HIP-HOP

Flo Rida, "Wild Ones" (Atlantic)

Few rappers have adapted to dance music's takeover of popular hip-hop as well as Flo Rida. The Miami-area MC has long been a bit of a punching bag for serious rap fans, but his rapid-fire delivery and straightforward phrasing have proved a perfect fit for filling gaps between rave-y choruses. Nearly every song on his new album, "Wild Ones," clings to this blueprint like an Electric Daisy Carnival-goer trying not to lose those hot-pink fairy wings in a crowd. But "Wild Ones" has enough certain hits that its formulaic qualities seem to be the main features, not bugs, of this record.

"Wild Ones" has two of Flo's top 40-obliterating recent singles, "Good Feeling" (in which he hijacks Avicii's "Le7els") and the title track (known for a goopy chorus hook from Sia). They are to pop radio what Putin is to Russian government -- entities so pervasive and all-powerful that opposition can feel pointless. The rest is serviceable work for the clubland meat grinder, but only "Run," his collaboration with LMFAO's Redfoo (who is much better at this sort of toothy pandering), gets anywhere near actual fun.

AUGUST BROWN, Los Angeles Times

POP/ROCK

Blues Traveler, "Suzie Cracks the Whip" (429)

Blues Traveler takes a straightforward road to commemorate its 25th anniversary. The New York City blues-rock band delivers its characteristic sound, and takes no unexpected detours with its new album.

But it did break from convention and take along more passengers than usual -- outside songwriters who help bolster the internal work. Canadian Ron Sexsmith was the most prolific recruit; he worked with various band members on four tracks, including the melodic charmer "Love Is Everything (That I Describe)" and the smoldering mid-tempo "Things Are Looking Up."

Just as there are no twists and turns on "Suzie Cracks the Whip," there are also no ups and downs. Blues Traveler proves consistently serviceable, though a bit too manufactured-sounding at times, as on a "Cover Me" that sounds like a classic-rock B-side, the nondescript "Recognize My Friend" and the murky "Saving Grace" (written by Spin Doctors frontman Chris Barron).

Some good-not-great touches include the soulful harmonies offered by "American Idol" runner-up Crystal Bowersox on "I Don't Wanna Go" and a pale Santana spin on "Devil in the Details."

Nevertheless, the group also seems confident and at ease, creating at least a low-grade infection whether playing with a reggae lilt in the cadence of "All Things Are Possible" or making room for frontman John Popper's heartfelt piano-ballad closer, "Cora Let the Moon."

Blues Traveler performs Aug. 7 at the Minnesota Zoo.

CHUCK CAMPBELL, SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE