Karyn White’s ‘Ritual’ Is Simply Unceremonious : * 1/2 KARYN WHITE “Ritual of Love” <i> Warner Bros.</i>

White has been off the recording scene since 1988--that’s the year when the L.A. Reid- and Babyface-produced hit singles “Superwoman” and “The Way You Love Me” heralded her arrival as one of soul music’s most arresting young talents.

Unlike other dance-oriented dilettantes whose success seemed directly tied to their photogenic good looks, White was immediately taken seriously by fans and critics. She could really sing . That she also had a video-friendly appearance was just a plus in her favor.

On this follow-up project (in stores now), White teams with the usually idea-packed Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. But the writers-producers credited with having helped create Janet Jackson’s polished, self-assured image haven’t been nearly as helpful to White.

“Ritual of Love” is largely devoid of the distinctive personality and individuality that marked White’s debut album. With the exception of “Hooked on You,” a sinuous, Prince-like percolator, and “Walkin’ the Dog,” a funky, funny swipe at men of the less-than-loyal persuasion, this is a record so nondescript that it almost makes you forget why White seemed to possess such potential in the first place.

Back in 1988, White looked like someone who aspired to be a major player in the contemporary R&B-pop; arena, and she has certainly been marketed accordingly. While White has the vocal chops and charisma to go the distance, on this album she’s afflicted with the same malady that affects so many of her other gifted peers: the inability to tell the difference between dreck and songs that are actually worth recording.