In Brief : Billy Falcon, “Pretty Blue World,� Jambco/Mercury.

The New Jersey rocker’s first album since a lengthy lay-off from recording may initially sound like little more than a skilled imitation of John Hiatt’s bittersweet tunefulness. But both men lay equal claim to having been inspired by personal tragedy, the death of a young wife. Falcon’s musical vision is so forceful that the influence of co-producer Jon Bon Jovi is barely discernible.

Rating: * * *