Norah Jones returns on November 17th with her new album “The Fall”.  I’ve listened to it over and over and feel like I’m ready to give it a review.

 

I should mention I’m a fan of Jones’ music upfront, but not a huge fan.  In fact before I heard this album I don’t think I’d listened to any of her stuff in years.  I’ve never been motivated to see her in concert (although I certainly wouldn’t mind), and I know pretty much nothing about her besides what I’ve heard.

 

The Fall is very similar to her past works, so if you’re a big Norah Jones fan I think you won’t be disappointed.  I however felt that the album was a bit of a step back.  While soulful and bluesy, I didn’t feel like The Fall was as soulful and bluesy as say Feels Like Home or Come Away With Me.  It didn’t particularly feel like there was any growth here, maybe even some regression.

 

If I could replace the things you gave me, If I could see my face without the tragedy, Then I wouldn’t need you…to love me.

 

It’s a good album, but merely good, not great.  It’s forgettable in the long run.   And I feel like there are so many indie artists out there that are making similar music and doing it just as well or better that Norah should have stepped it up a little, especially with a major label’s backing.

 

One thing that especially got on my nerves is that several times on the album there’s just a hint of an electric guitar in the background, often just on the verge of feedback, basically just noise, not really being actively played.  It gives an ambiance and if it was on just one song I could write it off, but it happens on several songs and it’s annoying.  I would have liked to have that guitar contributing more to the song.

 

The highlights for me were “Wouldn’t Need You”, and “Back To Manhattan”.

 

I’ll go back to manhattan as if nothing ever happened, when I cross that bridge it’ll be as if this don’t exist…Brooklyn holds you and it holds my heart too, what a fool I was to think I could live in both worlds.

 

Overall, a good album that should have been better, but will satisfy most fans.  Worth a listen while sipping a glass of wine on a winter’s night in NYC.  I felt like the real heavy emotion was missing.  You can listen to previews of the album (and buy it) below.