"Sheryl Crow" is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, released on September 24, 1996. Marking a departure from her previous work, Tuesday Night Music Club, this album was predominantly produced by Crow herself and features her songwriting largely solo or with minimal collaboration.
Recorded at Kingsway Studios in New Orleans, the album explores themes of American life, relationship struggles, and moral dilemmas, while blending rock, blues, alternative rock, country, and folk influences. It achieved significant commercial success, certified triple platinum by the RIAA and the BPI, and peaked at number six on the Billboard 200.
The album spawned five singles, including the hit "If It Makes You Happy," which showcased Crow's more confident vocal delivery and intricate production. Critics lauded the album, leading to a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album and a win for Crow as Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "If It Makes You Happy." Over the years, Sheryl Crow has been frequently cited as her best work.
Sheryl Crow is the follow-up to her successful 1993 album Tuesday Night Music Club, which was collaboratively written by a group of musicians known as the "Tuesday Music Club." This collective included Bill Bottrell, David Baerwald, Kevin Gilbert, and others, and produced hit singles like "All I Wanna Do" and "Leaving Las Vegas." The debut album's success earned Crow several Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
However, tensions arose after Crow's offhand remark about the autobiographical nature of "Leaving Las Vegas," which was primarily written by Baerwald. This led to feelings of betrayal among her collaborators, particularly after the tragic suicide of John O'Brien, a friend of Baerwald's. Crow wanted to assert her independence as a musician for her second album, stating her aim was to express her experiences and emotions fully.
Initially, the album was recorded at Toad Hall in Pasadena but was later moved to New Orleans, where Crow felt a more suitable atmosphere. Although Bottrell was initially set to produce and co-write several tracks, he left due to creative differences, prompting Crow to take over production herself. She wrote most of the songs independently, showcasing her skills by playing most instruments, including bass and guitar. The recording sessions spanned various studios, including Kingsway Studios in New Orleans, and the final touches were completed in Los Angeles. The album reflected Crow's growth as an artist, both lyrically and musically.
