There is a risk in messing with a good thing, and very few things in the decaying music industry have been as critically or commercially successful as Jones' first two albums. The formula has changed for Not Too Late. The legendary Arif Mardin, producer of Come Away With Me and Feels Like Home, passed away in 2006. In addition, all 13 songs on this new album were either written or co-written by Jones herself, which probably equals her songwriting output for those first two records.
Those two deviations were likely enough for some music writers to begin sharpening their knives, preparing to proclaim the 27-year old was simply a creation of a great producer or was dependent on the songwriting talents of others; incapable of providing her own material.
Of course some critics are too lazy to come up with anything new, so I am sure we'll get another batch of "S-norah Jones" reviews. I go apoplectic when I hear people dismiss her music as being too quiet or too mellow. That is like going to Paris and complaining that all you can find is French food. Too mellow? What is that? What difference does the perceived mellowness have on the quality of the music? Dismissals like that say more about the listener than the artist, suggesting they are unable to appreciate music free of bombast and overwrought, contrived emotion.
The first four minutes of Not Too Late were enough to resolve the issue of whether or not Jones was a capable songwriter. The underlying sounds may be different, but the devastating heartbreak in the voice is as potent as ever. I nearly didn't make it past the first song, “Wish I Could.” It is a stunning creation. It is not uncommon for me to lock into a single song in an almost trance-like state, which is terribly funny considering my lack of concentration skills. There is an undefinable quality, a beauty, that hypnotized me immediately. Listeners are immediately clued in that this will be a different kind of record as the sonic background for Jones' voice on this track is not the familiar piano, instead relying on acoustic guitar and cello. The combination of TheVoice and mournful cello have a devastating effect.
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.