Sheryl Crow - Evolution

Fresh off her 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Sheryl Crow takes a surprise victory lap with the crisp, inventive Evolution. Offering her signature perspectives on the maladies of modern times, Crow sounds refreshed and fully centered as she glides into the next phase of her remarkable career.

Pulsating with electric energy, ‘Alarm Clock’ finds Crow zinging a universal morning woe. With her ever-present sense of humor, she begins the radio friendly earworm from a hazy, dreamlike state, leaving behind Timothee Chalamet lookalikes and skinny margaritas. Here and across the collection, Crow remains a keen observer of the chaotic culture that orbits around us, yet somehow remains steadfast in her core understanding of self.

‘Do It Again’ reinstates this devotion to mindfulness, just as the deliciously funky ‘Love Life’ brings forth her unfiltered gratitude. Both serve as nostalgic reminders of 2002’s glorious C’Mon, C’Mon. Yet, she drives even deeper with the provoking title track, poignantly tackling our complicated relationship with artificial intelligence. With striking emotion and symphonic production, it’s impossible not to accept Crow’s stance that our advancements might be propelling us farther away from each other. She tries to close this distance in ‘Don’t Walk Away’ as she softly sings, “I believe we can make it if we both stayed / So please don’t walk away.” It’s a hopeful statement accepting of change, but urging to fight for meaningful connection.

From start to finish, Evolution is a fascinating, thought-provoking listen. Crow holds true as an artist who continues to strip down boundaries, inviting thoughtful inquisition of ourselves and the world around us.

8/10

Sheryl Crow’s 2024 project, Evolution, is available March 29 via Big Machine Label Group.

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