Sometimes a cliche become a cliche because it’s simply the best way to say it.
So, please, excuse this: The more Norah Jones changes, the more she stays the same.
In fact, some music critics are lauding the singer-songwriter’s new album for finally taking us back to the styling that made her an international star in the first place.
“In a sense, new album Day Breaks feels a bit like a return to roots, Jones dipping a toe back into the easygoing jazz-tinged style that got her a diamond-certified record,” wrote Adam Kivel of Consequence of Sound.
“In 2002, Norah Jones invited listeners to come away with her. This album sounds like one of the places she always wanted to visit,” said NPR music critic Tom Moon.
Tomorrow, on New Tracks on the Trail, you’ll have a chance to hear for yourself as we feature new material from Jones’ sixth studio album.
Released Oct. 7, Day Breaks features nine originals, three covers (including Neil Young’s, “Don’t Be Denied”), and features Wayne Shorter on saxophone.
Since her 2002 debut, Come Away With Me – which sold 26 million copies worldwide and won a Grammy for Album of the Year – Jones has ventured away from her piano into electronic, country and even hip-hop.
She also married and birthed two children.
Sometime between 2012’s Little Broken Hearts and the new record, Jones found her way back home.
“The new album feels full circle because I’m going back to my early influences,” she said in a statement.
Welcome back, Norah.
Also on this week’s New Tracks lineup:
-The Shins: A new single of their as-yet untitled and still-forthcoming fifth studio album.
Frontman James Mercer told Portland’s KBOO 90.7 that the indie rockers have been hard at work on the followup to 2012’s Port of Morrow, and expect a release early next year.
-Milky Chance: The German duo’s new single, “Cocoon.”
Dropped earlier this month, “Cocoon” represents the first release from the folktronica group since their debut album, Sadnecessary.
“If you found yourself seriously enjoying their maiden offering and its huge lead single, ‘Stolen Dance,’ then you’re in for a treat,” wrote Matt Hoonan of MusicFeeds.
-Matt Nathanson: A song titled “Bill Murray” from the San Francisco singer-songwriter’s 10th studio album, Show Me Your Fangs.
The track features some important romantic insight its author gleaned from an emotional Murray in a dream.
“He seems like he’s fearlessly confident,” Nathanson told the Arizona Star earlier this year. “And when he’s not fearlessly confident, he’s not afraid to show that. He’s somebody I’d like of model my life after in a certain way, in my career.”
-Bash & Pop: Tommy Stinson has re-formed his first post-The Replacements’ side group, and the
y’re back with their first album release since their 1993 debut.
Anything Could Happen, featuring original tracks and a new lineup, is slated for release in January.
-Band of Horses: We’ve been giving “Casual Party,” the first single off BoH’s fifth studio album, a lot of spin. Now we’ll unveil a new track from Why Are You Ok?
While you’re waiting, check out the Pitchfork album review HERE.
There ya have it – another Tuesday, another round of New Tracks on the Trail! Enjoy the long weekend, and be sure to put New Tracks sponsor Rockin’ Rudy’s on your holiday shopping agenda!
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