Sheryl Crow criticizes Trump era and AI, has a feeling she’s not the only one

Sheryl Crow has released “The New Normal,” a new single critiquing the current political climate under President Trump while addressing concerns about artificial intelligence and societal shifts. The song, performed with her touring band the Real Lowdown, reflects the singer’s fears that increasingly “bizarre” circumstances might become accepted as ordinary.

What she’s saying: Crow expressed her concerns about current events in social media posts accompanying the release.
• “What’s happening all around us is so unbelievably bizarre, that my fear is we will truly begin to feel like this is normal. And that’s what terrifies me,” she wrote on Instagram.

Key lyrics: The upbeat pop-rock track questions contemporary reality through literary and political references.
• “Is it science fiction or prediction wrapped in George Orwell?/If the news is fake and fear is hate and nothing’s immoral/ To the leader of the free world, then welcome to the new normal.”
• On artificial intelligence: “You’re gonna wake up someday/To a robot that’s in your place/Like all the predictions say.”

The band behind the music: Crow highlighted her 15-year collaboration with the Real Lowdown, comprised of Fred Eltringham (drums, percussion), Audley Freed (electric guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Robert Kearns (bass), and Peter Stroud (electric guitar).
• “I am so blessed to have the band that I have,” she wrote. “For years, we have jammed up such cool stuff during sound checks that we decided we go in and start recording as a band.”

What’s next: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee teased additional collaborative work with her band.
• “Can’t wait for everyone to hear the new stuff we are doing,” Crow said, indicating more recordings are planned.