Moving to the Middle : CHECK LIST****<i> Great Balls of Fire</i> ***<i> Good Vibrations</i> **<i> Maybe Baby</i> *<i> Running on Empty </i>

***BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE. “Tighten Up Vol. ‘8.8” “These are the things that drive me crazy” was the keynote line of B.A.D.’s 1985 debut album. But leader Mick Jones’ days as a punk firebrand in the Clash are three years further removed now. On “Tighten Up,” Jones sounds like a man moving toward the middle of life with a determination to stay focused on the things that keep him sane. The third album from B.A.D. rings a bit hollow when Jones tries to apply a Clash-like, anthemic sound to his principal declaration of equanimity, “Other 99,” and to “Mr. Walker,” a poke at astrologers.

But the ex-firebrands do quite nicely when they burn with a more moderate spark. “Applecart,” the standout track, recalls vintage Kinks in its warm, sympathetic but clear-eyed portrayal of everyday people caught in the vise of everyday living. On “Funny Names,” B.A.D. tackles racism the way John Lennon might have near the end of his life: not with soapbox screaming but with a personalized reflection that’s gentle and bittersweet.

B.A.D., a dance band at heart, doesn’t neglect to get funky, notably on the Afro-Caribbean title song. “Tighten Up” may disappoint those who want Jones and company to soldier on as angry young men, but it hardly shuts its eyes to the real world and it makes a strong case for the validity of music played primarily for fun.