AARON NEVILLE “. . . To Make Me Who I Am” A&M; * * 1/2

Neville has one of the most distinctive voices in pop music, but much of the material he has recorded as a solo artist has been weighed down by generic, adult-contemporary arrangements and production values. On his new album, the singer works with some writers and producers who specialize in making middle-of-the-road pop and R&B; as tasty as possible--among them Diane Warren, Tony Rich and Babyface. But ultimately these songs get interesting only when Neville transcends the polite prettiness around him by searching his own soul.

The album’s centerpiece is the title track, a moving ballad co-written by Neville, who infuses the sentimental lyrics with all his experience and tender conviction. “Yes, I Love You” and the Rich-produced “What Did I Do (To Deserve You)” are breezier but equally felt; both convey the wonder and spiritual contentment of a man who’s been lucky in love, without overstatement. In contrast, two romantic duets with Linda Ronstadt--including an absolutely sacrilegious version of the Ewan MacColl gem “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”--seem fluffy and glib. But don’t be surprised if they become the hits.

*

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