And "Touch the World" is clearly an effort to regain Earth, Wind and Fire's commercial clout, which eroded in the late 1970's.

Like the free rock videos, black America's overseas reach is often backed by commercial clout.

So compared with the commercial clout of the continental magnums, they'll just have to be satisfied to remain as miniatures.

What this offered was a lesson in how lifeless design-by-committee is and how mere commercial clout cannot replace designer vision.

The poll's continuing faith in Ms. Bullock's commercial clout illustrates a discrepancy between Hollywood's idea of a movie queen and what the public wants.

She wants both commercial clout ("Surfacing" has remained in Billboard's top 10 since its release last month) and an artsy cachet.

Italy, with nowhere near the population or commercial clout of the United States, has four members.

In this case, though, Def Jam and its president will be promoting a rap star whose commercial clout has been called into questioned by Jay-Z himself.

Polymorphous and proud, most alternative music has always been torn between independence and commercial clout.

Beyond its commercial clout, Sundance has helped change the look and feel of independent films.