DIANA ROSS : “Workin’ Overtime.” Motown ** 1/2: <i> Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five stars (a classic).</i>

The problem with a lot of Diana Ross’ recent albums is that she didn’t try hard enough. Instead, she was content to coast on her name and her long track record of hits.

The problem with her new album--her first since returning to Motown after a seven-year absence--is that she seems to be trying too hard to sound contemporary and relevant, to beat Janet Jackson and Jody Watley at their own game.

The album was produced by Nile Rodgers, who supervised her 1980 smash “Diana.” On that album--which yielded the spunky hits “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out”--Rodgers helped Ross find a younger, fresher approach. On the hard-edged, techno/dance songs that dominate this album, however, Ross sounds strained--and a little desperate. At 45, she’s a bit too old to be singing such innocuous dance fare.

The album has a few bright spots, including one that shines very bright indeed: “Bottom Line,” a stylish, melodic pop song that deserves to be the album’s next single, following the funky but generic title track. Next time, Ross should relax and just be herself. She hasn’t remained a star for 25 years by imitating other singers--and this is no time to start.