Play It Like That

Play It Like That is the second and final studio album by Australian pop group Bardot, released by Warner Music Australia on November 12, 2001.

The album peaked at number 16 on the Australian album charts and produced the singles "ASAP", "I Need Somebody" – both which placed top 5 on the Australian singles chart – and "Love Will Find a Way".

Background and release
Play It Like That was Bardot's first and only album as a four-piece, following Katie Underwood's departure in mid-2001. Underwood had recorded vocals on "ASAP" and the b-side "Hit 'N' Run" during the album's earlier sessions, however these vocals were removed after she left.

Recorded throughout 2001 in both Australia and the United Kingdom, Play It Like That presented a more sophisticated sound for the group with greater disco, UK garage, R&B and funk influences. Bardot worked with international producers Ray Hedges, Swedish production team Murlyn, and Ollie Jacobs. Locally they teamed up with Human Nature singer and producer Phil Burton, Michael D'Arcy, the Dowlut brothers, and Michael Szumowski. Members of the group co-wrote on four songs, which Sally Polihronas believed, “Because we’ve all put so much into this, into writing the songs and into creating a really great second album, it reveals a lot about who we are. I hear stories about myself, I hear Soph and Tiff and Belinda. So much of us is in there.”

In 2014, a demo likely recorded for the album called "He's Gotta Go" was uploaded to SoundCloud. Amanda Bloom is credited as songwriter with Michael D'Arcy credited as producer.

In January 2021, Play It Like That was released on vinyl for the very first time, along with Bardot's debut album, to mark the group's 20 year anniversary.

Commercial performance
The album was only a modest success compared to the performance of their debut, peaking at number 16 on the Australian album charts and spending seven weeks in the top 100. It earned gold status for shipments of 35,000 copies.

Critical reception
The album received positive reviews from critics. Herald Sun music editor Cameron Adams gave the album 3 stars, stating, "Bardot, more comfortable now being pop artists than just Popstars, get a big red elephant stamp for improvement with their second album." Ninemsn wrote, "they have served their apprenticeship, and deserve the success that they have worked hard for. Play It Like That will certainly launch them into the international circuit and turn heads." The Advertiser gave the album $3 1/2$ stars, stating "[Bardot's] greater musical input has paid dividends. The album has a fresher, more inspired sound." Australian music site Undercover believed the album was "a mighty creative leap [...] You are forgiven for placing nil expectation of a new Bardot album, but coming from that perspective Play It Like That is a real treat."