After spending the late '80s as a duo consisting of Ronald and Rudy Isley, the Isley Brothers become a trio again with Rudy's departure and the return of siblings Ernie and Marvin.

Though not on a par with such classic '70s albums as Go for Your Guns, The Heat Is On and Showdown, Tracks of Life is a solid and respectable collection that benefits greatly from Angela Winbush's contributions to the songwriting.

Ron sounds genuinely inspired on everything from the driving synth-funk of "Get My Licks In" and "No Axe to Grind" to sexy ballads and slow jams like "Bedroom Eyes," "Sensitive Lover" and "Lost in Your Love." With its subtle references to bondage, "Whatever Turns You On" is tastefully kinky.

To be sure, the CD has its flaws -- Ron and Winbush's producing could have been less high-tech, and it's disappointing that a guitarist as magnificent as Ernie has so little room.

But on the whole, the album makes it clear that in the '90s, the Isleys could still captivate.