cletta1201's Full Review: Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
A Word On Jazz Music
I think jazz music is an acquired taste. Because the majority of music listeners are not accustomed to hearing the melodies of jazz vocalists and musicians it can be a bit hard to digest for someone who typically listens to popular music or even myself who listens mostly to R&B. The initial reaction is typically knee-jerk in that you want to dislike jazz because it’s too slow, or to sad or for whatever reason – but when you stop and reflect for a moment there is much to find and be happy about. My first reaction to the Norah Jones album was no way, no how (see, perfect knee-jerk reaction). I can appreciate old souls in jazz music, but this was just over the top. The second listen shined an entirely new light on the album and showed me its beauty.
Who Is Norah Jones?
Norah is the daughter of Indian music legend Ravi Shankar, I recently read in Rolling Stone that their relationship is a bit strange so if you run into her you might not want to mention him. She’s only 23 and has earned a jazz piano degree from a Texas university. She’s no newcomer to the music scene and has sung with another group by the name of Wax Poetic and oh yeah, she’s got an amazing voice.
Track Listing
1. Don’t Know Why
2. Seven Years
3. Cold Cold Heart
4. Feelin’ The Same Way
5. Come Away With Me
6. Shoot The Moon
7. Turn Me On
8. Lonestar
9. I’ve Got To See You Again
10. Painter Song
11. One Flight Down
12. Nightingale
13. The Long Day Is Over
14. The Nearness Of You
Album Highlights
”Don’t Know Why” showcases Jones’ range and depth as a singer. She’s definitely got the jazz ingénue thing down to a science and her voice sounds years more mature and polished than 23. “Don’t Know Why” is mellow and seductive without being overtly sexual which is a theme that pretty much runs through the whole album.
”Seven Years” and ”Cold Cold Heart” have more of a bluesy feel than a jazzy feel. The latter is a Hank Williams remake that I think stretches a little bit, but I really like the music on both tracks. ”Feelin’ The Same Way” picks up the pace a bit
”Come Away With Me” reminds me of a lullaby. Sweet, endearing and child-like – it just sounds sweet. It should be said that Norah Jones isn’t some flash in the pan pretty girl with no talent. Not only does she play the piano but she writes also. “Come Away With Me”, “Nightingale”, and “The Long Day Is Over”* were written by Norah and are some of the stronger cuts. (* = co-writer credit).
”Turn Me On” reminds me of country singer Shelby Lynne for some reason. If you listen to Jones’ inflection and pronunciation you might think she grew up in Kentucky or somewhere in the deep south (she was born in New York and transplanted to Texas). She has a voice that’s thick as honey and sweet too. Although I’ve noted “Turn Me On” as an album highlight, I think some of the problems with the tracks are that they seem to end a little abruptly or be incomplete – but my hunch is that was done to leave you wanting more.
”I’ve Got To See You Again” is one of those songs that you wish there were more of. It’s a bit dark and mysterious but so beautiful. Also at 4:18 it is the longest track on the album and to me seems to be the most polished and stands as my favorite. ”The Nearness Of You” reminds me of a Saturday morning. Just the relaxed, lying in bed, laziness of it all – and this one is evocative of old school jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Etta James.
Album Lowlights
”Lonestar” does remind me of Texas which I think is the point and I can’t put my finger on it, but it just isn’t as classy as the rest of the album. I feel almost the exact same way about ”Shoot The Moon”, it just doesn’t have the same oomph as the rest of the songs.
The Bottom Line
Norah Jones has a beautiful voice but she’s never just going to blow you away. Yes, she’s got some range but mostly stays pretty mellow. I think for people who are looking to hear her pull a Mariah Carey they’ve got the wrong singer also if you’re looking for pop music a lá Britney or Lopez – you’ve still got the wrong one. Jones is the personification of mellow, smooth, relaxed jazz music and really it’s refreshing to see a younger person with this type of talent. The main point needing to be conveyed is that you’re not supposed to get crazy to jazz, it’s like wine to be consumed slowly and enjoyed. I encourage people who possess an open mind to take a moment and give this album a chance. Within its walls lies a talented singer whose love for jazz shines through in a major way.
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