**1/2 Various

WORK OUT!

(Atlantic)

Assembled by Interview magazine's Peter Galvin along with Johnny "D" DeMairo, this 12-track compilation goes as far as a disco mix featuring nothing but hits can go. Which means that though promises are fulfilled, they're rarely exceeded. The ups and downs of big club hits like Ruffneck's "Everybody Be Somebody," Le Click's "Tonight Is the Night," Fun Factory's "Close to You," and Jomanda's "Make My Body Rock" happen right on time, and DeMairo's self-effacing mixing style ensures no late arrivals. Because his taste and Galvin's embrace lots of melody and happy big beats, the mix features sweet flavors: Full Intention's "America (I Love America)," Jimmy Somerville's "Heartbeat," the Waterlillies' "Never Get Enough" (with a tension-filled remix by Junior Vasquez), and the CD's one true triumph, the Braxtons' queenish version of Diana Ross's "The Boss." The Braxtons' ferocious harmonies almost pierce the CD's candy-coated veil; but then it's back to walking on candy -- and only the brand names. (The album is designed for exercise workouts and includes an instructional booklet.)

-- Michael Freedberg