Sheryl Suzanne Crow, better known as Sheryl Crow, is an American singer who is one of the most versatile artists today. Her amazing song releases since her debut in 1993 have made her a household name.
Sheryl was raised in a well-off family, and she was given the chance to explore different musical styles. Her musically inclined parents, one a piano teacher and the other a trumpet player, exposed her to different types of music at a very young age.
That is why, when she started her career in the industry, instead of focusing on one genre, Sheryl decided to diversify her musical portfolio by releasing songs in rock, pop, blues, folk, and country genres. Over the years, she has showcased her undeniably unique talent, which has hooked fans into listening to her releases.
Because of her versatility, it is safe to say that Sheryl has a long list of songs everyone should not miss. In addition to her studio album releases, she has also worked on several film soundtracks.
Let’s take a look at ten of the best Sheryl Crow songs!
1. My Favorite Mistake (1998)
Co-written with Jeff Trott, the song is about a girl who finds out that her partner is an unfaithful liar who has been cheating on her since the beginning. Some speculated that this song might be about Sheryl’s philandering ex-boyfriend, Eric Clapton, since aside from the song’s release being so timely to their breakup, Sheryl’s delivery of the song seems personal, making fans wonder if this was indeed about her love life.
However, during interviews, instead of answering the question, Sheryl tries to refuse to say who the song is about, making fans even more curious. The song landed a spot on the charts, reaching no. 1 on the US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard) and no. 2 on US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard).
2. Easy (2013)
Co-written with Chris DuBois and Trott, “Easy” was one of Sheryl’s great country songs. The song has a laid-back feel that makes it the perfect “staycation” song. Since most listeners positively received it, upon its release, the song immediately climbed up the charts, landing at no. 17 on the US Country Airplay (Billboard) chart and no. 21 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) chart.
3. Home (1996)
Written by Sheryl Crow herself, the song is widely described as a folk ballad about the stresses of one going through a failing marriage. Since many listeners can relate to the song’s message, it didn’t take too long before “Home” secured a spot on the charts. Upon its release, it landed at no. 20 on the Scotland (OCC) chart and no. 25 on the UK Singles (OCC) charts. Although it didn’t land on any US charts, it was still considered one of Sheryl Crow’s greatest hits.
4. Soak Up the Sun (2002)
Co-written again with Trott, this rock/pop song is a single Sheryl wrote for herself. During her recovery from surgery, she and Trott had a heart-to-heart talk about life’s unpredictability. After a minute of reflecting, Sheryl decided to write a song to cheer herself up—and it seems like she was able to spread this positive outlook to others, especially during this time when America was mourning the losses of the 9/11 attacks.
For You
5. All I Wanna Do (1993)
This song was based on poet Wyn Cooper’s 1987 work, Fun. Compared to her other song releases, “All I Wanna Do” is definitely an unexpected commercial breakthrough for Sheryl as it has that 90s US radio feel to it. Fortunately, listeners received the song positively, causing it to land a spot at the US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) at no.1 and US Billboard Hot 100 at no. 2.
6. Run Baby Run (1993)
This song, part of her debut album, is definitely coded with Sheryl Crow’s storytelling style. The song is simply about a person finding herself getting caught between two worlds. But in the end, the protagonist eventually learns to run and not look back—a tactic that she eventually starts applying to her future relationships.
7. Redemption Day (1996)
“Redemption Day” is a song Sheryl released in 1996, featuring the late country icon Johnny Cash. It was written after a trip to war-torn Bosnia. The song tells the story of a young girl watching scenes from history play out before her, showcasing the destructive effects of war in the past.
8. Now That You’re Gone (2008)
Written by Sheryl Crow herself, the song is about finally overcoming the worst part of one’s life. Connecting it to her real-life experience, Sheryl, who also shared many challenges in life, like having survived breast cancer and the sudden end of her engagement to Lance Armstrong, somehow makes the song feel a lot more personal and genuine to many listeners.
9. A Change Would Do You Good (1996)
This song is definitely one of Sheryl Crow’s greatest and sassiest hits ever. Aside from it landing at the no. 1 on the US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard) chart, the song’s meaning is rumored to be about Sheryl’s former male co-writers, who publicly vocalize their displeasure at their now iconic former friend.
10. Cross Creek Road (2019)
Of course, aside from her country/pop songs about love and peace, Sheryl also has a soft heart for rock music. This rock ballad highlights Sheryl Crow’s passion for music. From the way she strums her electric guitar to her iconic rockabilly voice, this was indeed a one-of-a-kind Sheryl Crow song you should not miss out on.
So, if you’re struggling to choose whether to listen to pop, country, or rock songs, worry no more—you can have them if you listen to Sheryl Crow’s songs listed above.
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