Backwards Beats is the music podcast where two musicians count down Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—from #500 to #1—with deep dives, honest reviews, and a whole lot of personality.
Each week, Carl and Dan break down one classic album, exploring the songwriting, production, legacy, and cultural context behind the music. Expect:
🎧 Insightful Album Reviews – Go beyond surface-level takes with in-depth musical analysis and historical perspective.
🎤 Real Talk & Wild Takes – We’re not afraid to say when a “classic” doesn’t hold up—and we’ll explain why.
🎸 A Celebration of Music History – From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, we revisit the records that shaped generations.
Whether you’re a music nerd, vinyl collector, or just discovering these iconic albums for the first time, Backwards Beats delivers sharp commentary, deep appreciation, and plenty of fun along the way.
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and join the countdown from cult favorites to all-time greats.
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Backwards Beats is the music podcast where two musicians count down Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—from #500 to #1—with deep dives, honest reviews, and a whole lot of personality.
Each week, Carl and Dan break down one classic album, exploring the songwriting, production, legacy, and cultural context behind the music. Expect:
🎧 Insightful Album Reviews – Go beyond surface-level takes with in-depth musical analysis and historical perspective.
🎤 Real Talk & Wild Takes – We’re not afraid to say when a “classic” doesn’t hold up—and we’ll explain why.
🎸 A Celebration of Music History – From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, we revisit the records that shaped generations.
Whether you’re a music nerd, vinyl collector, or just discovering these iconic albums for the first time, Backwards Beats delivers sharp commentary, deep appreciation, and plenty of fun along the way.
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and join the countdown from cult favorites to all-time greats.
In Episode 32 of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into the self-titled 1996 album Sheryl Crow, ranked #475 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. This sophomore record marked a decisive turn for Crow as a producer, songwriter, and artist determined to define herself beyond the massive success of Tuesday Night Music Club. The duo explores the album’s gritty production, thematic depth, and impressive musical range—highlighting Crow’s defiant vocals, smart arrangements, and her evolution as a bandleader.
From radio staples like "If It Makes You Happy" and "Everyday Is a Winding Road" to overlooked gems like "Home" and "Love Is a Good Thing," this episode blends music theory, and production analysis.. Along the way, the hosts unpack artistic independence, unexpected harmony choices, and why Crow deserves more respect in both pop and rock circles.
Key Points
Sheryl Crow (1996) is her second studio album and a bold departure from the collaborative feel of Tuesday Night Music Club.
Dan and Carl dig into the production choices—especially Crow’s use of distorted Wurlitzers, dry vocal doubles, and male background vocals that add gravitas.
Special attention to vocal technique—Dan breaks down how Crow uses melody, harmony, and tone to define character and mood across tracks.
Music Referenced
I Just Can't Stop Loving You by Michael Jackson
Celine Dion
Prince
Stevie Wonder
Don Henley
Rod Stewart
Sting
Continuum by John Mayer
Selena
Bonnie Raitt
Miranda Lambert
St. Vincent
Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt
You're No Good by Linda Ronstadt
Amy Mann
Cowboy Junkies
One of These Nights by The Eagles
Billy Preston
Let It Be by The Beatles
Abbey Road by The Beatles
We Like It Here by Snarky Puppy
Jay Dilla
Jolene by Dolly Parton
Chris Stapleton
Cake
For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield
Jimi Hendrix
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Nirvana
Beck
Foo Fighters
John Scofield
Where Is My Mind by The Pixies
Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
The Rolling Stones
Kevin Gilbert
David Baerwald
Bill Bottrell
Neil Finn
Join us next week when we dig into #1 Record by Big Star.
Backwards Beats Podcast
Backwards Beats is the music podcast where two musicians count down Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—from #500 to #1—with deep dives, honest reviews, and a whole lot of personality.
Each week, Carl and Dan break down one classic album, exploring the songwriting, production, legacy, and cultural context behind the music. Expect:
🎧 Insightful Album Reviews – Go beyond surface-level takes with in-depth musical analysis and historical perspective.
🎤 Real Talk & Wild Takes – We’re not afraid to say when a “classic” doesn’t hold up—and we’ll explain why.
🎸 A Celebration of Music History – From groundbreaking debuts to genre-defining masterpieces, we revisit the records that shaped generations.
Whether you’re a music nerd, vinyl collector, or just discovering these iconic albums for the first time, Backwards Beats delivers sharp commentary, deep appreciation, and plenty of fun along the way.
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and join the countdown from cult favorites to all-time greats.
