1996: Bill Clinton had been elected for a second term as president, Tupac was still alive, and radios across the country were blaring "If It Makes You Happy" by Sheryl Crow. Indeed, with her catchy pop hooks and Grammy Award-winning vocals, Crow has elevated herself to the status of 90's pop culture icon.
Now, nearly 15 years after her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, Crow continues her highly successful career of folk-infused pop/rock. The 45-year-old musician's sixth studio album, Detours, introduces a more mature, politically driven artist, hardened by almost two decades of experience in the music industry.
Despite this intriguing concept, Crow fails to offer much more than what she's already given to the music world.
The album begins with "God Bless This Mess," a gritty, acoustic folk protest song, reminiscent of Joan Baez. Crow wastes no time establishing her political views, which quickly sets the tone for the entire album.
Early into the opening track, Crow offers her feelings on 9/11 and the War in Iraq, singing: "And the president spoke words of comfort with teardrops in his eyes/Then he led us as a nation into a war based on lies."
The album's political theme continues with "Gasoline," a futuristic view of a world of rising temperatures and gas prices. Crow's vocals and rhyme scheme on this track seem to be heavily influenced by Bob Dylan, bearing an uncanny resemblance to his early protest work.
About midway through the album, Crow shifts her focus from politics to more personal subjects. Songs like "Now That You're Gone," "Drunk With The Thought of You," and "Diamond Ring" reflect on Crow's failed relationship with seven-time Tour De France champion Lance Armstrong, while "Make It Go Away (The Radiation Song)" chronicles her fight with cancer.
Though Detour's political tracks are strong, some of Crow's more personal accounts lack the same appeal, and quickly grow tiresome. Nonetheless, the album is well crafted and bound to attract acclaim. From her days of soaking up the sun and having fun to now with her politically conscientious lyrics, Crow proves that she has come a long way, and shows no signs of stopping.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
