Album Review of Norah Jones’ Visions
Norah Jones first made waves in 2002 with her self-described “moody little record”, Come Away With Me. That record won two GRAMMYs and launched her global career – she has since released nine more albums.
Norah is joined in this episode by Laufey, an Icelandic singer/multi instrumentalist with millions of fans on TikTok. They discuss the challenges associated with creating a successful career while maintaining independence.
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones makes her mark with an effortlessly composed debut album that showcases both her skills as a songwriter and pianist. From lounge jazz to country folk and beyond, Norah’s music opens up this traditionally purist genre to new listeners.
Jones’s husky voice weaves its way in and out of the mix, sometimes recalling Eva Cassidy or Macy Gray after experiencing a deep tissue massage. Though she hails from jazz background, an acoustic guitar plays an integral part in this track.
Jones began her post-college musical journey as any post-collegiate musician does: waiting tables by day and singing in local clubs by night. Finally, an employee from Blue Note heard the demo tape that would become Come Away With Me and decided to produce the record himself using legendary producer Arif Mardin who worked with Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and Chaka Khan during production of Come Away With Me. This set contains all 14 released tracks as well as demos and early sessions; production was by legendary producer Don Porter (Aretha Franklin’s idol), Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan as well as several others such as Aretha Franklin among others). Production by legendary Arif Mardin who worked alongside Franklin as well as Dionne Warwick and Chaka Khan during its creation – which produced Come Away With Me from its inception through production company Blue Note Records.
Feels Like Home
Jones’ vibrant and joyful album marks a departure from her previous folky jazz sound on previous releases. This album explores love, heartbreak and finding your place in life through songs that explore love, heartache and finding your place within society.
The music video for “Norah’s Song” was shot at Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier! Watch as Norah dances with her childhood self and friends, rides the West Coaster, plays midway games, and devours cotton candy all while listening to this beautiful tune!
Linda Ronstadt’s intimate memoir Feels Like Home is an ode to Tucson and her deep Southwestern roots as the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and descendant of Spanish settlers from northern Sonora. As she describes a landscape shaped by sunlight and wind; people from both sides sharing recipes and stories; it truly feels like home! A celebration of Tucson through Linda’s eyes!
Not Too Late
Norah Jones’ third album is an indication of her transitional phase over a decade after debut. While her songs remain relaxing to listen to, their sound has become subdued and more subdued; giving this record an altogether unique feeling.
This album marks her first release produced without Arif Mardin and, uniquely, without covers. The result is an intimate sound that still bridges jazz and country genres – though subtler in execution; offering timeless melodies accompanied by her distinct vocal delivery.
Though some songs here don’t hold up as well as others, there are enough good ones here to make this an impressive addition to her discography. Rosie’s Lullaby and Thinking About You stand out especially. Hopefully her songwriting can expand its horizons further with more styles in future!
Visions
Visions is Norah Jones’ album of joy; the perfect contrast to her more somber 2020 release Pick Me Up Off the Floor. Songs such as the dreamy piano pop tune “Running” and its light rock counterpart “I’m Awake” reveal her as an artist with an almost spontaneous approach that conveys an insightful outlook.
Over her next three albums – Not Too Late (2005), The Fall (2009) and Little Broken Hearts (2012) – Norah Jones continued experimenting with her music by adding elements from country, indie-pop, funk and rock but always remaining true to jazz roots. Visions was the natural progression from this, showing that Norah has not lost any of the magic from her groundbreaking debut.