Sheryl Crow knows a thing or two about great songwriting, and she’s giving aspiring songwriters some killer advice: head to the “college of Taylor Swift.”
In a recent interview for Variety’s Power of Women Nashville issue, Crow praised Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, and Phoebe Bridgers for their exceptional songwriting skills. The Grammy-winning artist has been around long enough to know when something is special, and she’s all about encouraging the next generation of music makers to study the best in the game.
“I think if you want to take a course in great songwriting, go study at the college of Taylor Swift,” she said, clearly impressed by Swift’s undeniable influence. It’s not just about throwing random lyrics into the mix, these women, according to Sheryl, really “play” with their craft. It’s the depth, vulnerability, and skill they bring to the table that makes them stand out. Crow went on to mention other strong female voices like Brandi Carlile and Courtney Barnett, pointing out that for a long time, there was a serious lack of women rocking out in the industry. But now? “I’m tickled,” she said, thrilled by the shift.
Sheryl isn’t the only one recognizing Swift’s songwriting impact. In 2022, the University of Texas at Austin even launched a songwriting course based entirely on Taylor Swift’s body of work, cementing her place as a songwriting powerhouse. It’s not hard to see why Crow is so adamant that aspiring songwriters pay attention to these women. The caliber of their writing is next-level, and it’s a blueprint for anyone looking to make their mark in the music world.
But even with her admiration for the current generation of female artists, Sheryl doesn’t mince words when it comes to her own experiences in the industry. She admits that if she were starting out today, she’d struggle with the egotistical and often superficial nature of modern music culture. “It’s so cultivated and ego-driven,” she said, reflecting on how the industry’s focus on brand-building has changed the game. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to go into it knowing I’ve got to build this picture of a famous, secure person but also try to be vulnerable and be an artist.”
Having battled depression and mental health struggles over the years, Sheryl has learned to focus less on external validation and more on creating music that feels meaningful to her. “I just want to write music that feels like I’m glad I wrote it,” she said, emphasizing how important it is to make art that resonates personally, rather than chasing after a hit song. The pressures of being constantly “on” and having your life scrutinized for public consumption just aren’t her thing anymore.
Sheryl’s evolution as an artist proves that success doesn’t have to be defined by chart-topping hits or constant fame. For her, it’s about the joy of songwriting and staying true to herself, no matter what the music industry says is “in.”
