Sheryl Crow

 100 Miles from MemphisUniversal

Any album with Memphis in the title usually implies a soul- infused diversion, often midway through the career of a well-established artist intent on trying something “different”.

If the sentiment behind Sheryl Crow's seventh album can be deduced so presumptuously, it doesn't bode well for the actual content. Certainly, the country- rocker can belt out these brass- laden tunes with gusto, but Dusty Springfield she ain't. Much of 100 Miles from Memphis(apart from the title track and the lighthearted Peaceful Feeling) sounds painfully forced, not least the Terence Trent D'Arby and Jackson 5 covers. Not even guest turns from Keith Richards and Memphis's own Justin Timberlake can provide what this album really needs: good- old-fashioned soul of the emotional variety.

See sherylcrow.com

Download tracks: 100 Miles from Memphis, Peaceful Feeling