100 Miles from Memphis

100 Miles from Memphis
Studio album by Sheryl Crow
Released	July 20, 2010 (2010-07-20)
Recorded	Henson Recording Studios, (Los Angeles) Electric Lady Studios, (New York City)
Genre	Soul, pop
Length	59:35
Label	A&M
Producer	Sheryl Crow, Doyle Bramhall II, Justin Stanley
Sheryl Crow chronology
Home for Christmas (2008) 100 Miles from Memphis (2010)
Singles from 100 Miles from Memphis
"Summer Day" Released: June 21, 2010 "Sign Your Name" Released: September 15, 2010[1]

100 Miles from Memphis is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. The album was written and produced by Crow, Doyle Bramhall II and Justin Stanley and features the musicians Tommy Sims and Chris Bruce.^[2] On this album she puts aside her country and pop-rock past in favor of a vintage Memphis-styled, soul-inspired record. Although proficient on such instruments as bass, piano and guitar, Crow concentrates on singing throughout the album, which features some covers, including Citizen Cope's "Sideways"^[3] and The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back".^[4]

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Sheryl Crow, Doyle Bramhall II and Justin Stanley, except where noted. 

Reception

Commercial performance

In the United States, 100 Miles From Memphis was the Billboard 200's second-highest debut. The album which started at number #3 with sales of 55,000 copies is the singer's eighth top 10 album.^[8] In its second week, the album dropped to number #8, with sales of 24,000 copies.^[9] In the third week, the album fell to number 16.^[10] In the fourth week, the album fell to number 23.^[11] In its fifth week, the album fell to number 33.^[12] In its sixth week, it fell to number 35.^[13] But in its seventh week, it gave a big fall to number 65.^[14]

In Canada, the album sold 4,600 copies in its first week, debuting at #2 on the Canadian Albums Chart,^{[citation needed]} losing to Eminem's Recovery, which sold 28,000 copies. To date, the album has sold 150,000 copies in the US.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	66/100[15]
Review scores
Source	Rating
About.com	[16]
Allmusic	[17]
Austin American-Statesman	C+[18]
Billboard	favorable[19]
Entertainment Weekly	B[20]
Los Angeles Times	[21]
Mojo	[22]
Rolling Stone	[23]
Slant Magazine	[24]
USA Today	[25]

100 Miles from Memphis has received "generally favorable reviews" from 14 music critics, as Metacritic gave it 66 out of 100.^[15] Knoxville.com calls the album "sonically impressive" and Sheryl Crow's "most ambitious release so far", although not impressed with her voice, noticing a disconnection with the sound. They gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5.^[26]

BBC also gave 100 miles a positive review, calling it a "mix of white soul, rock and reggae" and praising the partnership between Crow and producer Doyle Bramhall II. The album is considered to be a nostalgic move for Crow, for a time when soul had an upbeat message. Crow's excitement is noticed throughout the record.^[27]

Billboard magazine says "100 miles is a path Crow was certainly wise to tread", praising her celebratory mind frame and the joyous mood of lead single "Summer Day", as well as "Peaceful Feeling" and first track "Our Love is Fading". Keith Richards' swagger is also noticed on the reggaefield "Eye to Eye".^[19][28]

Mojo Magazine finds Crow in a peaceful state of mind, after adopting her two sons, Wyatt Steve and newborn Levi James. At 48, she finally "returns to her roots". Mojo praises producers Doyle Bramhall II and Justin Stanley (Amy Winehouse) in their pursuit of "shimmering Memphis sound" and calls ballads "Stop" and Crow's cover of "Sideways" two of her most "vulnerable and classy performances". The album is rated 4 out of 5 stars.^[22][29]

The album was made BBC Radio 2's album of the Week for the week commencing July 10.^[30]

Charts

References

External links

• 100 Miles from Memphis at Metacritic