Norah Jones took home eight Grammys this year for her debut album Come Away With Me. It has a smooth, sensual and sultry sound. Jones has been quoted as saying that she is always drawn to the ballads on CDs and proves it on her own CD. If you like ballads, jazz or blues, I suggest you buy this album. There are some good romantic songs, but many of the songs feel like they should be on one the teen-related shows on the television network WB. Still, Jones does have a lot of soul-felt vocals that make me think of the legendary Billie Holiday.
The CD starts off with the only released single “Don’t Know Why.” I am tired of hearing this song on the radio, but the lyrics still draw me in. Jesse Harris, who also wrote four other songs for the album, wrote it. “Seven Years” is next in line and is about a lonely little girl. This one definitely has the sound of the “WB” with a hint of an acoustic guitar.
The third song is one of my favorites not only on this CD, but also of the legendary Hank Williams. Jones does a tremendous blues version of “Cold Cold Heart.” Along with Jones’s bluesy vocals the instruments provided a throbbing jazz feel. The bass is thumping, and Jones adds her piano riffs that would make Williams proud.
Lee Alexander, who wrote “Seven Years,” adds his second of four songs with “Feelin’ The Same Way.” It is one the most upbeat songs on the album. I hate to say it, but, listening to this song, I can totally see Joey Potter ready to tell Dawson that she loves him yet again. Jones sings “The sun just slipped its note below my door/ And I can’t hide beneath my sheets/ I’ve read the words before so now I know/ The time has come again for me/ And I’m feelin’ the same way all over again/ Feelin’ the same way all over again/ Singin’ the same lines all over again/No matter how much I pretend.”
The title track “Come Away With Me” is the first time listeners get a glimpse of Jones’ writing. The guitar, piano and rhythm section flow together for seductive appeal. Jones writes and sings, “And I want to wake up with rain/ Falling on a tin roof/ While I’m safe there in your arms/ So all I ask is for you/ To come away with me in the night/ Come away with me.” This is a sensual song and, without a doubt, a good song to set a romantic mood.
“Shoot the Moon” is set into motion with a mesmerizing acoustic guitar track from Harris. This song is about a break-up and wondering if a lover still thinks of the love they once had. Track 7 does just what the title says. “Turn Me On” is a cover of JD Loudermilk. It begins with sultry lyrics “Like a flower waiting to bloom/ Like a light bulb in a dark room/ I’m just sitting here waiting for you/ To come on home and turn me on.” Jones puts her soul into it during the third verse, “My poor heart it’s been so dark/ Since you’ve been gone/ After all you’re the one who turns me off/ You’re the only one who can turn me back on.”
“Lonestar” gives an old-school country feel to the album. This song has a ghostly feel to it. “Lines on your face don’t bother me/ Down in my chair when you dance over me/ I can’t help myself, I’ve got to see you again/ Late in the night, when I’m all alone/ And I look at the clock and I know you’re not home/ I can’t help myself, I’ve got to see you again.” Then Jones’ divine voice rises with dark, melodic music and harmonies and sings: “I could almost go there/ Just to watch you be seen/ I could almost go there/ Just to live in a dream/ But no I won’t go for any of those things/ To not touch you skin is not why I sing/ I can’t help myself/ I’ve got to see you again.” This is one of the best on the album.
Songwriter Alexander leaves his last song with “Painter Song.” It brings back a smooth jazz feel, and I can imagine Frank Sinatra singing and dancing to this one. Next up is “One Flight Down” and is another great song from Jesse Harris. Jones’ classic voice lifts the words with pure emotion when she sings, “In this place/ Where your arms unfold/ Here at your ancient face/ Now you know.” She brings back at the end with, “One flight down/ There’s a song on low/ And it’s been playing all along/ Now you know/ Now you know.”
Track 12 brings in a folk-like feel from the ’60s. “Nightingale” is about a metaphorical bird Jones is trying to catch up with. As the song picks up you can hear the blues and jazz reappear with the folk sounds. “The Long Day is Over” is co-written by Jones and Harris. The lyrics flow extremely slowly: “Feeling tired, by the fire/ The long day is over/ The wind is gone/ Asleep at dawn/ The embers burn on/ With no reprise, the sun will rise/ The long day is over.” It has a tenderness to it that is somewhat sad and also plays like a passionate goodbye.
The last track is an old classical blues/jazz song by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington. “The Nearness of You” has probably been sung by many of Jones’ idols, such as Holiday, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Jimmy Dorsey. Jones is the only person featured playing piano and lending her hypnotic vocals.
I would suggest buying this album to have at least one completely smooth CD to listen to. Plus the romantic edge to it may come in handy. In years to come, this CD may very well be seen as a classic.