The album's lead single, "If It Makes You Happy", underwent several different arrangements before being turned into a rock song. According to musician Jeff Trott, who co-wrote the song along with Crow, "It started off as a twangy, David Lynch-esque sort of thing. Then [...] we played it like punk rock, really fast, as well as country and funky. You know, you get a song and put clothes on it to see what looks good and what doesn't, and usually when you find the right one it's pretty obvious. With that song it was real obvious!" Trott initially wrote the song when he was a member of Pete Droge's backing band, but Crow added a second verse and strengthened the melody. "Sheryl Crow" also has contributions by notable musicians. For example, "Sweet Rosalyn" features saxophone by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, while "Everyday Is a Winding Road" features harmony vocals by Neil Finn of Crowded House.