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Of course, there is a vast difference between The J5's version of R&B and TTD's, but instead of offering a miscellany of soul styles, the influence of the titular city pervades many of the tracks, including the non-originals. "Even Sign Your Name" is re-imagined as a mid-tempo Al Green classic and appears to have been recorded by the very same Hi Rhythm Section–the house band for Willie Mitchell's label–used by Green, Ann Peebles and more. It's got that gorgeous loping gait instantly evocative of Hi, as does lead single Summer Day, which also features essence-of-Memphis horns.
The album was co-produced by Crow and Doyle Bramhall II, who worked with Eric Clapton, a rumoured ex-squeeze of hers. He's a good fit: ...Memphis has the feel of a 70s Clapton album such as 461 Ocean Boulevard, with its mix of white soul, rock and reggae lite, tasteful rhythms and natty licks–Keith Richards adds his trademark scything guitar to the politely skanking "Eye to Eye", while "Say What You Want" recalls Stephen Stills' "Love the One You're With". It's all very early 70s–"Peaceful Feeling" even references Sly Stone's "Dance to the Music" and The Isley Brothers' "Summer Breeze".
This is an album nostalgic for a time when soul, circa Watergate/Vietnam, had an upbeat message and a positivist agenda. Here, though, Crow puts aside politics for pure fun. And there are nods to contemporary RnB, with a cameo from Justin Timberlake on Sign Your Name. Throughout, Crow seems to be enjoying herself, none more so than on bonus track "I Want You Back" (complete with dedication: "For Michael With Love"), her voice suffused with the exuberance of, well, an excitable 11-year-old boy.
--Paul LesterFind more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
Customer Reviews
The songs are all catchy and well-written, immediatly ear-grabbing but also growing with subsequent listenings. The lyrics - very much in keep with the genre - deals mostly with the ups and downs of romantic love. Although there's also a couple of comments on the way of the world, reflecting Sheryl's humanistic engagement.
There are notable guests like Keith Richards and Justin Timberlake. And a fiting tribute to her old employer Michael Jackson in the form of a re-make of the Jackson 5 hit "I Want You Back".
Seems like several younger female artists are drawn to the depth and beauty of soul music: Joan Osborne, Susan Tedeschi, Dana Fuchs, Grace Potter and compared with them Sheryl may lack a bit of vocal power. But all in all no sign of the great Miss Crow slowing down or loosing it after 6 albums, in fact this might be one of her best.
Worth a listen and a great singer.
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