Pop music is dismissed today because it is more commodity than art. Today's pop music is like facial tissue: we don't think about the brand, call it all Kleenex, and throw it away. Of course the music is disposable! It's only there to provide a beat for the strip show. I wonder which is more difficult: staying in tune while wearing clothes or staying in tune while simultaneously taking them off. It must be the latter, as many elaborate stage performances use canned vocals. In a world where Fergie can pass for a pop star rather than an unfortunate-looking stripper, it amazes me Norah Jones sells any records at all. So what's the big deal? Why should we take note of someone just because they can sing with their clothes on? Journalism 101: it's not news when dog bites man, it's news when man bites dog.
I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong. I'm not a 74-year old Republican who wants to outlaw the miniskirt- I'm a 33-year old married guy with four beautiful nieces, my politics are my business, and there is a place for miniskirts (not on my nieces, though!). The girls are 2, 6, 8, and 10-years old. I want to confiscate all of their Hannah Montana and Cheetah Girls CDs (and whatever appalling music they listen to these days) and hand them copies of these first three albums from Jones followed by the famous parent speech, "You won't understand today, but you will thank me down the road."
Maybe they will thank me because it helps them to see that you can be your own person and still succeed. Maybe they will thank me because it helps them to see it is possible to succeed in life without slutting yourself up. Maybe it well help them understand that what is popular is not always best, but that sometimes excellence triumphs over flash. Maybe they'll thank me because they fell in love with Norah Jones' music, too.
There is a place in the musical universe for songs that are fun and disposable. I tend not to like them and while commercial success might not justify them as art, the popularity of this kind of music does say something beyond the obvious, that too many people have bad taste in music. Fergie and her ilk will sell a ton of records today and nobody will remember it tomorrow. There is a timelessness to Norah Jones' voice that makes her music transcend the trends and the eras. This is a voice that belongs in the same category as Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
What a treat to read this after that pile of dung posting as a springsteen review.
It is a beautiful album. I loved it from first listen, but it continues to grow on me with repeat.
2 - DJRadiohead
Sir Brewster, I am in agreement with you on all counts.
The album has grown on me since its release. There really is not a song I don't like.
But be honest, you only checked in for the pictures. haha
3 - Mat Brewster
Nah man, I read your magazine for the articles, I swear.
4 - Mark Saleski
i don't own my 180g vinyl copy of this yet....but i will.
5 - Baritone
I am an older fogie who also appreciates Norah Jones' music. I came of age listening to 60s and 70s jazz and rock. I know that dates me and most younger people will respond with a major oh, pul-eeze.
But I swear, music, true music, was better then. Musical performance was not primarily a visual experience as it is today. The notion that someone would appear on a stage, sit down to a piano and just play and sing is difficult for some people to imagine. Most of today's popular singers' and groups' music is of only tertiary interest. Of much greater importance is the spectacle. I suppose that has its place, but if the music is bad or lacking in interest, who gives a crap?
I was fortunate to see Laura Nyro in concert a couple of times back in the 70s. Just her voice and a piano. Great stuff.
Norah Jones is one of a few contemporary vocalists who brings that experience back to us.
It's called musicianship. Its called intimacy. How wonderful!
6 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
7 - DJRadiohead
Baritone, you and I come from different eras but I appreciate your point of view and agree with it so much of it.
These records are timeless, wonderful listens. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for the forward, Connie.
8 - S. Soukiassian
Thank you for your wonderful review of Norah Jones' new album! I can't believe how some critic think her songs are boring. Norah's music is the epitome of tasteful pop music!
9 - DJRadiohead
Thanks, S. Soukiassian. I spent some time listening to this album again tonight and I feel the same way about it today as I did then. What a marvelous piece of work.