Album Review: Sheryl Crow – Evolution
2 min read
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and musical institution, Sheryl Crow has returned with a new release: Evolution. Her twelfth studio album was released through Big Machine and features production from award winning producer, Mike Elizondo and collaborations with Bill Brotrell and Jeff Trot. The album embraces a back-to-basics, rock-pop sound while exploring modern themes such as social media and AI.
The album begins with the upbeat, Alarm Clock which celebrates life in all its whirlwind glory. The squealing guitar riffs and overall structure is well-worn but well-executed. While the lyrics are a little trite, it’s a fun track that feels anything but tiresome. Do It Again continues with the theme of acceptance with the artist happily acknowledging her flawed reality and charting a journey of discovery, referencing influential figures such as Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chobra, and Buddha. The song’s overall message is to embrace the mystery, let go and let love in. The big-hearted, Love Life follows on nicely with warm melodies, magnetic vocals, and bluesy grooves.
Produced and co-written by Mike Elizondo, Evolution transports us back to the 90s. It’s an empowering track that challenges AIs ability to replicate us and become sentient. The mid tempo sound allows the vocals to flourish and adds emphasis to the dramatic chorus and rocking guitar solo from Rage Against the Machines Tom Morello.
The album slows down on the 6th track Where? which was co-written by Bill Brotell. The track features poetic storytelling, touching on the transcendent and philosophical. Don’t Walk Away is another gentle moment. The artist’s vocals are bright and vibrant; the piano work is subtle but effective; and the swooning violin adds depth.
Broken Record is a seriously retro sounding track that plays with the rock pop sounds of yesteryear. I hate to sound like the song’s title, but I enjoyed this. What could have been a tiring re-run of a dated format, is an uplifting homage to the tracks we all know and loved.
This out of retirement release is a clever one. Sheryl Crow plays to her strengths by leaving behind any pretensions and drawing on her long experience in the music biz. I found the songs to be fun, tight, and well-written. But for those less keen on the tongue-and-cheek approach, Evolution might sound little more than generic.
