Greetings,
I know I've mentioned this before, but it may bear repeating before I begin. I do not hate anybody, okay? As much as I want to do it, I just don't. It's, legit, one of the hardest things about being a Christian. However, there are people (many) who have fallen out of favor with me. These are people who I once really enjoyed, but, due to things they've done or said, I enjoy them not so much anymore. And one of these is Sheryl Crow.
Boy, did I love Sheryl Crow and her music! Seriously, I was a huge fan. I loved her songs, the way she sang, and I even went so far as to say I wanted to write with her one day, because I thought she was a person with whom I would feel most comfortable sharing my ideas. Yeah, I think I mentioned before how insecure I tend to be as a songwriter. Anyway, she was someone I almost wanted to emulate as a writer, for a long time, too. I can't even tell you how many times I watched her Behind the Music episode. Ballpark figure? A lot of times. Then, something happened. I honestly can't remember exactly what it was that made me change my feelings about her. I will, however, guess that it happened during an election year. Those times usually make me stop enjoying certain celebrities. Whatever it was, though, I just don't feel the same way about her. Still, love her with the love of the Lord, as I must do, but from a long distance.
Anyway, I thought I might go back to a simpler, friendlier time when I could just sit back and get a kick out of the music. And that brings me to today's review of Sheryl Crow's first album, Tuesday Night Music Club.
Despite the fact that this is her debut album, Sheryl Crow actually had a long musical career prior to its release. She was a music teacher, did jingles, sang backup for a ton of people, most infamously, Michael Jackson, had other people record her songs and even had the obligatory scrapped first attempt at an album. Then, Sheryl got together with a bunch of songwriter/musicians (namely Kevin Gilbert, David Baerwald, David Ricketts, Bill Bottrell, Brian MacLeod and Dan Schwartz) and they ultimately named themselves the Tuesday Music Club, which led to the title of this album and the album itself. Even though, Sheryl got most of the credit. I guess this is kind of like what happens when a band is all guys and a girl leader singer.
Anyway, from what I've heard, album sales were initially kind of ... meh, as can often happen with a debut. But, then, the third single was released, and things really took off. That single was, of course, "All I Wanna Do". Now, apparently, this song wasn't exactly considered a stand out, barely making the album at all. Ironic, isn't it? However, if I'm being honest, I have to say that this is definitely not a favorite of mine. I guess I just consider this a party/drinking song which is not my cup of tea, especially knowing that Sheryl Crow can do much better. But, obviously, this one led to the rest, which is ultimately a good thing.
One of the things I like about this album is how it mixes a few genres together and does it quite well. Therefore, you never really know what to expect, but not in a way that makes anything feel unnatural or out of place. I really like the first track, "Run, Baby, Run". It was actually the first official single released, but it didn't do well. I can understand that, since it feels like an acquired taste type of song. With the fairly slow tempo and all, it also seems like an unusual pick for the opening track, but I personally enjoy this one, particularly the lyrics.
The other big single from this album was "Strong Enough", reaching #5. I love how stripped down this song is, both lyrically and musically, what with the acoustic sound of it. It's pretty straight forward on both counts, but there is something about it that has an emotional effect on the listener. Then, there's "Can't Cry Anymore", which was a minor hit. It has its moments, but I personally don't listen to that one very often. Apologies.
Now, I know a lot of people would consider "All I Wanna Do" the fun song of the bunch, but, frankly, I get a huge kick out of "The Na-Na Song". I really have no idea where this thing must have come from, but it is quite entertaining. The music is good, but the lyrics are crazy-fun. There's just so much clever wordplay, and you never know what's coming next from phrase to phrase. It also helps to show the range of the album, considering it lies in stark contrast to the closing track, "I Shall Believe". Now that one could certainly not be called fun, but it is very good. It always seemed to me to be a song of survival, and since Sheryl, herself, went through a bout with depression, I may be right about that. And it is also quite a good way to close the album.
And so I will now speak on my favorite song here, "Leaving Las Vegas". I'm not sure what it is about this one that makes it number one for me, but it is. I do like Vegas, and I like that this is kind of a modern day story song. It does seem to be about a character, which is interesting since it was inspired by a book, in a way. But we won't discuss that considering there was a bit of controversy surrounding that incident, which is most likely still sensitive to those involved. So moving on. As much as I like the lyrics, I also enjoy the performance that Sheryl gives here vocally. I'd even say that it's her best one ever, the way that it's raw and a bit rushed, but in a good way, like she's trying to keep up with the music so she can say every last thing she wants to say. All in all, thumbs up.
So, there you have it. Despite my aforementioned issues with Ms. Crow, I can't be dishonest. Tuesday Night Music Club is a very good album. I assume that most people have already heard it or already own it, but if not, I recommend you giving it a listen.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
