LEWIS CRIES ‘FORE’

“FORE.” Huey Lewis & the News. Chrysalis. No one really expected Lewis to top his last album, the phenomenally successful “Sports” (1983)--one of the best pop-rock efforts of the middle ‘80s. Well, “Fore” isn’t as good as “Sports,” but it does have some redeeming qualities.

“Fore” doesn’t indicate that Lewis has grown much musically, though, in this case, that isn’t necessarily awful. His music is high-spirited, unpretentious, highly commercial, bar-band rock. He has a formula that he obviously doesn’t want to tamper with.

Three exceptional tracks, “I Never Walk Alone,” “Naturally” and “Hip to Be Square,” are the core of “Fore.” “Naturally,” a street-corner, a cappella number, is notable for its marvelous arrangement. But “Hip to Be Square,” with its snappy beat, frivolous lyrics, gospel-like fervor and a scintillating sax break, is by far the best song on the album.

Lewis’ albums are usually cluttered with schlocky material and this one is no exception. His current hit single, “Stuck With You,” is namby-pamby pop-rock. So are “Doin’ It for My Baby” and the draggy “Simple as That.”

Lewis’ voice--raspy with a limited range--seems much stronger and more assured than usual, which helps give the ordinary songs a little more appeal.