Artist: Sheryl Crow

Album: “Detours”

Release Date: Feb. 5

Label: A&M

Sheryl Crow’s latest album, “Detours,” captures the essence of its title: rather than release another standard soft rock album, Crow tries new techniques. In fact, some people might have a hard time believing “Detours” is a Crow album. This new sound is much more natural, more like an indie rock sound. Rather than focusing on perfecting every last note, “Detours” is very free-spirited.

A standout song from “Detours” is “God Bless This Mess,” the album’s lead single. The song tackles political issues such as the Sept. 11 attacks and the War on Terrorism, and it captures Crow’s new indie feel. Another standout is “Out of Our Heads,” which features a fun hippie vibe. Not all of Crow’s songs are strong, however – the tracks “Shine Over Babylon” and “Now That You’re Gone” head back to a sound similar to her older songs.

Although it’s nice to hear such a defined artist change her signature style, it would even better to hear the new style throughout the entire album.

-Pat Crowley

Artist: British Sea Power

Album: “Do You Like Rock Music?”

Release Date: Feb. 12

Label: Rough Trade

See them: March 20 at Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines

The title of British Sea Power’s third album, “Do You Like Rock Music?,” is no misnomer. If your answer to the question is “yes,” there’s really no reason not to hear this album.

After only one or two listens, the songs begin to take on a recognizable shape of their own, which is not to say the songs aren’t unique or original. What British Sea Power has done here is to take the classic, time-tested methods of rock ‘n’ roll and cover them all with their signature briny wash, breathy vocals and obscure geological references. Pulling influences from early punk to post-rock, the boys from Brighton sound just as much at home here filling stadiums as they do smoky bars.

Though it never quite matches the splendor of the band’s 2003 debut, “DYLRM?” keeps up remarkably well, from the anthemic opener “All in It” to the full-circle closer “We Close Our Eyes.”

-Thomas Grundmeier

Artist: Missy Higgins

Album: “On a Clear Night”

Release Date: Feb. 26 (U.S.)

Label: EMI Int’l

Australian artist Missy Higgins returns to the U.S. with “On a Clear Night,” which, like her last album, features the singer’s light, playful voice. This time, however, Higgins produces a more confident sound, with deeper lyrics that embody a young woman trying to find her place in the world. Also, she ditches the piano sounds and moves on to a more acoustic feel.

A personal favorite from the album is “100 Around the Bends,” as it has a na’ve feel to it. Songs such as “Peachy” and “Steer” also emphasize the singer’s playfulness. And even when the singer takes on a slower song – like “Where I Stood” – her bright vocals shine through, giving a depressing song an optimistic feel.

Overall, the album was quite impressive with its combination of her pleasant voice and simple acoustic set.

-Pat Crowley