Basia’s Travels: Sprucing Up Old Turf : *** 1/2: <i> Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five stars (a classic).</i> : BASIA / “London, Warsaw, New York” <i> Epic</i> : ** 1/2 EARTH, WIND & FIRE “Heritage” <i> Columbia</i>

On the best songs on her million-selling debut album “Time and Tide” two years ago, the Polish singer coolly meshed Brazilian jazz and pop, establishing herself as a dazzling re-creation of ‘60s bossa nova star Astrud Gilberto. Basia even did a better Gilberto than Sade, who’s been mimicking Gilberto since the early ‘80s. Basia, though, embellished that style, using it as a jumping off point to something more gritty and soulful.

Basia’s follow-up album, again co-written with Danny White (who co-produced the album with Basia), surpasses the first one, boasting more elegantly-crafted songs--most floating along on those sleek, intoxicating Brazilian rhythms.

Though she flaunts her soul chops on a gently funky version of Aretha Franklin’s oldie “Until You Come Back to Me,” it’s Basia’s jazz-style vocals that make this collection so outstanding. Her voice isn’t powerful, but rather slight and teasing. To add flavor, she often sings tantalizingly off-key. Her vocals are the showpiece of lush, loping numbers like “Cruisin’ for Bruisin’ ” and “Baby You’re Mine.”

Basia doesn’t break new ground with this album, but revitalizes and spruces up old turf--in the process coming up with the best pop-Brazilian album in years.