In Brief

* * * Nanci Griffith, “Flyer,” Elektra. As usual, the Texas folksinger with the childlike voice has collected a flock of musicians to help convey her gentle songs. The difference is the considerable commercial clout of such guests as members of Counting Crows, U2 and R.E.M. Maybe Griffith will finally be propelled into the spotlight--where she belongs.

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