I'm behind with my alerts, I will catch up, please bear with me, Heather :o)
I'm behind with my alerts, I will catch up, please bear with me, Heather :o)
Member since:27.03.2003
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I am a bit of a fan of female singers, but there are not many that grab my attention these days, but when I heard Norah Jones on VH1, I did like the sound of her husky vocals, even though I had only heard “Don’t Know Why”, after that I kept meaning to buy her album but for some reason it took me ages to get around to it, so when I seen her album “Come Away With Me” in the 3 for £20 offer at HMV, I did indulge.
Last weekend was the first time I actually had a proper chance to listen to it and as a result I cannot stop playing it.
It’s easy to see how, following it’s release in February 2003, it has notched up a very impressive 8 Grammy Awards including best female newcomer, best female pop vocalist, best record and of course best album.
Coming from a musical background herself, her father was a well known singing star back in the 60’s – Ravi Shankner, she not only sings very well and I have to say rather maturely for her 24 years, she also happens to play the piano on a few of the tracks.
Norah has a very individual style of singing, at times similar to that of Billie Holiday, probably the best way to describe it would be to say a cross between Jazz and Country, very laid back and extremely relaxing although I have to say even though most of her songs are about loves that have come and gone, her sound is not in least depressing, you can almost imagine yourself sitting in a exclusive wine bar for example in the company of a loved one listening to her sing live.
At this point it may perhaps be a good idea to describe some of the
tracks for you now that you know a bit about Norah herself.
Track Listing:
“DON’T KNOW WHY” written by Jesse Harris (3.05 minutes long) The very song that introduced me to this talented lady, her voice lifts up above the piano and the soft yet slow percussion like an angel, her lilting perfect tone sets the standard for the album. A song about a girl that missed her opportunity to call and make up with the love of her life, a truly touching song that leaves me with a feeling of complete relaxation. 10/10
“SEVEN YEARS” written by Lee Alexander (2.24 minutes long) I love the soft sound of the harp with Norah singing in perfect harmony telling us a story of a little girl enjoying life “spinning, laughing and dancing to her favourite song”, reminding us of the pure innocence of children playing, remember that feeling? I do, this track leaves me with a warm feeling and made me smile at my memories. 10/10
“COLD COLD HEART” written by Hank Williams (3.38 minutes long) The first couple of chords reminded me of “Fever” by Elvis Presley but I was brought back to reality when Norah’s inviting voice kicks in, a tender song about melting a lovers cold heart, don’t like this quite as much, feels like a bit of a filler. 7/10.
“FEELING THE SAME WAY” written by Lee Alexander (2.55 minutes long) More upbeat song that does inspire you to get up and clean house, well that’s what it makes me feel like, time for a fresh start. Sweet harmonies blend in well with fast yet softer drumbeat. 9/10
“COME AWAY WITH ME” written by Norah Jones (3.18 minutes long) A soft and welcoming song that makes you want to lie back, close your eyes and drift off into your favourite place, absolutely wonderful and I have to say Norah’s sultry but angelic voice really does the music justice, the guitar riff in the middle gives it almost a country feel. The song is about a girl who asks her lover to come away with her, somewhere they can’t tempt us with their lies, to me this seems a song about people coming between lovers. 10/10
”SHOOT THE MOON” written by Jesse Harris (3.57 minutes long) This song has a very ”Practical Magic” feel about it and sounds like something Stevie Nicks would perhaps have penned with an injection of country thrown in for good measure. A nice little melodic tune about changing seasons encouraging different moods with loved ones. 8/10
”TURN ME ON” written by J.D. Loudermilk (2.33 minutes long) Now this track has a very sexy feel about it reminding me of lovers starting out, exploring together, would be nice for a slow sexy dance together (of course in the privacy of your own home). A song about a girl waiting on her lover to come on home and turn her on. I would have to say this is undoubtedly my favourite. 10/10
“Like a flower, waiting to bloom, Like a lightbulb in a dark room, I’m just sitting here, Waiting here for you to come on home, And turn me on”
“LONESTAR” written by Lee Alexander (3.05 minutes long) And in my opinion 3.05 minutes far too long, a terrible attempt of a country ballad and clearly another filler. 1/10
”I’VE GOT TO SEE YOU AGAIN” written by Jesse Harris (4.13 minutes long) Another sexy and soulful song with a slow foxtrot feel to it, great for another slow dance together. The violin along with the piano makes for terrific music together and this combined with Norah’s fantastic vocal ability really makes for another hit with me. 10/10
“Late in the night, when I’m all alone and I look at the clock and I know you are not here, I’ve got to see you again!”
“PAINTER SONG” Song written by Lee Alexander and J.C. Hopkins (2.41 minutes long) Very soulful song with a nice injection of jazz, the accordion music within the track gives it a very French feel, gives you the feeling of sitting in Paris in the Spring watching and admiring street painters at work. Superb track. 9/10
”ONE FLIGHT DOWN” written by Jesse Harris (3.03 minutes long) Another jazzy feeling number, the piano really builds it into a nice soulful little track, again Norah’s sultry and inviting voice invites you to lie back and relax. 8/10
”NIGHTINGALE” written by Norah Jones (4.11 minutes long) A very haunting song made heartwarming with the sound of the acoustic guitar, speeds up a bit as it goes further into track. I like this track although not one of my favourites. 7/10.
“Nightingale, sing us a song Of a love that once belonged Nightingale, tell me your tale Was your journey far too long?”
The Long day is Over written by Jesse Harris and Norah Jones (2.44 minutes long) Beautiful piano introduction leading to a rather nice soft drum roll, almost a lullaby. Great track for helping you to unwind after a stressful day, with Norah’s soft, yet sweet vocals. Stunning. 8/10.
The Nearness of You written by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington (3.09 minutes long) Imagine you are in a Jazz bar and you meet the man of your dreams, you have a wonderful evening together, this is definitely the song for you, wonderfully romantic, almost has a fairytale feel about it and a fabulous end to a outstanding album. 10/10
I would definitely recommend this album to everyone especially those of you who like a bit of seduction or just some chill music, probably not aimed at the pop fans out there as it’s in a different league from most of the female singers about today, much more refined and certainly more talented, a breath of fresh air.
Oh and did I mention how beautiful she is, not false but very natural, her deepest brown eyes mesmerising you whilst her voice hypnotises you, a talent I sure wish I had!
Just this week HMV are now selling this album for a bargain price of £5.99 and believe me it really is a bargain and one you’ll no doubt still like to listen to in years to come, it’s a timeless classic.
Should you wish to find out more about this wonderful talented lady, her website address is www.norahjones.com
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, take care, a nice chilled out Heather :o)
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In Come Away with Me, it is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature ... more
beyond her years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognisable, blending intimations of Billie H...
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Mar 2nd, 2004
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