Red Letter Year is Ani's 20th album in 18 years. This does not include her EPs or recordings with other artist. For those who think her sharp tongue has softened just because she's a mother now, read the lyrics.

“Let the religious get religion, let consumers get a clue, let scientist get perspective, let activist get their due, let industry get a conscience, let the earth inherit the meek, let the divinity of nature speak,” taken from "The Atom," a critique of religious fundamentalism and anti-nuclear diatribe. On "Star Matter," she trades her distinct guitar chops for a more relaxed jazz sound. Guest musician John Hassle's gentle trumpet provides the perfect landscape for Ani and her tenor guitar.

Ani is known for pushing the envelope. When she started wearing lip stick the ostensibly feminist fans had a fit. Well, she has outdone herself this time. She went and had a baby. Motherhood has indubitably changed her perspective on life, as she sings "I don't mind the gas or the groceries or the grind, long as I'm with you. I'm having a good time," on the track "Smiling Underneath."

For those who have been following her through her journey of life, the current collection is a perfect representation of the folk singer's contentment and happiness with motherhood and life. But don't count her out. When need be, she's there to speak her mind.

"For some reason all these interviewers think that edgy and mother don't fit into the same box?" she said at a recent performance.

Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars.

For more info go to: www.righteousbabe.com/ani