Teddy Serves Notice : CHECK LIST****<i> Great Balls of Fire</i> ***<i> Good Vibrations</i> **<i> Maybe Baby</i> *<i> Running on Empty </i>

***TEDDY PENDERGRASS. “Joy.” Elektra. Talk about comebacks! Six years after an auto accident that left him partially paralyzed, Pendergrass hit the top of the R&B; chart with the title song. It’s a heartening return to form for the singer, whose ‘70s hits owed as much to his virile, sexy image as to his gruff, impassioned vocals. The accent is still on romance here, but Pendergrass’ singing isn’t quite as intense as it was in the days of torrid hits like “Close the Door” and “Turn Off the Light.” That smoldering style has been replaced by a sleek, sophisticated sound that recalls the urbane elegance of Luther Vandross’ best work. If the album doesn’t quite have the galvanizing force of Pendergrass’ old hits, it certainly serves notice that he is ready to take on any and all of the challengers to his throne as the king of romantic R&B.; Move over, Vandross, Freddie Jackson and Alexander O’Neal. The master is back.