Many singers have failed to make the transition from cute teenage star to serious singer, but R&B/pop singer Mya pulls it off quite nicely. Her sophomore set signals maturity and a new, more substantial outlook.

Mya, who first rose to fame with her infectious chorus on Fugee member Pras' solo project, Ghetto Superstar, starts off edgy and street-savvy on the album's first single, the Swizz Beatz-produced "Best of Me" (RealAudio excerpt). The album version features Jadakiss of the Lox, while the new remix has Jay-Z on vocals. Both versions are getting heavy radio play.

Other possible singles candidates are the playful Robin Thicke and ProJay-produced "Takin' Me Over," featuring TLC's Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and "Lie Detector," featuring Beenie Man. On the smoothed-out romantic tip, there's the sexy ballad "No Tears on My Pillow," written by Mya and Thicke.

Further evidence of Mya incorporating grown-up themes with her little girl's vocabulary are the lyrics she co-wrote on the frisky, Wyclef Jean-produced "Pussycats" (RealAudio excerpt): "Pussycats keep it tight/ Even if they bark all night/ With a knick knack paddywack, don't give a dog a bone/ Cause if he hit it, you're gon' be all alone." There and throughout the album, Mya makes the transition to adulthood sound so easy.