Sheryl Crow

I was excited about this album since it reunites Sheryl Crow with her "Tuesday Night Music Club" producer. It has that same sound but not as much heart. Compared to her other albums, its got some spunk for sound but no brains behind the rhymes. The lyrics come off sounding like something from an 8th grade poetry notebook. She makes lyrical points in anticipation of being criticized but does little to flesh out her agenda in the song writing. After multiple listens (the music is catchy), the lyrics keep leaving me feeling like there was a rush to get this on the shelves. Also, I found the oversimplification of our recent history presented with such singular logic that it weakened the message of peace that is at the heart of this album (the title track tries to abstract 9/11 in a shamefully self-serving way). And for that, I see no value in the music, in the art, nothing substantive to connect to like in her previous albums.

I am a big fan of sheryl crow, and I would say this is her best cd yet. The lyrics are intelligent, insightful, and bold--as is the music. I can listen to this cd over and over again without tiring of it. Highly recommended.

I'm not that big of a fan of Sheryl Crow like some people, but her last album (Wildflower) really made an impression on me, so I was looking forward to hearing her next offering.

I'm now very glad that it was of no cost to me to listen.

The way I see it, music is supposed to catch the ear first, the sensibilites later. Crow has given her fans plenty of listening pleasure in the past but with "Detours" my expectations were figuratively deafened from the sheer number of production misfires contained within the album. I ultimately don't think much of it and here's a blow-by-blow of the reasons why.

The album opens with "God Bless This Mess", which runs on a little too long - this is the type of song that should be short and sweet but it goes on for over two minutes, the acoustic guitar annoyingly repetitious with hardly any chord changes and the audio effect of it sounding like an ages-old recording is a bit strange. "Shine Over Babylon" is the real opener here with its rousing chorus that crescendos nicely and it segues quickly into "Love Is Free". It's obvious why this song was chosen as the first single to be released from "Detours" - it's the best song the album has to offer, the most radio-friendly and it echoes of her past hits (think "Soak Up The Sun", "All I Wanna Do"). "Peace Be Upon Us" is the first song that notifies its listener that this isn't your typical Crow album. Though it starts off admirably upbeat, her duet with vocalist Ahmed Al Hirmi is a strange choice - oddly enough, it all works somehow. The song features Arabic lyrics and at one point Crow wails with Al Hirmi like a devout Muslim calling out to Allah. "Gasoline" has some amusing and biting lyrics, touching upon America's dependence on foreign oil with an acerbic wit, but doesn't quite work as a song; Crow does a Johnny Cash-like recitation rather than full-out singing through most of it.

The tempo of "Out Of Our Heads" just doesn't seem to fit the melody - this song should've been a ballad and the result is a composition that confuses and grates the nerves. Actress Rosanna Arquette is a backing vocalist on this track, making it even more of an anomaly. The song "Detours" rolls along and as the title track is the least noticeable of all the 14 songs contained on this album.

Well, that's tracks 1-7 thus far and the second half of the album redeems little of the first. "Now That You're Gone" retreats back to some of the best of Crow's territory with its soulful, easy tempo and "Drunk With The Thought Of You" is another goodie. Starting off promisingly is "Diamond Ring" which lazily winds on a bluesy beat but it's painfully obvious that parts of the song are out of Crow's vocal range because she's really pushing it on the chorus. This is a woman who is primarily an alto and the repetition of the high-octave refrain has her voice horrendously straining and breaking, effectively killing the entire song. "Motivation" doesn't really have motivation (how ironic) - the lyrics are facetious but empty and the accompaniment is spiritless and unoriginal, making it ultimately forgettable.

I understand that "Make It Go Away (Radiation Song)" is a deeply personal song for Crow and was written at a time of despair and uncertainty while she was being treated for breast cancer. Despite this, it still doesn't resonate the way it should and Crow sounds utterly whiny further on into the track. "Love Is All There Is" isn't noteworthy in the least. "Lullaby For Wyatt" is surprisingly sweet without any of the schmaltz one might expect; it's a really beautiful song on an album full of generally trivial and lackluster compositions.

Bottom line: "Detours" arrangements and lyrics are a little off the beaten path at times and regrettably the album suffers for it. Crow is a good lyricist but this isn't her best work (her writing and arrangement on 2005's "Wildflower" rivals this) and from the sounds of it, she has hit a musical detour. Where this album was intended to go, I don't know. Here's hoping her next one arrives at a better destination.

Detours being Sherry Crow's latest release is a good release that is a bit too political. As anyone whom has read my reviews knows, I have a big aversion for political music. Political music often becomes politics light. Meaning that it dumbs down politics to one liners. Sometimes I get the felling that Crow is trying to hard. Like on the song Peace be Upon Us. The lyrics sound pressed and forced. The social commentary also falls flat many times. Like on the track Gasoline. The book-let is really nice. Crow in many different poses in different outfits that actually looks like she would wear. I like how we get the information of who played what instrument. The lyrics are also presented in an easy to read font. 3/5.

Sheryl has outdone herself on this one. All the songs are lyrical as usual, but the lyrics have alot more to them this time. This is her political protest and she has used this venue well to voice her opinions for an end to the war and our dependence on gasoline. Even a simple ballad like 'God Bless this Mess" has a very poignant message about our current administartion. The "Peace Be upon us" with the Arabic is over the top. She has employed her gift to relay some heartfelt and importatant messages. Viva la Sheryl!

Apart from Sheryl Crow's always fine vocals and a few very good tracks, there is little of the usual Crow to be found on this Christmas release.

Only two tracks stand out from the predominantly mainstream Christmas moods which characterize this album which really does not sound very inspired.

Crow's only original song "There is a Star that Shines Tonight" is a very fine song though, and helps on the overall uninspired impression, if the listener has not already lost interest at this point, since it's the penultimate song on the CD. The heavy strings put on the second part of the song are really unnecessary and I think the song would have better without them.

The CD's absolute peak, however, is the last track, the beautiful traditional "All Through the Night". It seems this song is the only track that has been given a new and original approach.

The rest of the CD is rather ordinary mainstream interpretations of traditional songs and carols, in several cases arranged like Patsy Cline in the early 1960s.

Why Crow chose to re-record "Blue Christmas" is a mystery - her previous version was much more fresh and actually sounded as a Sheryl Crow song.

If you like traditional Christmas music this CD could easily be something for you; if in contrary you are looking out for new original Sheryl Crow music with her personal edge, you will probably be disappointed with this release.

I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that Sheryl Crow had released a christmas cd. I now just finished listening to it and let me tell you, it is an excellent cd from beginning to end. As for those who say to avoid "O Holy Night", it's not that bad. I mean, she doesn't have the kind of voice you are used to hearing sing this song, but I still think she sings it pretty well.

What a voice! Great album! Sheryl and Christmas together - Why didn't this happen sooner??

As a big fan of Sheryl Crow's music and of holiday music, I was really looking forward to this album. It's pleasant enough, but not much stands out here. Sheryl's take on holiday chestnuts like "White Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Blue Christmas," are nice, but the arrangements and instruments aren't anything dazzling or unique. This is the sort of thing to put on in the background while you're taking care of holiday chores and activities. That said, there's one big low and a couple of high points. As another reviewer here said, the version of "O Holy Night" here is pretty terrible, but the two closing tracks that follow it are terrific, the Crow-penned "There is a Star That Shines Tonight" and a lovely version of "All Through the Night." These two really make the album worth having for me. Also, the bonus download track available online, "Hello, My Friend, Hello," is great. If only I could swap "O Holy Night" off of the CD for that one.

What can I say? If you're looking at this album, you know how good she is and this music is outstanding. Yeah sure, they're mostly old songs you've heard before. But take my word for it, you'll love the arrangements. You need to get this CD at Hallmark right now. It's only 10 bucks. If you don't, you'll have to get the import (for some silly, outrageous price). It's worth 10 bucks. I've got every single song/album/CD/video this woman has ever done. This is one of her best. Nuff Said.

I really have not listened very closely to this CD, but any CD that can get my 4 year old son singing "Life is a Highway" is worth it. He is just so cute and will not stay this way for long.

Great for the Cars fan.

It has a lot of great songs on it and my daughter loves it. I have to say it is a whole lot better than listening to the "Wiggles" on a long road trip.

Really enjoyed the movie, but didn't think I'd like the soundtrack as much. I was wrong, listened to it while driving from Los Angeles to San Diego and was singin' along with it the whole way!!

this is a great CD because it is parent friendly. The kids like it because it is from the movie and we like it because it is actually good music.

I bought this for my two sons. One is five and the other is three. They love it! A great buy for kids and for parents who want to create a fun car ride!

...but a shame if you do. Sheryl Crow is a musical conundrum: A stunningly good looking woman with perfect hair, good chops and a sweet/sour voice, yet just underneath the oh-so-flawless veneer lurks an ace songwriter with personal issues colliding in her songs. It makes this best of a great overview of Crow's work, especially if you dismissed her work as so much radio fluff.

From her session work that led to her Tuesday Night Music Club to the chippy California "Soak Up The Sun" (from C'mon, C'mon, Crow has delivered pop songs that teased with elements of folk and rock. The world-weariness of "Everyday is a Winding Road" and "Soak Up The Sun" defies the easy to swallow sounds of the music. Yet the Stonesy blues of "My Favorite Mistake" is sweetened by her pure singing. She even reclaims Cat Steven's "First Cut is The Deepest" from Rod Stewart and makes that two-bit hack Kid Rock sound good.

That is what makes Crow such an underrated talent. Each of the songs here is a memorable work, and her voice is an equal - in my opinion - to Carly Simon's or Stevie Nicks'. It buoys the 17 tracks on "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow" above many more "respected" artists, and with her superb Detours, Crow shows she's got it in her to have another collection this good in another ten years.

This is the best collection of Sheryl Crow tracks that I can imagine. It has all of her major hits, including my personal favorite "My Favorite Mistake." Sheryl, as always, sounds fantastic. If you want a pretty good collection of songs without having to buy every single individual album, this is a great purchase. The only thing I don't like is the cover, which isn't the best picture of Sheryl I've ever seen. It looks seventies-tastic, and like she's been posed by Deb, the girl from Napoleon Dynamite.

Please buy this and all of her stuff so she can afford wipe her butt with more than one piece of toilet paper...!!!

In my opinion Sheryl Crow is underrated as a singer/songwriter. She has a way of communicating through song that she really gets the life experiences of an average 40 something contemporary woman. It is optomistic, realistic, strong, honest, and vulnerable. One of the Very Best "best ofs" I have purchased.

Product arrived quickly, was in excellent condition. I am listening to Chery Crow now and enjoyng every minute of it.

I bought this CD for the Tracy Chapman/Eric Clapton "Give Me One Reason" rendition. This is a great CD!

Tracy Chapman's "O Holy Night" is beautiful, non traditional but sung like a loving lullaby, just lovely, one of the nicest renditions I've ever heard, and I really like this song. Jon Bon Jovi plays both "Please come home for Christmas" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" really nicely, like he was made to play these songs. Everything Clapton and Tracy Chapman offer is wonderful and John Popper, well of course.
I don't have a lot of exposure to some of these musicians because I don't listen to a lot of radio or to the genres they usually represent. I personally don't like a couple of songs, I've never liked "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" so, even though Mary Blige and Sheryl Crow do a nice version, I just can't appreciate it. Vanessa Williams' "What Child is This" I turned off after the first line. I don't think I will ever like Run DMC (hate most rap) and this CD doesn't change that, but it is nice to hear some of the others,and makes me curious to listen to more of what they've done.
This CD is really fun to listen to, it must have been a great concert.

Bon Jovi is instead called upon to lamely replicate Bono's vocal ....I dont think so....

This is absolutely my favorite Christmas CD. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I pop it in and I'm dancing away. My only regret is that it's not available on DVD. I'd love to see the artists performing and President and Hillary Clinton having a great time.
It's the best out of the collection.

I enjoyed every song on this 38 minute CD. I have a pretty good collection of various types of Christmas music and I consider this to be a great addition. I didn't realize this was part of a series and plan to purchase at least one more of this series. I'm not a rap fan but I enjoyed the Run DMC rendition of "Christmas in Hollis". "Christmas Tears" sung by Eric Clapton was spectacular. I see that Eric Clapton sings and/or plays guitar on 5 songs.

I see that they have no song listing, so here it is:
1) Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Mary J. Blige and Sheryl Crow)
2) Christmas In Hollis (Run DMC)
3) Please Come Home For Christmas (Jon Bon Jovi)
4) Christmas Blues (John Popper with Eric Clapton)
5) What Child Is This? (Vanessa Williams)
6) Christmas Tears (Eric Clapton)
7) O Holy Night (Tracy Chapman)
8) Give Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman and Eric Clapton)
9) Merry Christmas Baby (Sheryl Crow with Eric Clapton)
10) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Jon Bon Jovi)
11) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (All artists listed above)

The best Christmas album of the season. Cool & rocking yet full of Christmas spirit. All your favorite musicians AND the proceeds go to help physically disabled children--a refreshing reminder of what Christmas is really all about. Everyone should buy a few...it is perfect for Christmas stockings or the office grab bag!

I didn't know this was the background music, I wanted the CD with the artists singing.

I paid extra to get a copy of this CD that was described as "Like New." The CD plays fine, but the case was nasty and broken. It would have made a much better impression to spend the small amount it costs to replace the case before shipping.

The "Hope Floats" soundtrack is a very soothing and romantic CD. It's great listening to while relaxing. There's a variety of Artists and some really fun songs!

Good music, starting with Garth and ending with Tricia, sprinkled with Bryan Adams, Deana Carter, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, The Mavericks, Lila McCann, Jonell Mosser, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger in a duet with Martina McBride, Gillian Welch, and Whiskeytown....Birdie's's feelings set to music.

I thought that this was the actually songs from the movie....not the score. Nice, but not sure who wants to listen to random movie scores.

This CD absolutely completes me! I bought it at some miscellaneous thrift store in the next town over for $2 because it was a good deal and I already knew All I Wanna Do and Strong Enough. I gave the album a good listen, but I had fallen in love with it already! It is definitely an experience to listen to, one not to miss. The homemade, soft, acoustic feel to it makes it enjoyable. It is very calming and relaxing. From the familiar rock ballad Run, Baby, Run, to the somber, end-of-the-night-in-a-jazz-club We Do What We Can, the album has something for everyone. Probably the most well-known song, All I Wanna Do, is upbeat and feel-good. Strong Enough is powerful in its lyrics yet the guitars make it feel smooth and quiet. I love this album, one of my favorites, get it!

Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow was a good debut album from this Mid-Western rock goddess. Songs I like include: Leaving Las Vegas, I Can't Cry Anymore, All I Wanna Do, I Shall Believe, Run Baby Run, and Strong Enough. The rest of the tracks are ok but not standouts. Crow had a lot of potential back in 1993, the Grammy people just love her, she won a ton of awards for this album. I prefer The Globe Sessions over this album but I still think her songwriting is what made her popular. Give this album a try, enjoy!

Sheryl Crow made her debut with this release. It was her first time being the front person, as before she was a backup singer for artists like Michael Jackson and Don Henley. The album came about with Crow participating with producers and songwriters that happened to be on Tuesday nights. What she added was a contemporary mature yet loose folky rock. She had a knack for songwriting and a voice you can't help but love.

The album is filled from the first track to the last with all strong songs. "All I Wanna Do" is a catchy tune that's simple and melodic. "Leaving Las Vegas" slows things down a tad as well with "Can't Cry Anymore", both being on the more ballad side of rock. She is a great musician who can write great, catchy pop songs that have a fun bluesy feel and she sings them with a voice that is ever so sweet.

This is an older CD but I think its really Crow's only good CD she's made. I like all the songs on here and it is well recorded.

Sheryl Crow's debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, enough for an entire week of simple living with the stories for each day. Sprinting out with this lead song "Run, Baby, Run" slow twist of rock & roll with a hint of country depicts the mood of the narrative lying in this tune. Leaving behind bad luck and the streak of all that is lost, "Leaving Las Vegas" would be an escape from chance. The guitar driven "Strong Enough" highlights this LP with a sincere question from a woman's perspective and a bridge arched beautifully with the lyrics "...lie to me, I promise I'll believe/lie to me, but please don't leave..." Getting over relationships and the drama of surviving the pain, "Can't Cry Anymore" is far from a shot in the dark as it takes you on to an upbeat, multi-layered guitar tracks of "Solidify". "The Na-Na Song" is more like rock-hop by Sheryl's performance, but is somewhat drained by the hard driven guitar and other live instruments. Taken on the man's role on "What I Can Do For You" are definately excerpts of a male's ego and conquering the heart of a woman. From the bar of a tavern, the upbeat "All I Wanna Do" has a continuous swing capturing the album title and feel wrapped in one for a night of fun. "We Do What We Can" is another highlight for this album. Falling somewhere near a Cotton Club jazz tune, gives depth for Sheryl's sound with a misty aura and mood. Keeping the tone but going back to the album's theme, "I Shall Believe" concludes this project with a hint of faith strengthening some of the lackluster songs by displaying her versitility. Completely produced by Bill Bottrell and written and co-written by Sheryl Crow's collaboration complimented each others talents to create this art. Even the fillers seem to draw one in with spoken truth and perfect rhythm.

This is one of my favorite albums to listen to. I can't go on praising this album before I mention that the producer is John Shanks. Shanks is an amazing producer - he has this knack for making things sound very streamlined and smooth. I was surprised with how he transformed Sheryl's trademark gritty country-rock sound into something that shines on the surface. He performed this same feat on Alanis Morissette's So-Called Chaos album a little later.

Sheryl's voice also sounds amazing on this record. My favorites are:

I Know Why
Good Is Good
Chances Are
Lifetimes

'Good is Good' is probably Sheryl's best song to date, in my opinion. 'Chances Are' is a surprising turn of events - what? A tabla? Slide guitar? On a Sheryl Crow record? I have to say it works - the song becomes a very palatable treat. The Wurlitzer on 'Lifetimes' is also a welcome visitor on Sheryl's normal instrumental canvas.

Also, if you were to get the version with the bonus DVD, which I have, it's only worth it if you'd like to see some live acoustic versions of the songs, which sound almost identical to the studio versions. John Shanks plays the guitar in some of the performances.

First off here's the CORRECT track listing:

1. I Know Why
2. Perfect Lie
3. Good Is Good
4. Chances Are
5. Wildflower
6. Lifetimes
7. Letter To God
8. Live It Up
9. I Don't Wanna Know
10. Always On Your Side
11. Where Has All The Love Gone?

Like I said this CD is a bit slower with a lot of slow songs and mid-tempos. Lifetimes and Live It Up are pretty much the only upbeat tracks here. I Know Why starts things off good. Perfect Lie continues things but then the catchy rhythm of Good Is Good comes in. Chances Are, the fourth track, slows things down again. Nice lyrics though.

Lifetimes, the first actual upbeat track is probably my favorite track here. It starts off slow, minimal and pure, but then picks up in instrumentation. "Even in the worst of times, I give my best to you." Sheryl repeats. Nice lyrics. Letter To God kinda comes and goes. But Live It Up is very upbeat and fun.
"You get high-jacked, waiting at the bus stop
By Jesus, who's working at the pawn shop!" haha.

I'll admit the next track I Don't Wanna Know if basically filler. So skip that one and keep on truckin'. Always On Your Side is better. The closer, Where Has All The Love Gone? is decent. It makes for a nice, mid-tempo ending.

4 stars.

end note: Best tracks (to download):

Lifetimes
Live It Up
Wildflower
Perfect Lie
Chances Are

I was disappoined in this one. Slow, dark and depressing.
I have them all and this is the first one I didn't like.

This is a great CD. The music is raw, powerful and original Crow. I wish she would do more of this and stop trying to worry about recording "pop".

I was not a Sheryl Crow fan when her fist album came out. But she has grown so much with each album. This is my favorite so far. It's fantastic. I can't wait to hear her next one!

I didn't know the music of Sheryl Crow until i listen to this album. The album shows a country/rock style , and it sounds so good with the voice of Sheryl. "safe and sound" , "it's only love" and "diamond road" are the best songs . she misses the spot in some musics when she shows a too country sound , like in "steve mcqueen" . It's strange the fact that she did a lot of colaborations , which was not listen or credited in the back cover of the album , the most strange colaboration is with the actress Gwyneth Paltrow , who , i cannot diferenciate in any tracks. Liz Phair did her colaboration too , but i cannot indentificate it in "soak up the sun" . i liked few songs , but these few are so good that this album diserves the 5 stars.

This is my least favorite Sheryl Crow album. She did too many collaborations and lost her sound. Steve McQueen and the Weather Channel sound like Crow, but the rest is just manufactured pop.

Cd was in perfect condition and came fast. Thank you!!

C'mon C'mon is really not a very good album - it's far too uneven to be listened to from one end to the other, and some of these songs are downright horrible. That being said, there is a bunch of excellent songs amongst them, and if you're into Sheryl's music, buy it cheeply for what it is, and rip the good songs onto a compilation.

A short song-review goes like this:

1. Steve McQueen - 8/10 - A good rock anthem, made even better live on the C'mon America DVD.

2. Soak Up The Sun - 8/10 - Shouldn't need introduction. A well-crafted pop-tune.

3. You're An Original - 6/10 - An ok song, but it's not helping for me that I *detest* Lenny Kravitz, who's backing her on this one. The live version is more heavy and is actually much more satisfying.

4. Safe And Sound - 8/10 - Very beautiful and emotional, but overproduced. Once again, go for the live version on the C'mon America DVD, which is ten times better!

5. C'mon C'mon - 10/10 - The best song off the album. Fantastic melody tand great lyrics makes this a standout. Favorite line: "You say you need me, but you can't tell me no / When I ask you to stop me baby, you just let me go // C'mon, C'mon, C'mon, and break my heart again, for old times sake."

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Up to this, the album has been an excellent experience. Not as deep as her previous album, but an excellent pop-record. From here, the film starts to break.
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6. It's So Easy - 4/10 - The song itself is not so bad, but Don Henley's vocal is downright horrible. And I love the Eagles, but this is a mistake. There is a German version featuring a singer called Wolfgang Niedecken that's actually very good, but the album version as it is doesn't work at all.

7. Over You - 3/10 - And then it gets even worse! This ballad is so over-produced that any attempt at charm (which it has in the first few lines) are instantly killed when you reach the chorus.

8. Lucky Kid - 5/10 - Actually a pretty bad song, but almost a relief to hear this gritty rocker compared to the two former tracks. There is even a live version in circulation that's not too bad (but it is not on the former mentioned DVD).

9. Diamond Road - 8/10 - Ok now we're back on track again, it would seem. Don't think about the lyrics (which are pretty crappy) and just enjoy the absolutely gorgeous tune.

10. It's Only Love - 8/10 - Yes, another track that's not bad. Actually, this one is really good, it's very low key and the production isn't off the mark. There's even a very nice guitar solo in the end. Bonus info: Gwyneth Palthrow is credited for backing vocals, but you can't hear here.

--
Ok, if the album kept the standard from this point with a strong closing section, I'd actually have given it two thumps up and forgiven her the mis-step of Over You. But then ...
--

11. Abilene - 2/10 - This song is so horrible I can't even find words to describe it. This is the worst thing she's ever released on an album bar none. Those who know an odd song she did called Volvo Cowgirl knows what saves me from rating this track 1/10, but it's close. Abysmal is a good word.

12. Hole In My Pocket - 7/10 - Phew. That's the only thing to say after hearing the former track. Not impressive this, but a nice pop song, kinda sticks in your head for a while.

13. Weather Channel - 9/10 - well, now what is this? It sounds very much like a left-over from the Globe Sessions (which means brilliant in this collection). Brilliant lyrics!

14. Missing (European Bonus Track) - 9/10 - oddly, this is one of the best songs on the record. A very gentle track that slowly creeps under your skin, and a real grower. Also fits perfectly after Weather Channel, where the former is like a rainy storm, this track is like the sun emerging after the rain has stopped, lighting up everything again. Favorite line: "These times are temporary / Someday the wind will carry you home / And you'll be free / And you'll be free / No one will pull you down / You'll wake up and look around / And never again / Think of all, all that you've been missing."

15. I Want You (UK Bonus Track) - 6/10 - A simple rocker, not a brilliant track, but substantially better than much of what is on the album.

_____________


On the bottom line: Well, keep the keepers, and throw the rest to h*ll.

Keepers: C'mon, C'mon, Weather Channel, Missing, Soak Up The Sun, Steve McQueen, Safe And Sound, Diamond Road, It's Only Love, Hole In My Pocket, I Want You, You're An Original (that's actually 11 tracks - why didn't she just make a record of these 11 tracks?).

Throw away: Abilene, Over You, Abilene, It's So Easy, Abilene, Lucky Kid, Abilene ... wait - did I mention Abilene?


Also get: The Soak Up The Sun single features two brilliant B-sides, Chances Are (8/10) and You're Not The One (7/10). Including these songs, you can actually make an excellent CD with the keepers. If you wan't to play with you CD-burner, try to compile this CD, I'm sure you'll love it on a sunny day:

Steve McQueen - Soak Up The Sun - You're An Original - C'mon, C'mon - Safe And Sound - Chances Are - It's So Easy (feat. Wolfgang Niedecken) - You're Not The One - I Want You - Hole In My Pocket - Diamond Road - It's Only Love - Weather Channel - Missing

Sheryl Crow set a very high standard for herself with her previous CDs. Even if C'mon, C'mon doesn't quite live up to that lofty standard, it is still a 5-star, excellent album. She sings with tons of energy. The songs provide a nice range from slow country-like ballad to the quick, driven opening track. The songs at both ends of the spectrum are well written, well sung and highly enjoyable.

Her second album is often relegated to the dump bins of used record stores. This does not reflect this album's musical merit or its longevity as an artistic highpoint in her career. Here are some of Sheryl Crow's rawest, best musical expressions - think the "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" album. Most know "Every Day Is A Winding Road" and "If It Makes You Happy" but it's the tracks like "Oh Marie" and the very Beatles-esque "Home" (with very Harrison-ish guitar) that are the real gems. In my opinion, she has yet to match this release for consistently 'great' tracks throughout.

I first listened to this album on cassette tape (which obviously dates it!), but it's one of those albums where every song is a good one. I can listen to the whole thing without skipping a track. It will not disappoint if you like rock & roll/alternative mixed with pop. I think this album is her best.. oldie but goodie!

This is not an album with immediate appeal so it takes a while to reveal its depth. Mostly mainstream rock of the mid-tempo variety embellished with other influences, the music is very 1990s whilst the lyrics are full of references to pop culture, sometimes witty, always clever. The album opens with the heavy rock track Maybe Angels, which is followed by the catchy pop-rock of A Change Will Do You Good which was a huge hit.

The lovely tender Home is a folky interlude, Sweet Rosalyn is a tuneful rock ballad and If It Makes You Happy a powerful anthemic song where her voice really soars. One of the more profound songs is titled Redemption Day, a soft rock ballad with poignant lyrics. The gritty guitar and gripping rock riff of Hard To Make A Stand make this song stand out, but the most melodious number is the memorable Everyday Is A Winding Road with its singalong chorus.

The Book is slow and introspective whilst Ordinary Morning has a complex arrangement with jazzy lounge and rock sections. On first impression, the album may sound a bit monotonous and plodding overall but repeated listens will reveal some truly great songs. Just one lilting uptempo rocker would have raised the album to 5 star status!

For me this is still Sheryl's best album. It has a more rough, honest, edge to it. Something that started to disappear a bit in later albums as she became more successful. All tracks are great with the album best listened to in it's entirety from start to finish for full effect. It's hard to believe this came after TNMC since it comes across as more of a 'first album'.

What's up with the material that Sheryl is given to sing? Well, actually, she IS writing it but the approach to a lot of these songs is poor. While it has more decent songs than The Globe Sessions, it still doesn't make the cut, in my honest opinion.

Top 3 songs:
If It Makes You Happy
Everyday Is A Winding Road
A Change Will Do You Good

The rest ranges from OK (Ordinary Morning) to unlistenable (Sweet Rosalyn) .