Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since Sheryl Crow launched her career with Tuesday Night Music, a rock-pop album that included such infectious songs as “All I Wanna Do.” She went on to record another seven albums, which cumulatively sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Now Crow has reunited with Jeff Trott, who co-wrote early hits “If It Makes You Happy” and “My Favorite Mistake.” The reunion pays dividends, returning the “Everyday is a Winding Road” singer to her ’90s rock-queen glory. Songs like “Roller Skate,” “Rest of Me” and exuberant title track are all instantly likeable. There’s also a darker edge to some material, reflecting Crow’s concern with the state of the world. “Hal...

Crow’s never had a problem writing memorable story songs. The Missouri-born singer has won nine Grammy Awards for her work and sold over 35 million records to date. But settling in Nashville in 2006 to raise her two adopted sons proved to be a boost for Crow’s craft. Her eighth studio album, co-written with top country artists, features her most succinct and touching songwriting to date. “The thing about country music,” she says, “is the stories you tell usually get to the point quicker.” Case in point: “Waterproof Mascara,” a Loretta Lynn-style number written with country star Brad Paisley in which a single mother of a son sings how her eye makeup “won’t run like his daddy did.” In “Stay at...