When it comes to straight wailing power, there aren't many more ferocious than Kelly Price. The only vocalist to emerge in recent years who actually deserves to be compared to Aretha, Price does nothing less than electrify when her magnificent instrument wraps around the right material. Problem is, these serendipitous moments don't happen nearly as much as they should on Mirror Mirror, her sophomore effort. The best tracks--the stunning remake of Shirley Murdock's "As We Lay"; "Can't Run Away", a low-down, no-diggety-style funk; and "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", a show-stopping gospel number--display the diva at the top of her game--poised, passionate, and potent. Yet the remaining tunes never rise above standard minor-key ballad fare, and find Price belting monotonous melodies that short-change both her as an artist, and us as listeners. --Sylvia W. Chan