413. Producer/songwriter Jeff Trott on co-writing and making Sheryl Crow's classic self-titled album and the secrets to a 30 year creative partnership

·46 min·4 clips

Jeff Trott arrives at the studio just as the original producer is leaving in a cab, forcing him to produce Sheryl Crow's album on the spot.

Host Jeremy Dylan introduces Jeff Trott, a songwriter and producer known for his long collaboration with Sheryl Crow. Trott describes his home studio in Nashville and shows the 1973 Les Paul Custom he used on 'If It Makes You Happy'. He reveals that Sheryl Crow's second album was chosen for discussion, co-writing seven of its 13 tracks. Trott explains how he joined the project after a falling out between Crow and producer Bill Bottrell in New Orleans, arriving just as Bottrell was leaving. He recounts meeting Crow years earlier when he sang harmonies on her song 'Can't Cry Anymore' and later being asked to play guitar for her. The writing process for the album included early songs like 'On the Outside' for The X-Files soundtrack and 'Sweet Rosalyn'. Trott details how 'A Change Will Do You Good' was written using a stomp-clap loop and lyrics drawn randomly from a paper bag. He shares that 'If It Makes You Happy' was a nearly complete song he brought to Crow, who finished a verse and made it her own. During recording, 'Every Day is a Winding Road' was overproduced until Robbie Robertson advised stripping it down, leading to its success. Trott reflects on the lack of pressure during the sessions, attributing the album's indie-rock feel to their naivety. He discusses maintaining his creative partnership with Crow by challenging each other and now writing quickly, abandoning sessions if inspiration lags. Trott hears the songs in public often and feels they remain vital, noting covers by artists like Prince. The episode concludes with Trott's appreciation for the album's timeless quality and his role in its creation.

As heard by us

A warm, craft-focused look at the shared instincts behind Sheryl Crow's enduring songs.

Jeff Trott's account of making a classic Sheryl Crow record lands as a story about trust in the room. The strongest details are practical and tactile: a remote cabin near Yosemite National Park, a stomp-clap loop, acoustic guitars, recording gear, and enough instruments around…

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Why you'd press play

A paper bag helps you hear Change Will Do You Good taking shape.

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