Sheryl Crow is a future Rock & Roll Hall-of-famer, adn the reason is that she has staying power in an industry that chews you up and spits you out. The reason she has been able to have such an incredible career is because she has the ability to create awesome albums, like this one, that bridge the gaps between styles of music while still retaining the essence of their originality. On this album Crow embraces her soulfulness and brings it all the way back to the 50's and 60's with her own twist on some classic styles of music. She includes a few cover songs including Citizen Cope's "Sideways" (which he guest appears on) and Terrence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name" (which includes son background vocals by Justin Timberlake). Her originals are as classic as the styles she mimics and as well written as her extensive catalogue of hits. "Summer Day" is one of her best songs ever, and "Eye To Eye" has her embracing reggae with a little help from Keith Richards. She closes the album with a cover of the Jackson 5 classic "I Want You Back," and her version is a spectacular update to the song. Sheryl Crow is an amazing singer and songwriter and her abilities transcend her music. On album's like this one, it's wonderful for her to let us into her world through her music.
