Working as a professional musician for more than 40 years, Sheryl Crow is a lady that needs little introduction. That in mind, her career has been so illustrious, it would be short sighted to overlook. In short, Crow has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, won 9 Grammy Awards, all while crossing over various genres; from Folk, Rock, to Pop, and Country. Achievements to be proud of, her music is recognized the world over with songs like 1994’s “All I Wanna Do,” 1996’s “If It Makes You Happy,” 2002’s “Soak Up The Sun,” “Picture,” among many others. The most stunning part of it all is that Crow actually scrapped some songs prior to making her official debut in 1993 with Tuesday Night Music Club! At the time feeling the music was not that memorable, it is a testament to her own integrity as a songwriter, which inevitably led her to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
Now in 2024, a year following the 30th anniversary of Tuesday Night Music Club and months after her Hall of Fame induction, Crow returns with her new album entitled Evolution. What will be her twelfth overall studio record, it arrives on March 29th through Big Machine Label Group and comes with plenty of intrigue. To start with, it is a pleasant surprise to many; because it was thought Crow’s 2019 album Threads would be her final studio release. An assumption made based on Crow herself reporting that was her intent, new inspiration was found, thus resulting in Evolution.
An album made up of songs where Crow teamed up with highly accomplished Producer Mike Elizondo, the standard release comes with 10 songs and lasts for a little over 41 minutes. Feeling like a collection that comes from a very deep place inside of Crow, there are various emotions throughout. Proof of the array of feeling, it launches with “Alarm Clock,” which is a catchy and thriving song that spreads good vibes. This is while “Do It Again” is smooth, yet very honest, before “Don’t Walk Away” carries some sadness inside that digs underneath your skin. Looking at “Don’t Walk Away,” an album standout, it is a song which resonates within you for a while after it has passed; not only because of its beautiful piano, but also the heartbreaking vocals.
And so it continues, Evolution ebbs and flows at will. From sincere and serious, to fun and joyful, to smooth rhythms and catchy, this album covers it all. However, probably the catchiest cut of all is “You Can’t Change the Weather,” and ones with the most depth would have to be “Evolution” along with “Where.” Then again, this is all in the eye of the beholder… so go ahead and decide for yourself. Also, do not miss Crow’s rendition of Peter Gabriel’s “Digging in the Dirt,” which yes, also features them singing together on the song.
Anyway you cut it, Evolution tells a story to which we can all relate with. Sounding down to earth and honest, this album spreads positivity with a refreshing sound. Warming your heart and reminding you of how talented Sheryl Crow really is, Cryptic Rock gives Evolution 5 out of 5 stars.
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