Coverage

In a pop world where history is rarely acknowledged beyond whatever American Idol dishes out, Mandy Moore has discovered a stash of old records. The 19-year-old singer-actress who first appeared with 1999’s "So Real" has now decided to stretch her artistry with a dozen ’70s and ’80s touchstones. The results are mixed, but in the end Coverage is a success. Never over singing just because she can, but in proudly good voice, she brings worthy new shades to XTC’s "Senses Working Overtime," Todd Rundgren’s "Can We Still Be Friends" and Blondie’s "One Way or Another," while acknowledging the breakthroughs of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon . Whether she’ll continue to follow this path is unknown, but this CD is an achievement Moore can be proud of. --Heather Court