By Megan King
In a business overflowing with bubblegum pop princesses, not many female musicians can boast nine Grammys, let alone claim they can actually play an instrument. At age 42, Sheryl Crow can do both. For ten years, she has consistently produced rock hits that have been such a huge staple on radio stations everywhere. This time, Crow offers listeners The Very Best of Sheryl Crow; a compilation of a decade’s worth of hits, beginning in 1994 and spanning today.
The Very Best of Sheryl Crow begins with the hit that made her a household name-possibly one of her best-known songs, “All I Wanna Do” starts the compilation on an upbeat and positive note. The second track, “Soak Up The Sun,” continues with this feel, and is reminiscent of the summer of 2002, where it was virtually inescapable on radio.
Continuing through the CD, songs like “Everyday Is A Winding Road” and “A Change Would Do You Good” display why Crow is the queen of writing a perfect, catchy rock song. Fan favorites like “Steve McQueen” and “Leaving Las Vegas” are also represented on the album.
In addition to the abundance of up-tempo rock songs that are seen on this album, a good number of rock/folk ballads are showcased, as well. Tracks like “My Favorite Mistake,” “Strong Enough” and the exceptionally standout track, “I Shall Believe” display Crow’s unique vocal talent while offering some of the best lyrics on the album. She also includes “Picture,” her hit duet with Kid Rock. As with practically every greatest hits CD, Crow also offers two new songs-“Light In Your Eyes,” and two versions of “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” a Cat Stevens classic.
Although seemingly perfect, The Very Best of Sheryl Crow does have its flaws. While Crow’s voice is distinctive and unique, she has a tendency to sound almost whiney in songs, and 17 songs may be too much to take for the average listener. Also, Crow’s lyrics can be very predicable, leaving the listener with a longing for something deeper and more complex. Yet, even with these flaws, this Very Best Of compilation is possibly the best way to enjoy all the memorable rock songs of Crow’s decade-long career.
