CD review: Detours

Genre: Pop, Country Rock

Released: February 5, 2008

I've always loved Sheryl Crow, but even I must admit that she has had both highs and lows in her career. It's a little ironic that her latest album is titled Detours; the album is more like the return to Crow's main road after spending some time away. I remember listening to Crow's early hits on our local soft music radio when I was young: "All I Wanna Do", "If It Makes You Happy" and "Everyday is a Winding Road" didn't sound like the type of song I would like - but I loved them. Why? Because they were so unique - unchecked emotion, simple tunes, and no editing of Crow's wonderful voice. 

As she progressed through her music career, Sheryl Crow seemed to gain a more light-hearted side, with songs like "Soak Up The Sun" and "The First Cut is the Deepest" - songs that picked up a lot of mainstream fans - so that when Wildflower came out, most people were bewildered and disappointed. I had mixed feelings - lyrically, it was as good if not, at times, better than her previous offerings, and yet, there was something missing...

What was missing was her unique style that characterized those early hits. And on Detours, Sheryl Crow comes shining through. If anyone was hoping that this album would become a commercial success on the radios, they will be disappointed; there is nothing that will appeal to the "pop Sheryl" lovers; but for the rest of us, those that miss that unchecked emotion and frankness, Crow has outdone herself. 

Detours is the culmination of everything that has happened in the past few years - mostly in Crow's life, but it's not self-serving. It's really quite amazing - Crow makes songs about 9/11, the War in Iraq, political deceit,reality TV and gasoline - and yet never sounds preachy or silly - and what's more, it's catchy and bring back her personality... especially on psychedelic "Peace Be Upon Us", the bleak "Make It go Away (Radiation Song)", and the obvious frustration in "Diamond Ring". I'm not going to go track by track pointing out the meaning of each song - Crow doesn't make the meaning cryptic at all. Commercial success or not, this album will be remembered as Crow at her best.

Recommended Tracks: "Shine over Babylon", "Gasoline", "Now that You're Gone", "Diamond Ring", "Make It go Away (Radiation Song)"

RATING

Melody: 4/5 Lyrics: 5/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 8.5/10