Music Review: Be Myself by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow
Be Myself
Wylie Songs / Warner Brothers
Release Date: April 21, 2017

If I wanted to be cynical, I’d say this is the best Sheryl Crow impersonation I’ve ever heard. But I’m feeling generous and more than a little pleased to hear this album, and within its tracks, the return of Sheryl Crow to her strengths and the style of music that best shows off her talents. Yes, this album is a self-conscious return to her peak ’90s sound, so there’s nothing particularly surprising for the listener throughout these 11 songs on Be Myself. The surprise is that Crow has turned in an excellent collection of songs, something I thought she’d never do again. I don’t want to exaggerate: her Nashville sound was nothing less than competent, but it was also (for me) boring and soulless. I like a wide variety of music, but her recent albums have felt more like a retreat than an artist following her muse. However, I must admit, the muse is back on Be Myself.

Crow is still prone to some lyrical cliches, and she could have taken a few more risks on this album, but of much higher importance, it is great to hear her embracing the styles that suit her best, working with musicians and producers who get it. Be Myself is fun, thoughtful, expertly played, and Sheryl’s voice sounds fantastic. My favorite albums of hers are still Sheryl Crow and Wildflower, but her latest offering fares well in comparison, and I hope it is the beginning of a new era, and not just a coda to her best years.

More Sheryl Crow Music
Check out Sheryl Crow’s entire discography here.
Check out Sheryl Crow’s greatest hits here.
Sample all 11 songs from Sheryl Crow’s Be Myself album here.

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About Our Reviewer
Brandon Smith is an author and musician in Philadelphia. His most recent work is the illustrated children’s book, Cheer Up, Grandpa. He is the Director of Publisher Services at Scribe Inc., producing books that cover a range of topics including fiction, sports, religion, cooking, and academic studies.

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