Not Too Late
Not Too Late, by Norah Jones, is her fourth album for the Blue Note record label, but a first for Jones who wrote all of its tracks. She mixes jazz, soul, pop and funk into a sound that will sneak up on you and stir your sentiments to their core. Accompanying Jones' vocals is distinguishing instrument play that only enhances the gamut of emotions Jones conveys on the record.
On "Wish I Could," Jones laments about the loss of a boyfriend to war. Compelling acoustic guitar work from Jesse Harris, and muffled pizzicato cello work from Julia Kent, as well as bowed cello work from Jeffrey Ziegler enunciate the grief Jones feels at her loss. Her heartache is conveyed with such lyrics as, "Now I just walk by for show. Can't bear to go without you. Wish I could." Jones uses bittersweet stylings to show how her life will never be the same now that her beloved has been taken from her.
"Sinkin' Soon" has a jazzier feel to it with piano play from Jones, sit drum as well as the pounding of pots and pans from Andy Borger for a funky feeling. There is also guitjo work from Kevin Breit that gives the song a rock feel as well. Jones is not alone in her vocal duties on this song as she is aided by Daru Oda and M. Ward. All three make a stirring vocal pattern as they paint an image in your mind, with lyrics like, "When an oyster cracker on the stoop and the honey in the tea. Where the sugar cubes, one lump or two in the black coffee." Jones gets under the vocals and delivers a song that you can really get behind.
"The Sun Doesn't Like You" has a folk ring to it with more piano work from Jones, acoustic guitar play from Adam Levy, bass work from Borger and drum work from Paul Bryan for a song that is perfect to listen to during a road trip to see a good friend or to blast on a joyride. Jones expounds how she feels about the state of her world and what changes might be on the horizon, with lyrics such as, "The sun doesn't you, you always get burned/Stay in the shade and watch the world turn/Can't stay where you are or you're gonna be found." Jones' serious lyrics are deep and emotion laden.
"Until the End" has acoustic guitar from Harris and drum work from Borger. Jones' voice has more soul in it than the previous tracks. The song is about knowing what someone is truly about underneath, with lyrics like, "You got a famous last name but you're not to blame. Baby, I see you for you are."
On "Not My Friend," Jones sends out a plea for assistance that echoes with her deep, yet strong voice. Bass work from Lee Alexander and backwards electric guitar play from Levy support Jones' cries as she exclaims lyrics like, "Help me please, help me believe. You seem really glad that I am sad."
Not Too Late, by Norah Jones, has soulful tracks that come straight from Jones' mind and envelops listeners in her thoughts and feelings.