In Brief

* * 1/2 Various artists, “The Crying Game” soundtrack, EMI/SBK. Those who have seen the movie will understand why Boy George is the perfect choice to sing the moody, Pet Shop Boys-produced title song--easily George’s best vocal since the early Culture Club days. Half this soundtrack album is a collection of mostly pop and vintage R&B; tunes, featuring gems like Lyle Lovett’s irony-filled “Stand By Your Man” and the Blue Jays’ moody “White Cliffs of Dover.” The rest: enigmatic instrumentals.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).