The latest version of the naughty-but-nice vocal acts that nimbly straddle pop, R&B, and hip-hop, 3LW (Three Little Women) are part 'round the way girls and part li'l sisters. Along with hot beats, this trio has sass and attitude, which often count more than actual vocal ability. But these gals can sing, even if it's often in that somewhat whiny, plaintive tone so beloved in contemporary R&B. As might be expected from their finger-waggin' smash, "No More," much of 3LW's thematic fixation is on boys and their shortcomings. In fact, a good subtitle for this engaging and strong debut might be "more songs about boys and pagers," since it seems that the little women spend most of the CD tracking down loser men with various electronic devices. As is the case with most of these contemporary girl groups, though, 3LW are no victims. On the remix of "No More," which features Nas, the girls display a gritty, mature determination that might be worth exploring on their next effort. Amy Linden