Album: Sheryl Crow

Introduction
"Sheryl Crow" is the eponymous second studio album by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, launched on September 24, 1996. The Grammy-winning album signaled a departure from the refined pop noise of her launching album, "Tuesday Night Music Club", welcoming a more raw and experimental sound characterized by rock, blues, and nation influences. The album offered over 2 million copies in the United States and generated successful singles such as "If It Makes You Happy", "Everyday Is a Winding Road", and "A Change Would Do You Good".

Background and Production
Following the success of her launching album, "Tuesday Night Music Club", Crow experienced personal and professional challenges that impacted the development of her 2nd album. The death of her close friend and partner Kevin Gilbert, combined with feeling pushed away from her original cumulative of artists and battling complainant Bobby Fischer, who implicated Crow of plagiarism, greatly influenced the styles and tone of the album.

Crow handled the roles of singer, songwriter, and co-producer for the album, along with engineer Tchad Blake and musician Mitchell Froom. This marked a pivotal moment in Crow's career, as it demonstrated her capability to take charge of her artistic vision and produce music that was personal and genuine. The production of the album included a large range of instruments, from the traditional guitar, bass, and drums to less conventional sounds such as the accordion, harmonium, and marxophone, showcasing Crow's inventive technique to music-making.

Music and Lyrics
The music on "Sheryl Crow" is an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and country, in addition to a little funk and soul tossed into the mix. This special fusion of genres sets the album apart from its contemporaries, highlighting Crow's adaptability and desire to explore her sound.

Lyrically, "Sheryl Crow" delves into darker themes compared to her launching album. Much of the topic concentrates on disillusionment, loss, and the complexities of individual relationships. For example, "If It Makes You Happy", the album's lead single and one of Crow's signature tunes, explores the psychological struggle of trying to find joy in a world filled with negativity.

Another standout track, "Everyday Is a Winding Road", works as an anthem for strength and self-discovery in the face of hardship. The song includes driving guitars and a memorable chorus, making it one of the album's most remarkable tunes. "A Change Would Do You Good", a funky and upbeat track, pokes fun at the hypocrisy and self-absorption commonly found in the entertainment industry.

Reception and Legacy
"Sheryl Crow" got favorable reviews from critics, who praised the album's raw sound and fully grown songwriting. The album earned Crow 3 more Grammy Awards: Best Rock Album, Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "If It Makes You Happy", and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Everyday Is a Winding Road".

The album's success strengthened Crow's status as one of the leading female rock artists of the 1990s, and its impact can still be felt today. "Sheryl Crow" remains an essential landmark in Crow's career and is considered one of her most long-lasting and cohesive works to date. The styles, raw sound, and genre-blending found on the album have actually continued to motivate and resonate with fans and musicians alike.