For those that don't know it yet, Patti Scialfa is Bruce Springsteen's partner not only in marriage, but in music as well as a member of the E Street Band. And while her own albums have been critically acclaimed, she took her time releasing them (her solo debut Rumble Doll was released in 1993 but her sophomore set 23rd Street Lullaby didn't come out until 2004). But her latest album, Play It As It Lays, might be her best album yet.

Actually, three years off isn't a REAL long time, but it doesn't matter because there are highlights upon highlights to be found on here, like "Rainy Day Man", "Bad for You" and the title track. And if "Like Any Woman Would" makes some females take offense, all I can say is: lighten up; it's just a song. Also good are metaphors like "Looking for Elvis" and "Town Called Heartbreak".

Speaking of that song though, the only reason I knocked off half a star is because the radio edit of it at the end of the album is unnecessary. Still, despite being only ten tracks in length, Play It As It Lays is a smooth album that will make you want to do just that.

Anthony Rupert