Pink Try This

By REBECCA BARRY

(Herald rating: * * * *)

It seems Pink's minders have finally learned to trust her. On her last album she went her own way and teamed up with forgotten singer Linda Perry of defunct band 4 Non Blondes, a risk that spawned the angsty multiplatinum breakthrough, Missundaztood.

This time she hooks up for nine of her third album's 14 tracks with Rancid's Tim Armstrong and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who beef up the songs with a ska-punk authenticity and a hint of Zeppelin. There are big pop hits, too — even the words "Daddy I hate you" in the catchy God is a DJ sound happy enough for the dancefloor, as does the upbeat Charlie's Angels anthem, Feel Good Time.

The best surprise though is her saucy collaboration with electro-trash queen Peaches on the breathy Oh My God, and some unexpectedly passionate soul on ballads Catch Me While I'm Sleeping and Love Song. If her last album was an emotional dumping ground, Try This is the garden that has sprung up in its place.

Label: Arista