Lately there's been a resurgence of time-honored artists releasing new music. From old-timers Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney to the hipper Pixies and Green Day, established artists have been hitting the charts in record numbers. So it comes as no surprise that Sheryl Crow has dropped her latest album, Wildflower.
With all the media attention Crow has been receiving for her high-profile romance with Lance Armstrong, there's nothing better to turn heads next than a standout album. Sadly, while Wildflower is a full tapestry of musical Americana with influences ranging from bluegrass and country to pop, there is nothing in its songcraft that challenges preconceived notions that Crow plays a guitar nicely, if simply. At least she has a nich?? as a mature female crooner.
In fact, this may be Crow's most personal, introspective album-a gamble to be sure. The album is dedicated \to Lance with deep love and appreciation,"" and for two people who are constantly watched by the eyes of the world, you'd think that Crow would try to keep their private moments to themselves.
No, apparently she's not afraid to share. Time and again, the songs boil down to nothing more than personal thoughts and allusions to private moments. Crow opens ""Lifetimes"" with ""Take off your halo / Take off your golden crown / The spotlight's off, the shades are down,"" and it's not immediately apparent which American golden child the song alludes to.
Perhaps as an unfortunate side effect of the constant media speculation upon her, Crow takes the reins on Wildflower and spins herself how she sees fit. At 43, she has many words of wisdom and doesn't hide behind the expectation that her audience will unquestioningly follow her on this meandering path of introspection. She's going to voice whatever she pleases. Instead of trying to make the best damn album of her career, Crow decided to expound on her thoughts and current soulmate with a schoolgirl's enthusiasm, whether or not anyone asked her to.
True, the album is filled with beautiful strumming, periodically haunting electric guitars, Crow's smooth vocals, and well placed string arrangements, but Crow's focus is obviously sidetracked on Wildflower-a pretty album from a mature woman with a seemingly pretty life.
