***THE RANCH

(Capitol)

You've got to listen deep -- eight cuts -- before the Ranch rise above the contemporary-country cookie-cutter pop pack. But do it, because leader Keith Urban's trio are credible young talents. With the playful imagery of "Hank Don't Fail Me Now," it's almost as if a new album had begun, full of smart, sentimental ballads that transcend the glibness of Nashville pap and one scorching guitar instrumental ("Clutterbilly") that marks Urban as the hottest twangmasters to come along since Pete Anderson. With one foot in the tear-in-yer-beer classics, one in rock, and another (hey, that's three feet!) kicking up the folkie turf of America (remember "Horse with No Name"?), Urban find plenty of scenery for their strong but wistful vocal melodies to chew. And there's enough raw talent for the Ranch to take a big bite out of the charts.

-- Ted Drozdowski