(Capitol) It's been seven years since Rosanne Cash released her last album, 1996's 10 Song Demo. Unfortunately, a polyp on her vocal chord kept her temporarily sidelined from singing, but through vocal therapy, she's been able to recover her singing voice. Although she was unable to sing, it didn't stop her from writing, and she brings these songs with her on Rules Of Travel, showing she's one of today's most gifted singer/songwriters. With the exception of three songs (Beautiful Pain, Hope Against Hope and Three Steps Down), all of the other songs on Rules Of Travel are written by Rosanne, or co-written with husband (and the album's producer) John Leventhal. Guest vocalists on the album are Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow and Teddy Thompson.

Rosanne's musical style has always defied genre, and it's impossible to pinpoint any one particular sound. The sounds encompass hints of country, alt-country, roots rock, pop, folk, a touch of R&B. The only constant running through the album is a sense of melancholy, even on the more upbeat melodies, which combined, make Rules Of Travel a hauntingly beautiful effort.

Rosanne takes us on a journey exploring the complexities of adult relationships that touch on heartache, insecurities, longing, losing, taking chances, and glimpses of mortality. She tackles her subject matter in reflective, quieter moments as in the haunting "44 Stories," the melancholy ache of "Will You Remember Me?" and "Western Wall," as well as by way of more upbeat, defiant moments in an alt-country/roots-rock vein, such as the terrific "Closer Than I Appear."

"I'll Change For You," with Steve Earle, works particularly well with it's hypnotic beat, where Steve's gruff vocals are a perfect balance to Rosanne's sweet clarity. The title track "Rules Of Travel" is another highlight, with it's catchy melody and hooks, heavy guitars packing a punch, and has Rosanne delivering some of the album's strongest vocals. "Three Steps Down" has a dark, brooding melody with outstanding harmonies by Teddy Thompson. Rosanne delivers another strong performance with some soulful vocals to match the soulful melody on "Last Stop Before Home."

Though every song on Rules Of Travel is a winner, this leaves the album's most stirring highlight, the lovely "September When It Comes," her duet with dad, Johnny Cash. This one alone is worth the price of admission. The song's lyric's are achingly poignant, and the contrast between Rosanne's gentle and comforting vocals and Johnny's now wobbly, raspy voice, a shadow of what it once was, can't help but move you, especially when Johnny sings the lyrics:

"I plan to crawl outside these walls
Close my eyes and see
Fall into the heart and arms
Of those who wait for me
I cannot move a mountain now
I can no longer run
I cannot be who I was then
In a way, I never was"

The bond of love between father and daughter never sounded stronger than when they alternate lines in the verse:

"When the shadows lengthen and burn away the past
They will fly me like an angel to a place where I can rest
When this begins I'll let you in
September when it comes" 

Her previous vocal problems have not effected Rosanne's gentle and lovely voice at all, and in all honesty she sounds stronger than ever. She stays within her range, and masterfully uses it to convey the emotions of her songs. The subtle and often moody arrangements further enhance her songs. Rosanne Cash has become a very gifted songwriter, preferring somewhat abstract imagery, rather than taking the direct route, often only hinting at things that leave it up to the listener to determine. Rules Of Travel is a strong album of intelligent, rootsy yet genre bending music for grownups, and the most welcome return of Rosanne Cash to the music scene after far too long an absence.