One of this album's real achievements is the way it integrates new influences but still sounds distinctly Norah. While some might prefer the differences were more obvious, I like subtlety. "Sinkin' Soon" is a combination of Dixieland, ragtime, saloon, and lounge sounds. I am unfamiliar with Tom Waits, but even I could spot that influence on this track. Maybe I haven't listened to enough trombone music, but I don't know if I have ever heard that instrument make these sounds. That Jones sounds so comfortable and makes this slight departure sound like a natural part of her musical environment is brilliant.
I never knew much about marimbas until I was captivated by Thomas Newman's American Beauty score. Newman did marvelous things with marimbas, and now Jones has, too. “You Are Not My Friend” is spare, fragile, and affecting. The marimbas and the backwards electric guitar combine with TheVoice, hovering breathily, and the impact is ethereal.
“Thinking About You” is a great choice as a first single, as it probably sounds more similar to songs from her previous albums than anything else on this record. Even here, though, horns and organ are added to give the sound an extra dose of sultriness (not that TheVoice needs any help in that department). It's charming, classy, and fun. There really is no low point on the disc, but there are other highlights besides those previously mentioned. “Broken,” and “The Sun Doesn't Like You,” and album closer “Not Too Late.”
Not Too Late feels like a continuation of what started on Come Away With Me. There is a progression, yet the music on her three albums sounds like it belongs together. There is a progression- and damn it, there is also sonic variety, so shut up about it already! The individual songs on this record stand up, but this really should be listened to in the context of a full album. Technology is challenging the concept of the album as an art form. Not Too Late is one more case for binding groups of songs together.
I tend to think of music in comparative terms. When listening to an album by an artist with more than one of them, I tend to compare the sound and quality to its predecessors. I compare similar-sounding artists and similar-sounding songs. I am not alone in this camp. More than one co-worker who saw I was listening to Not Too Late asked me about the album, and often in comparison to her others. I don't know if it is the best approach for listening to music- it probably isn't, but for some reason it makes sense to me. There are exceptions, and this is one of them.
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.