Following the release of the star-studded supposed farewell album Threads, Sheryl Crow had the intention of retiring from the recording industry; but, life had other ideas for her. Crow was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2023, which was made possible by the publication of the documentary Sheryl in 2022. This occurred four years after Threads gained considerable recognition. Crow returned to the studio, this time in the company of Mike Elizondo, a producer whose credits include artists such as 50 Cent and Eminem, as well as Fiona Apple, Carrie Underwood, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. All of these circumstances were sufficient to drive Crow back into the studio. Crow was urged by Elizondo to embrace the more dazzling sides of her identity, a change that was clear from the exuberant opening track of Evolution, "Alarm Clock." In addition to "Alarm Clock," which sounds like a deliberate update of the chipper sunshine pop of C'mon C'Mon, "Do It Again" simmers to a slinky ramble that is reminiscent of "All I Wanna Do," and the pleading "Don't Walk Away" taps into the broken-hearted vein of "Strong Enough," "Alarm Clock" is not the only moment on Evolution that makes a conscious nod to the singer/songwriter's past. One of the most impressive aspects of Evolution is that it never gives the impression that Crow is giving in to sentimentality. Instead, it seems as though she is becoming more comfortable in her own flesh. The song "Evolution" is a good time that conceals its vaguely deeper undercurrents with its cheerfulness. It is filled with sunny hooks, bustling lines, and easy rhythms. Evolution is not cumbersome; rather, it is fast and bright, putting its focus completely on the gifts that brought Crow into the Hall of Fame. The vibe is familiar, but the sound is fresh, and even better, Evolution is not ponderous.
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