With a Lot of Help from Her Friends
But for her first three albums, Sheryl has often collaborated with other artists- C'Mon C'Mon had major artists working on almost every cut. It's almost as if she's relying on them to bring her listeners. This is her last, she says, and she has brought in her friends to help her out. This didn't need to be a duets album, however. On some songs she sounds better alone.
This album has more energy than the last; Sheryl usually sounds best when she's singing about heartbreak. Her political views are too shallow and anodyne to have any real meaning.
Beware of Darkness is George Harrison's most beautiful song. She could have done it solo sans Sting.
Wouldn't Want to be Like You- Great song, sounds up to date if done by a young 22 year old hungry artist starting out; but whining about rich people when you yourself are a multi-millionaire is a little, well, rich.
Redemption Day- lyrics written about the Bosnian war in the 90. Johnny Cash gives it the gravitas Sheryl lacks.
Live Wire- Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Stales are underused but it's a good rocker.
Still the Good All Days- Great to hear Sheryl sound optimistic, especially on the heels of the somber Redemption Day. 70s rock a la "Steve McQueen".
"Prove you Wrong" - so repetitive it bores to death. Stevie Nicks is underutilized. Underwritten.
Everything is Broken- great Bob Dylan cover, better than Bob's original.
"Story of Everything" sounds like a rewrite of songs on Be Myself. According to Sheryl the world is falling apart. These songs, like "Gasoline" on the Detours album ultimately sound dated. She's writing from MSNBC headlines again but little insight.
"Tell me When It's Over" - has hit single written all over it. Strong cut.
The ballads are the album's strength especially the gorgeous "Don't".
The production focuses on Sheryl's unique voice which sounds stronger here than ever. I wonder how she's going to tour this album without her guests. That's a problem. She'll probably get a Grammy for Album if the Year for this.