She's an original, baby.

Sheryl Crow quickly established herself as one of the few non-posing female rockers in mainstream music a few years ago. She's lightened her sound a bit, but she's still got a gift for writing honest, effortless lyrics that touch the soul. This album finds Sheryl writing some of her most optimistic, upbeat lyrics ever, and the music tags along for the ride.

1) Steve McQueen
This song is quinessential Sheryl Crow, and that's what makes it the best possible opener. Catchy pop/rock with extra lyrical punch is what Sheryl's known for, and she takes it all in stride here, delivering a confidant vocal with enough lyrical power to make this album promising already.
I wanna rock and roll this party, I still wanna have some fun
I wanna leave you feeling breathless, show you how the west was won
But I gotta fly

2) Soak Up The Sun
This bouncy, glass-half-full pop number was a huge summer hit, understandably. Sheryl sings in a lighter pop voice than normal, giving the song a 70s vibe. Sheryl croons that depsite the fact she doesn't have "diddly squat," she's "looking up" and counting her blessings. Strong lyrically, interesting musically.
I don't have digital
I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got

3) You're An Original
This is where Sheryl's rock side really kicks in, and Lenny Kravitz's backing vocals don't hurt at all. The lyrics find Sheryl warning a foul-mouthed, dime-a-dozen "princess" that there's a hundred more just like her, and she needs to get over herself, and fast, because pretty soon no one's going to give a flip about her. Great meshing of acoustic and rock vibes.
Caught you in a pose
That everybody knows
We thought you had something special

4) Safe And Sound
Next up is one of the strongest songs of Sheryl's career, and probably the best on this album. "Safe And Sound" is a slow rockish ballad, utilizing the piano beautifully. The lyrics refer to a relationship that is over despite the valiant efforts of both individuals involved, and regrets abound, but Sheryl vows she won't let go until her lover is ready. Sheryl's vocals soar effortlessly over the song, which I imagine is hard to sing. Definitely a stand-out.
I don't blame you for quitting
I know you really tried
If only you could hang on through the night

5) C'mon, C'mon
The title track is a back-to-roots kind of song, with Sheryl's many country and roots rock influences shining through. The acordian (played by Sheryl) adds something new to the song when it might have just blended in. In the lyrics Sheryl's in a bad relationship and wants out, but still invites her flame to "c'mon, break my heart again." Stevie Nicks sings backup vocals.
You say you need me
But you can't tell me no
When I ask you to stop
You just let me go

6) It's So Easy
This ballad is a duet with Don Henley that uses piano and acoustic elements. Sheryl wrote this with her sister, and it's about the "other woman" in an affair, apparently. The subject kind of bugs me, but nonetheless the song is still a winner - Sheryl and Don's voices mesh together nicely, and the slow rocker has a laid-back pace that makes it a nice middle track.
Every night I lay here alone
After you leave me and go home
She doesn't know that we can't let go
And it's hurting me so

7) Over You
This is a great song lyrically, one of the best on the record. It's a benevolent song addressed towards an old flame who's moved on, and while Sheryl appears to have done the same, it's obvious she's not "over" the guy. Musically it's a mid-tempo track that rolls along at a lazy beat.
I heard your name today
I walked away
Cause everyone's still talking
I don't need that in my life

8) Lucky Kid
This song kicks in quick, a psycadelic rhythm-infused rocker that is almost the opposite of the previous song lyrically, but not quite. Again it's addressed to an ex whom Sheryl's not quite over. What makes this song stand out from the others on the album that deal with the same subject matter is the music, by far.
I want to turn you into a Corvette
I want to drive you out of your mind
I want to watch your face when you reach that place you could never find

9) Diamond Road
Sheryl switched subjects just in time: it was starting to get a little redundant. This song is basically Sheryl pledging her love and support to a friend going through some rough times. It's mid-tempo, with a more punchy chorus with guest vocals by Stevie Nicks again. It's more acoustic and the melody is interesting.
Beneath the promise of blue skies
With broken wings we'll learn to fly
Pull yourself out of the tide
And begin to dream again

10) It's Only Love
The tempo on this song kind of ruins it for me - it's a little too similar to "Over You" and the preceding track, and the lyrics are a bit below Shery's normal standards. Sheryl's been hurt, and looks forward to finding love again. Gwyneth Paltrow offers guest vocals, but I'm just not crazy about her voice. This song feels too "filler" and I really think the album would be better if it were left off altogether, but only because I know Sheryl's capable of better.
You were master of so many
Savior to none
I waged all of my hopes so plenty on you
Now look what I've become

11) Abilene
This is another song that, like the title track, shows off Sheryl's traditional country influences, with backing vocals by Dixie Chick Natalie Maines. She's asking her flame to forgive her for her mistakes and in turn promising to stay with him, even though he's slow to forgive and indecisive. On CMT's "Crossroads" Sheryl performed this with Willie Nelson, making the album version forever inferior to me, but it's still a great song, and redeeming after the previous one.
Can't you see I'm wearing your shirt
The one with the heart on the sleeve
Everyone can see you've been hurt
But honey don't give up on me

12) Hole In My Pocket
A more upbeat song, "Hole in my Pocket" is Sheryl's confessions of how she often throws away a good thing - interesting after the previous songs about broken relationships. She's owning up to her mistakes and confessing she's still going to "lose her way." Not as memorable as it could've been due to the music, but still a strong song.
We stick together with every day that passes by
But I'm just like the weather, I keep on changing my mind

13) Weather Channel
More reminiscent of The Globe Sessions than much of this album, "Weather Channel" finds Sheryl honestly battling depression and admitting she doesn't "feel so human" and is just sitting around "waiting for the storm." The song is very stripped down and basic, with Emmylou Harris singing backing vocals. This is Sheryl's trademark: poignant and wrenchingly honest lyrics.
You won't want me hanging round the birthday pony
Even though it's just a game
You know we are the same
But you're the better faker

C'mon, C'mon is not Sheryl's best work. A couple songs could be left off and never missed, and sometimes the subject matter is repetitive and some songs are just not that memorable. But still, Sheryl's gorgeous vocals and sharp pen carry the album, not to mention her extreme musical talent - she must play everything. Lots of guest vocals spice thing up a bit in places where it might have gotten boring, but without Sheryl's self-assured voice, they wouldn't amount to much. Not a perfect album, but I'm giving it four stars because it's consistent for the most part - and it's just so cool to listen to.