I’m always amazed when an artist can have an impact on my thoughts, mood or feelings. This is particularly true when there is little (or nothing) to even look at.  Music is an incredible art and whenever I discover something so impressive and meaningful, I have to give it a moment and share with others.  Enter Norah Jones and her 2012 album “Little Broken Hearts”.

Being a fan since Jones’  “Come Away With Me”, it is exciting to hear a new chapter in her musical catalog. This time around, Jones explores a gritty, experimental sound that her vocals effortlessly weave through, creating a closely woven fabric of goodness: one that shows her growth and depth as an artist.  Throughout the album’s cuts, there is a story being told, a journey that the listener can easily find themselves lost on (in a good way); effortless vocals and meaningful writing add to the overall package.  Production wise, this is also a new direction for Jones, and Danger Mouse has done an incredible job of finding a balance between a blissful and compelling sound.  There seems to be a consistent thread through the less praiseful reviews of “Little Broken Hearts”: each of these listeners misses Jones’ “old sound”; but like any good artist, Jones takes a risk with “Little Broken Hearts”, holding on to key elements that have worked in the past while dabbling with a new palette of colors on her acoustic canvas.  With “Little Broken Hearts”, Jones has crafted another masterpiece that showcases her talent as an evolving, true artist. Bravo, Jones. Bravo!