Record Review: Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow - 100 Miles From Memphis 3.5/5

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100 Miles From Memphis finds Crow in a state of bliss, exploring the very sounds that influenced her as a girl growing up in Missouri. Infused with soul, r&b, and even a bit of reggae, Crow sounds right at home. Collaborations provide some of the most enjoyable highlights with Justin Timberlake on "Sign Your Name", a Terence Trent D'Arby cover, remade in the model of Al Green and Keith Richards on "Eye To Eye", where Crow shows off her reggae swagger.

The album's opener "Our Love Is Fading, sets off a record that feels like Crow pulled the sounds straight out the 1970s. Throughout Crow finds upbeat grooves, horns at every corner and hook heavy chorus' like that of lead single "Summer Days", and "Peaceful Feeling". The disconnect comes with Crow's thinner than usual vocals, and the purposely impure production, though refreshing, Crow seems to fade out against her instrumental backing, like that of her Aretha-flavored "Stop".

It's an imperfect record, but an enjoyable and refreshing experience, that more often than not reaps the reward of Crow's experiment with the very sounds that have shaped one of rock's best female artists.

Single Selections: Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow - Summer Day 4.5/5

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With Motown soul in its veins "Summer Day," is the definition of a classic summer pop song. Crow not only reminds us why we love her, but scores another summer single. Kicking Katy Perry's "California Gurls" ass right off the stage. It's pitch perfect for a summer day with friends and a beer. Enough said.

Gentlemen Husbands - Family Economics 4/5

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These Cobourg, Ontario natives channel rock infused with a bit of blues with surprising authority. Their lyrics speak to their blue collar surroundings with real depth and endless energy. It's good old rock, no doubt.

Brandon Flowers - Crossfire 2.5/5

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It's apparently en vogue for every mid-level rock band's lead singer to produce a solo record, following Kele of Bloc Party, and Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, into the fray. "Crossfire" fits into the Killers Sam's Town vain, but doesn't make much a splash for Flowers as a solo artist. But it leaves you wondering does Brandon Flowers really need The Killers or are The Killers really just Flowers?

Fefe Dobson - Ghost 2/5

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After a much delayed return, the synth driven, rock/pop Ghost hints at a more mature Fefe without straying too far from her signature angry snarl, wronged by another dirt bag. We were hoping for more of "Watch Me Move."

Maroon 5 - Misery 4/5

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"Misery" reads like its predecessor "Makes Me Wonder," with decidely more perky pop, funky bass lines, and a catchy chorus. Like it or not, the boys of Maroon 5 know how to hit the pop G-spot!