IF there were an award for the most drawn-out solo career in music, Patti Scialfa would be a winner hands-down.

It took nine years for Patti to release her debut album, Rumble Doll, in 1993. Roll on another 11 years and here's album number two.

Of course, Patti's been busy meanwhile. Being Mrs Bruce Springsteen and a regular in the E-Street Band is likely to do that to you. There's plenty of quality here - be it Patti's throaty vocal, Nils Lofgren's shimmering guitars or the songs, plucked straight from the landscape of Lou Reed, Tom Petty and the Boss himself. Patti has a dash of Kim Carnes, a touch of Abra Moore and her voice touches the lyrics with warmth, affection and understanding. This is bluesy rock for the late-night afterglow - let's hope it is not 13 years until her next album.

Updated: 08:35 Thursday, July 08, 2004