A Very Special Christmas 3, various artists (A&M)

With two well-received predecessors already in the racks, most listeners will want to know who's on this 1997 Speclai Olympics collection and how it compares to the other two. Answering the second question first, it's not quite as good as 1 but it's better than 2. The biggest weakness this collection has from the rock 'n roll standpoint is that most of the artists are a bit too reverent for their own good; everyone's too much on their best behavior this year. No Doubt wins the rockingest cut in a walk with "Oi To the World" against little competition. Still, there's plenty to like here. Smashing Pumpkins, Sheryl Crow and Blues Traveler turn in good performances, characteristic of their regular releases but not too solemn. Natalie Merchant breaks out with a gospelly "Children Go Where I Send Thee" and Sting's "I Saw Three Ships" is serious but sprightly. An all-star cast of rap stars take on Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" and blues prodigy Jonny Lang tears into "Santa Claus is Back in Town." Dave Matthews and Mary J. Blige perform original tunes, and the remaining artists, Steve Winwood, Tracy Chapman, Patti Smith, Chris Cornell and Enya all fall on the too-serious side of the ledger with their performances of Christmas standards. Overall, though, this is a worthwhile album.