A Tip of the Hat to Country

** 1/2 GARTH BROOKS “No Fences” Capitol

Garth Brooks’ 1989 debut album was not only a hit in country circles, but climbed the pop charts with surprising ease--especially for one whose sound is thoroughly traditional.

The Oklahoma native’s follow-up has been doing a similar leap-frog up the pop and country charts. This one is a considerable improvement artistically, but more because of the weaknesses of the first--which sank musically under the weight of one hopelessly melodramatic song after another--than because of the modest yields of the second.

In “Fences’ ” best moments, Brooks’ woody baritone suggests several lifetimes of hard living. And he reveals a canny sense of style in a witty swing treatment of the Fleetwoods’ sappy old hit “Mr. Blue.” Still, the album suffers overall from as many predictable comeuppances to wrongdoers and rewards for do-gooders as an old Gene Autry movie. Give this sophomore effort a split decision for a few steps in the right direction and the promise it holds for its successor.