Album review: Norah Jones is breathtaking on Pick Me Up Off the Floor
Like most people, I learned of Norah Jones when she exploded onto the music scene with “Come Away With Me” in 2002. While Jones had other recordings, the release of “Come Away With Me” was her breakout album and took the country by storm. It was a perfect mix of country and jazz. Personally I felt it couldn’t ever be topped. While all Norah Jones’ subsequent albums were good, I never believed she achieved the humble originality of that first record. Now, after hearing “Pick Me Up Off the Floor”, I realize just how stupid I was to ever think she was attempting to duplicate that effort.
Released June 12 on Blue Note Records, the breathtaking recording is a dash of musical mystery with some honest soul mixed in, blended with the sexiest, sultry voice to ever sing a song. Jones’ voice can send a warmth through you with just the slightest breath of humidity, as intimate as any romantically charged, dimly lit evening. But do not let the beauty fool you, the depth of the music is deeper than the emotion of love and stronger than the bonds of time.
Nora Jones co-produced “Pick Me Up” with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. (If you are not familiar with Tweedy, you should be. Google him right now.) Jones also wrote or co-wrote each song on the record, clarifying why this song collection feels so personal.
We have eleven cuts to enjoy, but shamelessly if you buy the album from that non-traditional emporium of new music, Target, you get two bonus tracks. The production and musicianship is stellar. The finial product seems to be driven from influences crossing a broad range of genres; pop, jazz, county, blues, and hip hop. It is a beautiful work of art that can truly only be experienced and not told, least of all by a humble music critic. But I shall try to meet you halfway.
Each step in Nora Jones’ professional career is not some well-planned scheme for success or commercial triumph, but rather a glorious exploration of music and craftsmanship. I mentioned before I felt the subsequent records did not match up to her first. Turns out I was wrong. The body of work for an artist like Jones is just that – a body of work. No single album or stand-alone song is enough to understand the talent and vast intellectual depth of someone who has dedicated herself to musical exploration and expression like Jones. Thankfully, she is far from concluding her journey.
Download a copy of “Pick Me Up Off The Floor” directly from the artist or better yet go to a “brick and mortar” independent record store and purchase a vinyl copy. Even carry yourself to Target if you must.
Tracklist:
1. How I Weep
2. Flame Twin
3. Hurts To Be Alone
4. Heartbroken, Day After
5. Say No More
6. This Life
7. To Live
8. I’m Alive
9. Were You Watching?
10. Stumble On My Way
11. Heaven Above
