Donelly Brings Life and Texture to ‘King’ : BELLY, “King” <i> Sire/Reprise</i> ***

The Cambridge-based quartet’s leader, Tanya Donelly, had more than a decade of experience in Throwing Muses and the first version of the Breeders. But it was Belly’s 1993 debut album, “Star,” that exposed her effortlessly beautiful vocals and powerfully abstract lyrics, turning fairytale-ish images of puppet makers and squirrel girls into such alternative-rock hits as “Feed the Tree” and “Gepetto.”

While “Star” offered more immediately catchy hits and more intricately emotional moments, this second album is less ambitious and sensitive. Sonically, it pulls pretty basic rock punches in the form of predictable melodies and riffs, relying heavily on Donnelly’s voice for texture and life. The singer obliges with crystalline, daunting highs a la Emmylou Harris, and harmonies seemingly unreal in their purity.

Though not as strong as its predecessor, Donelly’s irresistible presence makes “King” a worthwhile album.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).