The Wake

Jazz and blues have always been present in Norah Jones’ work, but in her second major label album, Feels Like Home, Jones moves her focus away from jazz to mellow guitar driven blues. The jazz that made her famous still has a large presence, but songs like “Creepin’ In,” which includes a duet with Dolly Parton, take country by the reins. “Creepin’ In” strums and bops to a different beat then what is typical of Jones. Yet, Jones’s smoke-curling-in-the-air voice is still magnificent in old-fashioned love, loss and pictorial melodies. Her tinkling ivories are as personal as her lyrics. Jones also ventures into new ground with the whimsical “Carnival Town.” The song is reminiscent of quiet, ‘30s lounge singing. Playfulness works its way into her single “Sunrise” as Jones coos to her listeners, teasing with versatility not found on her last album, Come Away with Me. Here her sadness is juxtaposed with fun and joy. Feels Like Home’s sleepiness is more confident and has a down-home Texas influence, which can be credited to Jones and her bassist (and boyfriend) Lee Alexander’s songwriting skills. Jones’ second album shows her exercising her craft but also stretching her musical talents.