Sheryl Crow returns with 'Freedom Bus,' a single about free speech and civility, ahead of October album 'Pick You Up'

Sheryl Crow has released the single 'Freedom Bus,' featuring a guest vocal from Jesse Welles, as the opening track from her forthcoming album 'Pick You Up,' due 9 October. Crow announced the single and album on her official Facebook page on 14 August, directing fans to listen on Apple Music and Spotify (Billboard).

The song carries a direct message about free speech in a polarised America. Crow told Billboard that the chorus explicitly states that having freedom of speech does not give you permission to be an "assh-le." She said the song is "not a doom and gloom song" but a call to consider that rights such as bearing arms, gathering peacefully and speaking your piece are under threat, and that free speech "has become a weapon" in the current climate.

The inspiration came from an eighth-grade class field trip Crow chaperoned with her son, whose first stop was Arlington National Cemetery. Crow, a veteran of USO performances overseas, said she does not take freedom lightly because "our freedom has been paid for in the lives of others throughout history." The song advocates thoughtful dialogue — the ability to disagree and still shake hands.

'Freedom Bus' was not originally meant for the album. Crow said the plan was a six-song EP before she insisted the track be included, bringing the final tracklist to seven songs. The album was produced by Crow and guitarist Jeff Trott, whom she calls her "musical husband," and recorded at her Old Green Barn home studio in Nashville. The two wrote 'Freedom Bus' during weekly writing sessions at Crow's home.

Jesse Welles joined the song because Crow is a fan of his work. Crow sent the track to producer Mike Elizondo, who was working with Welles and played it for him. The collaboration was announced as part of the single's release.

'Pick You Up' is Crow's second album since she reversed a 2019 decision to stop making full-length records. Her previous album, 'Evolution,' a nine-song release, came out on 29 March 2024 (NPR). Crow had announced that album as her last before reconsidering.

Crow said the rest of 'Pick You Up' is not as political as 'Freedom Bus' but is intensely introspective, taking stock of what it means to be a veteran artist still making new work. The album is available for pre-save on major streaming platforms.