* * * * <i> Great Balls of Fire</i> , * * * <i> Good Vibrations</i> , * * <i> Maybe Baby</i> , * <i> Running on Empty</i> : JOE GETS SERIOUS

* * * “WILL POWER.” Joe Jackson. A&M.; There was a time when Jackson was considered a sort of Elvis Costello Jr. With this album he’s closer to John (“Star Wars”) Williams. But the rocker-turned-serious-composer doesn’t come off as a dilettante or a show off--the guy can really compose! Working both as a solo pianist and with a variety of orchestral ensembles, Jackson demonstrates a flair for lovely melodic passages and unpredictable, often shimmering arrangements. The best selections, especially “No Passaran” and the title piece, evolve from simple musical ideas into stunning cascades of sound reminiscent of contemporary composer John Adams. But the lengthy, meandering “Symphony in One Movement” is as colorless and pretentious as the title suggests. Still, “Will Power” is a notable addition to an intriguingly diverse career that has included stabs at straight rock, ska/reggae, jump swing and suave Cole Porter-ish styles. What next, Joe?