Sheryl Crow, best known for her pop-rock career and such hits as "Strong Enough" and "Every Day Is a Winding Road," has recorded her first-ever country album, slated to be released on Warner Music Nashville next fall. The single will debut in March.

"It’s been really fun to make. I made it at home in my barn," Sheryl told Country Weekly at Monday night's (Dec. 3) 2012 CMT Artists of the Year taping, where she presented one of the artists with an award. (The honorees won't be revealed until Saturday's broadcast.) 

The singer, who had a country hit with Kid Rock on his duet "Picture," is no stranger to Nashville. "It has been really sweet to live here," she raves. "I’m going on seven years."

Sheryl says she was drawn to the genre by its commitment to songwriting. "I think it’s 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," she explains, revealing her high hopes for the as-yet-untitled album. "My record is probably more country than a lot of country that is getting played [on the radio], so I hope I get played."

In November, Sheryl released the country-tinged "Woman in the White House" online.

CMT Artists of the Year airs Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 p.m. ET.