• Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Sep 4, 2007
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Patti Scialfa's new album is characterised by an effective combination of earthiness and poise.
  2. Uncut
    60
    Scialfa's third is the most complete and satisfying of her career, the lyrical candor matched by the open-ended optimism of the band which weaves doo wop, gospel and rockabilly influences into a convincing whole. [Oct 2007, p.102]
  3. On Play It As It Lays, Patti "Mrs. Bruce Springsteen" Scialfa sounds like the typical wife of a captain-of-industry type from New Jersey: vaguely bored and unfulfilled.
  4. Q Magazine
    40
    Scialfa has surrendered and retreated into singer-songwriter orthodoxy, despite the appealing doo-wop backing vocals of 'Like Any Woman Would' and the lyrical twists of 'Black Ladder.' [Oct 2007, p.105]
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Negative: 4 out of 15
  1. Nov 21, 2021
    8
    Good rock album by Bruce Springsteen’s wife highly recommended feel like you’re on a ranch.
  2. PeterM.
    Dec 4, 2007
    9
    Complex and sophisticated lyrically, interesting arrangements covering a wider range of styles than most singers dare, and catchy tunes. This Complex and sophisticated lyrically, interesting arrangements covering a wider range of styles than most singers dare, and catchy tunes. This is an album that will grow on you Full Review »
  3. ZachH
    Nov 19, 2007
    1
    Absolutely horrible. How Patti got her own solo career or why Bruce even lets her sing on stage is way beyond me. The critics are full of it.