Album: 100 Miles From Memphis

Introduction
"100 Miles From Memphis" is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, launched on July 20, 2010 by A&M Records. As the title suggests, the album is greatly influenced by Memphis soul music, a category that originated from the city of Memphis, Tennessee in the 1960s. It marked a departure from Crow's previous rock-oriented design, and instead, she drew inspiration from soul and R&B artists like Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.

Background
Sheryl Crow matured 100 miles from Memphis in Kennett, Missouri, which works as the motivation for the album's title. She has actually always been influenced by soul music but had never ever fully accepted the category in her previous works. Nevertheless, with "100 Miles From Memphis", she decided to dive into the world of Memphis soul and create a modern-day rendition of that traditional sound.

The album was produced by Doyle Bramhall II and Justin Stanley, both well-known figures in the soul and blues music scene. The production group also included multi-instrumentalist Tommy Sims, who co-wrote the Eric Clapton struck "Change The World".

Design and Composition
"100 Miles From Memphis" is a departure from Sheryl Crow's traditional noise, as she sells her guitar-based pop-rock design for a mix of soul, funk, and R&B. The album's instrumentation includes brass areas, electric pianos, soaring strings, and driving basslines, all connected with the Memphis soul sound.

Throughout the album, Sheryl Crow's vocals take spotlight, showcasing her soulful voice and emotive variety. She sings in such a way that honors the soul legends that came before her, while also making the tunes her own.

Tracks and Reception
"100 Miles From Memphis" includes 11 tracks, numerous with an unique Memphis soul sound. The album opens with "Our Love Is Fading", a track that showcases Stax-inspired horns and driving bassline. The lead single "Summer Day" is a catchy, feel-good tune with a strong tune reminiscent of old-school R&B songs.

Another standout is the sultry ballad "Long Road Home", which tells a story of durability and the journey to self-acceptance. The album likewise includes two covers: Terence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name", changed into a sultry, bass-driven tune, and The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back", a loyal tribute to the original Motown classic.

Upon its release, "100 Miles From Memphis" got mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Crow's capability to adjust to a new sound and style while maintaining her credibility, while others felt that the album lacked cohesiveness as a whole. In spite of this, the album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing her fans' ongoing love and assistance.

Legacy and Impact
"100 Miles From Memphis" stays an unique work in Sheryl Crow's discography, showcasing her flexibility as an artist and a willingness to explore new musical landscapes. While the album might not have actually garnered universal honor, it shows the significance of pushing innovative boundaries and paying homage to one's impacts.

In the years following the release of "100 Miles From Memphis", Crow has continued to try out various genres and styles in her music, proving that she is confident to take threats and reinvent herself as an artist. The album acts as a suggestion of the abundant musical history of Memphis soul and the long-lasting impact that it has on contemporary artists.