Think Al Green, The Temptations, and virtually anything reminiscent of the old, Motown sound. Combine it with sultry vocals of a guitar-playing, rock-n-roll diva, and you, folks, have yourselves Sheryl Crow’s 7th studio album, 100 Miles from Memphis.
Accustomed to Sheryl’s more alternative sounding hits like “Leaving Las Vegas” or “Favorite Mistake,” listeners might be surprised at the heavy rhythm and blues influence heard in almost every song.
That surprise, though, is a pleasant one.
“Our Love is Fading” sets the tone invading your eardrums with spunky Archie Bell -like base lines sprinkled with horns and tambourine.
Especially fantastic are “Eye to Eye” and “Stop.” Energetic, upbeat, and with reggae flair, “Eye to Eye” is undoubtedly the sing-a-long track from 100 Miles. “Find someone you love. Hold them so close, it’s not close enough,” beg the first lyrics of “Stop.” Perfect words accompanied by even more perfect music. Score.
So far, so solid…with the exception of the cover songs.
A proud 80’s baby and lover of all things from the best decade EVER, I really wanted to give two thumbs up to Sheryl’s version of Terrence Trent D’arby’s “Sign Your Name.” The only thing saving this track, though, is the background vocalists’ strong harmonies. In honor of Michael Jackson, she covers The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and was unsuccessful at paying the King his proper homage. To put it simply, Sheryl wasn’t born to sing either of these songs. And although I am anti-hash mark, I have been forced to take it there. “Sign Your Name” and “I Want You Back” #Fail.
Overall, the album IS a winner. 100 Miles from Memphis is made up of the kind of feel good music that makes you, well — feel good. Looks like Sheryl Crow has found herself another charm with her latest release.
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