So, "Soak Up the Sun" got overplayed shortly after VH1 seemed to devote all its broadcast time towards airing that video as much as possible. Odd way to start a review, but it has to be put out there… "Soak Up the Sun" was an incredibly successful first single from Sheryl Crow. Too successful. It's a good song that got ruined by overplay.

But that doesn't hurt the rest of the album. It's a sunny, bright, optimistic album. It's perfect for summer, and, lucky enough, it came out shortly before the summer of 2002 (unless you count a month and a half as "more than shortly"). "Steve McQueen," the opening number, isn't anything special (and, oddly enough, is the second single). It sets the tone well, though. Hooky and catchy.

"You're an Original" is… pleasant. It's got Lenny Kravitz on backing vocals. Backing vocals! That was nice of him. I guess. Too bad HIS songs aren't as good as the ones on here, but that's a subject for another review. It, like the two songs before it, is catchy and sunny. (I'm going to save my fingers the trouble of typing up the word "catchy" a few dozen times and briefly generalize that every song here has at least a nice hook to it) Sheryl's style is classicist rock with a modern twist, for those who didn't know, and she does it well.

"Safe and Sound" is a nice, slow, smooth number… same goes for "Abilene" and the title track. All of them are just golden… "It's So Easy" is notable for some interesting harmonies with Don Henley. "Over You" is almost as good, but ultimately not as memorable (at least to me… AMG checked it off as a "highlight" or something). "Diamond Road" is the real highlight here, though. Beautiful work all round: Vocals, lyrics, guitars, etc. Awesome sting-driven introduction, sweet melodies, and, well, stuff.

"Lucky Kid" and "Hole in My Pocket" are pretty good as a Stones-y rawkaz. Nice drums and use of vocal effects on "Lucky Kid." That oughtta show Fred Durst how to not over produce something. "Weather Channel" is a nice closer: soft, quiet, low key. It's the perfect way to end a relaxing and fun album.