandleader Zakk Wylde conjures images of a smoke-filled concert stage as he revs the track with a squalling diesel whine and murky undertones. He steps out of the smog with the typically gritty BLS sound of metal-braised guitar, a lyric about fighting for survival in a psycho-filled world and his trademark gravelly voice, which gets another raspy layer from a vocoder. Unlike the band's other songs, this track is extremely tight and to the point, giving it the feel of a demo. Even Wylde's guitar solo is abbreviated -- he quickly scratches it off instead of letting the notes sprawl. You'll hear "Concrete Jungle" blasting from cars en route to a Saturday-night beer jag (along with a brawl or three).

ARTIST: AKIL DASAN

SINGLE: THE JAWN (The Timeless Talent Group)

Hip-hopper Akil Dasan doesn't need an outrageous grill to show his musical worth. When he unleashes one of his tongue-twisting raps, you hear the gold in his mouth. And forget about rudimentary, overproduced loops and samples. The Philadelphia native eschews them for lounge-smooth soul that's rife with funky beats and -- praise God -- melody. "The Jawn" exemplifies Dasan's lightening-quick syncopations (their speed and precision put him in league for a throwdown with Eminem) and his quest for positivity. He disavows the rapper stereotype that spews "repellent, negative messages" and theorizes, "Instead of stayin' home raisin' the youth/We raisin' the roof." The timing is right for Dasan to crash hip-hop's over-hyped party. But can his fresh approach slip past the cognocenti's velvet rope?

Reuters/Billboard

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