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Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Not Too Late

Come Away With Me

The Little Willies

But that doesn't make it any less spectacular. Jones' voice is still beautiful, her piano playing is lovely, and her backup musicians, The Handsome Band, are amazing. Fans of "Come Away" won't be disappointed, despite the change of style.

Something else that you see on "Home" that you didn't get before was more of Jones writing her own songs. Most of the tracks here are co-written, but Jones did write one track, "What Am I to you", herself. I will say that Jones is no lyrical genius, but the lyrics take a backseat to the still hauntingly beautiful instrumental work, especially on "Carnival Town", which has a nice string arrangement by the album's co-producer Arif Mardin.

So, to sum up: "Feels Like Home" is quite different from "Come Away with Me", but it's no less great. Jones maintains the casual, relaxed quality of her music, and leaves fans more than satisfied. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. Judging from this album, she can continue experimenting with whatever style she wants, and she'll still produce a wonderful work of art.


Delicious, seductive musical rapture...   February 10, 2004
 133 out of 144 found this review helpful

I was in the bathroom of this quaint little fish market with a converted restaurant when I first heard Norah's voice. I remember standing around in that humid little red bathroom through almost 3 tracks (not exactly good protocol on a date) totally enraptured by the the "not quite raspy, not quite silk" quality of her voice, the seductive cadence in her rythm, and delicious instramental accompaniments.

I was an immediate fan and bought her CD the next day. Norah singlehandedly branded my entire summer of 2002 as "romantic" with her first major work.

So with nervous anticipation I had my first listen of this CD tonight, and without further ado, I'm so happy to report that "Feels Like Home" (in my opinion) is as good or better than "Come Away With Me". Thank you Norah!

From what I know of Norah Jones, she got her musical career really moving when she moved from Texas to New York City. I'm guessing here, but if I had to ascribe a dominant geographic influence to each album, I'd say Come Away "leans New York" while Feels Like Home seems rooted more in Texas. Perhaps that's why this new album is named what it is...?

The only song on this CD I didn't immediately love is "Creepin In". It moves fast, is definitively country (I'm fairly certain Dolly Parton is singing along, but I don't have the album cover), yet it's very catchy and fun (as testimony, I found myself humming it tonight in the shower).

Below is a list of songs that (if you love her past work) you'll immediately adore:

Sunrise: I got an advance listen to this track a couple of months ago and fell in love with it at first listen. I think it's one of the loveliest songs on the album.

What Am I To You: Beautiful BB King style R&B track. Will certainly be a huge hit. When I first listened to this CD I couldn't get past this particular song. I listened to it a half-dozen times straight.

Carnival Town: Mostly guitar and piano (which is when I think she's at her best), the intricacy in her luscious voice is amplified and really stands out for appreciation.

In The Morning: If I decided to do what I threatened so often as a kid to do, and "ranaway", this would be the perfect song to play as I screamed out of town in some hastily acquired convertible...Rambling Anyone? Sorry...This track is intense (not loud), with a wonderful buildup and easy flowing rhythm punctuated by passionate lyrics that then break into cool but subdued R&B.

Toes: Norah at her best! Dreamy and romantic, the rhythm moves unpredictably but "just right" between light and heavy. Yikes, if that's not ambigious (might make more sense to you when you hear it).

Humble Me: Hauntingly lonely guitar entrées this song about struggle, desperation, and forgiveness. Ooh this one is good!

The Prettiest Thing: This is a slam dunk hit. A jazzy, slow rhythm that picks up in tempo and seduces you into focusing on what is probably her most romantic moment in the CD (occurs around 2 minutes 45 seconds into this track). Forgive me if this is overly dramatic (it's 2am at the writing of this review), but this song literally gave me the chills.

And on that note, I'll sign off. Enjoy this elegant work of art, you won't be dissapointed.


She Puts Me To Sleep   March 15, 2004
 49 out of 179 found this review helpful

While I gave her debut high marks, I soon after began to tire of this little girl very quickly. Restraint is one thing, but sheeeesh!!!, this CD renders me comatose. Her Live shows are pretty bland, but on record you can experiment and try something new. There is no excuse for music this lifeless and hackneyed. Put on "Feels Like Drone..." only if you run out of Sominex.


Excellent Follow up!   February 15, 2004
 37 out of 47 found this review helpful

This album took a few listens for it to grow on me as did "Come Away With Me" and I ended up loving both. Norah's music is not like the made for radio songs that are suppose to hook you the first music, so some people judge it negatively based on the first couple listens.

"Feels like Home" is a more complete blend of musical styles than "Come Away With Me". There are country-tinged songs, like "Creepin' In", "Be Here To Love Me", that are not too country for you non-country fans. Blues tunes such as "What Am I To You?" and "In The Morning" get your feet tapping and the gorgeous "The Prettiest Thing" and touching "Don't Miss You at All" (a song where Norah combined her own lyrics with Duke Ellington's music) contain the jazz elements of her debut. Then there are songs that are simply Norah and can't be categorized such as "Those Sweet Words" and "Sunrise".

I'm sure it took a while for the first album to grow on some of you and you ended up loving it, so don't mind the negative reviews. This one's another classic.


Don't Be Spoon-feed   March 15, 2004
 36 out of 171 found this review helpful

It amazes me how many people are duped into believing this is enyjoyable listenable music - Norah has a whispery souless voice that neither grabs you or draws you in - it gives elevator schlock a bad name - go discover Joss Stone - The Soul Sessions - or revist Shelby Lynne - I am Shelby Lynn - or better yet - Dusty Springfield - Dusty In Memphis - the ultimate country/soul album by a female singer ever - -
and while I have your attention - why is Robbie Williams not big in the States??!!