SHERYL CROW has recorded her first-ever country album, which she's planning to release next fall.  Sheryl says she chose country because it matches up with her desire to tell a great story.

She told "Country Weekly", "I think [country] is the best format if you like songs as a forum.  Songs that are melodic and lyric-driven.   That's what I've always loved.  There isn't a home for that outside of country consistently."

Sheryl's only concern is that her new stuff won't get any airplay.  She adds,"My record is probably more country than a lot of country that is getting played on the radio, so I hope I get played."