My wife and I are HUGE Norah Jones fans. She has this soulful sound that is truly unique to her. While her voice sometimes seems light and soft, it is ALWAYS full of strength. I was extremely excited to see that her new album is coming out in a month. I was even more excited that for a limited time you can listen to the entire album online for free here (thanks NPR!). I'm no music critic, and I've only been through the album about three times in the last day, but I figured I'd have to share some quick thoughts.
I'll admit I was a little worried when I first started up the album. Norah's last album "The Fall" (I consider the collection of compilations "...Featuring" as a seperate work). It seemed to me that she was going a little too much down the "pop music" route and I'm not that much into that. Don't get me wrong. I love some of the folks and fun music she has sone on other albums. It simply reminded me a bit of when Harry Connick Jr. Released his "She" and "Star Turtle" albums. I'm enough of a fan to listen to them, but it stays out of my normal play cycle.
Regardless, and to get back on track, I found "Little Broken Hearts" to be very well done. Her opening track "Good Morning" isn't a jazz number, but it contains all of the soulful and powerful music you're used to her. The second chart "Say Goodbye" does have a pop sound, but there's something quirky about it that makes it fun. Overall the album shows her going back a little more into the jazz style, and has some very moving songs. "Miriam" seems almost hauntingly sad "Happy Pills" is a very fun chart.
So I'm excited to add this album to our collection when I get a chance to. In the meantime, thanks Norah for allowing us a FULL listen to your album!