A veteran combines songs from two earlier releases.

And romantic balladeers share valentines in an adult compilation with a misleading cover image.

"Kori Kuni" by Kori Kuni; Hi Risk Records

• Genre: Adult contemporary.

• Distinguishing notes: Kori Kuni is a budding singer with a '50s- or '60s-style girl-group sound; while one song ("Sh-Boom") is a blast from the past, most of the other cuts are original but flavored with nostalgia. For variety, "Lovely" has a Jawaiian tempo. But Kuni also turns on the Hawaiian juice on a pair of tracks, "Ahulili" and "Puamae'ole," so she ultimately is a musical chameleon. She has Island musical pedigree: She's related to singer Paka Smith, kumu hula Alicia Smith and the late Loyal Garner.

• The outlook: Kuni is proficient with her material; the challenge is, to whom will this be marketed?

• Our take: An act and a release to watch — there's something special here.

"I Really Do" by Kori Kuni. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: Owana Salazar is one of the Islands' top wahine soloists — a singer and a guitarist of immense appeal. This collection compiles 11 tunes from 1985 and 1986 albums, so proceed with caution — you may already have the originals. Still, there are worthy songs that merit re-examination: a plain and simple "Na Wai," a fragrant and fragile "Pua Tuberose," a classic "Silhouette Hula." A quick highlight: her gently animated take on Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's "Kawailehua 'A'ala Ka Honua."

• The outlook: A pleasant stroll down memory lane for those who know Salazar's artistry; a keen introduction for new fans.

• Our take: A step back in time that reinforces a talent that continues to dwell on her Hawaiian heritage.

"Kula Morning" by Malani Bilyeu. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Adult contemporary.

• Distinguishing notes: This compilation of love ballads aimed at an adult audience that prefers valentine ballads over the upbeat boasts tracks by both well-known and budding talent, including Glenn Medeiros' "More Than You'll Ever Know," Forte's "I'll Be Yours," Ilona Irvine's "Why?," Moana Wolfgang's (of The Jets) "Even If," Justin Young's "A Gift," Chaz's "Madly" and Chrissy's "Tears of My Heart." A first-time duet of Medeiros and Irvine on "Love In Our Hearts" is made for radio.

• The outlook: The image of a single person (though participating artists are named) is misleading and could affect sales. In other words, the package does not fully indicate the various-artist format.

• Our take: If you're hungry for a mixed bag of love ballads, this one fits the bill.

"More Than You'll Ever Know" by Glenn Mederios. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

NOTE: A review in this space last week of Traci Toguchi's Christmas CD listed an incorrect title. The disc is "Midnight Christmas."