Review Summary: In Norah's case, its woman of the hour.
Love for music is a peculiar thing. That love enables you to appreciate many different genres and styles, from those that fall into an audio or technical acclaim, to those that just are very light but brilliant.
Norah Jones is a perfect example or the second category. Not being an avid listener of Mrs. Jones, this was a good step outside the usual rotation of albums. In a way, listening to
The Fall was a different experience all-together, but not due to discomfort or annoyance. To the contrary, this listen is very accessible, and very easy on the ears.
Norah Jones has that special something in her voice. The way it portrays a very Jazz/soul-like essence is something that easily draws you in. Once again, not being an avid listener of Mrs. Jones, this is my first experience, and it was a positive one.
The Fall is one of those listening experiences that is just generally relaxing. It isn't hard to get into, it boosts a positive sound, and its really consistent. The tracks feel natural, and Mrs Jones seems very comfortable when she sings. Outside an obvious Jazz/soul feel,
The fall projects a slight rock influence. Though it would not be enough to make this a rock album, it does make the sound of the album slightly creep out of a contemporary feel.
Stuck and
Young blood showcases using just a slight bit of rock while not overdoing it, making a really good balance. Then there are songs like
Back to Manhattan and
Light as a feather that have a straight-foward soulful and jazzy approach.
The album construction was very well structured. There where very few moments at which a song felt out of place, or as if it threw off the vibe of then album. The production very good quality, considering instrumental and vocal balancing. Norah's voice never seems to overtake the instrument's places on any of the tracks. Instead, they seem to mesh together to make musical harmony. The only thing negative to say about this album, would be that some moments that could be boring to certain listeners. This, of course is based on the listener. Though to this reviewer, there were very few moments where it felt boring.
The actual rating for this album would be a 4.25, if it could be rated as such. This is a beautiful record, and minus a few dull moments, a first full album listening of Mrs. Jones' work was a treat.
The Fall is a great way to unwind, and just appreciate music in a different fashion.
Man of the hour, Closing track for this album felt like a get way to end. In honesty, and in
Norah Jones case, this album makes her sounds like the woman of the hour.
Recommended tracks
Young Blood
Chasing Pirates
Stuck
Man of the hour