Music Review: Sheryl Crow - Be Myself

It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since Sheryl Crow launched her career with Tuesday Night Music, a rock-pop album that included such infectious songs as “All I Wanna Do.” She went on to record another seven albums, which cumulatively sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Now Crow has reunited with Jeff Trott, who co-wrote early hits “If It Makes You Happy” and “My Favorite Mistake.” The reunion pays dividends, returning the “Everyday is a Winding Road” singer to her ’90s rock-queen glory. Songs like “Roller Skate,” “Rest of Me” and exuberant title track are all instantly likeable. There’s also a darker edge to some material, reflecting Crow’s concern with the state of the world. “Halfway There” is a political rocker that examines the divide between liberals and conservatives, while the bluesy “Heartbeat Away” is timely with lines like “You bet the president is sweating, while Russia’s blowing up the phone.” Happily, the feisty Sheryl Crow of old is back.