Comfy sonic sofa> Waterlilies’ `Tempted’ sounds like the future of dance music

“Tempted” (Sire/Reprise) — The Waterlillies

“Tempted,” the group’s second full-length album, finds the Waterlillies weaving many different sounds into a enveloping sonic sofa into which to settle, transporting the listener away from everyday concerns.

The Waterlillies combine the ethereal vocals of Jill Alikas with the synths and dubs of multi-instrumentalist Ray Carroll into a lush symphonic landscape.

Alikas’ soprano soars through a mixture of ballads and dance cuts. “Tempted” has a beat you can dance to, but also offers infectious mood music, substance as well as style.

If this is the future of dance music, bring it on.

“Stoned & Dethroned” (American) — The Jesus and Mary Chain

At first listen, this new album by the Scottish group sounds uncustomarily sunny. “Stoned & Dethroned” is noise-free, acoustic and melodious.

But hidden in the lyrics is the troubling darkness that Jim and William Reid are best known for. Consider this verse from “Save Me”: “Unholy/I feel sick and unholy/My soul don’t want to know me/I’ve been living like dirt.”

So while the music hooks the listener, there’s an underlying uneasiness, which take multiple playings to comprehend. Basically, these are unhappy dudes. Why else such song titles as “Dirty Water,” “Bullet Lovers,” “Hole” and “God Help Me.”

Also the album is a value, with 17 two- to three-minute songs. The Reids get in, express their sentiments, and get out.

So, while “Stoned & Dethroned” feels like 100 miles of bad road, it’s a trip worth taking.

“When Fallen Angels Fly” (Epic) — Patty Loveless

The Kentucky-born songstress returns with her second Epic album, which provides a mixture of what she does best.

There’s several heart-rending ballads about relationships forming and dissolving (“You Don’t Even Know Who I Am,” “Here I Am,” “Over My Shoulder”).

Then there’s Loveless’ other strength — the playful romp — represented by “Feelin’ Good About Feelin’ Bad,” “I Try to Think About Elvis” and “Old Weakness (Coming On Strong).”

While Loveless doesn’t break any new ground, there’s something to be said for consistency. And her big, aching voice makes consistency sound great.

“Around the Next Dream” (Virgin) — BBM

When this album opens, it transports the listener back to the `60s. It sounds as if Cream has returned.

That’s not surprisingly, since the BB in the group’s name refer to vocalist/bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker, two-thirds of that revered trio.

Filling the Eric Clapton/guitar god role in the trio is Gary Moore, formerly of Thin Lizzy. Moore was one of those who grew up listening to Cream, and it’s obvious he’s learned his lessons well.

This star trio is versatile on its debut album, mixing rock (“Waiting in the Wings,” “City of Gold”) and blues (“High Cost of Living,” “Wonder Why”) with more gentle tunes (“Where in the World,” “Wrong Side of Town”).

BBM promises great things to come, so hopefully “Around the Next Dream” isn’t a one-short deal.