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135 of 147 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delicious, seductive musical rapture..., February 10, 2004
I was in the bathroom of this quaint little fish market with a converted restaurant when I first heard Norah's voice. I remember standing around in that humid little red bathroom through almost 3 tracks (not exactly good protocol on a date) totally enraptured by the the "not quite raspy, not quite silk" quality of her voice, the seductive cadence in her rythm, and delicious instramental accompaniments.I was an immediate fan and bought her CD the next day. Norah singlehandedly branded my entire summer of 2002 as "romantic" with her first major work. So with nervous anticipation I had my first listen of this CD tonight, and without further ado, I'm so happy to report that "Feels Like Home" (in my opinion) is as good or better than "Come Away With Me". Thank you Norah! From what I know of Norah Jones, she got her musical career really moving when she moved from Texas to New York City. I'm guessing here, but if I had to ascribe a dominant geographic influence to each album, I'd say Come Away "leans New York" while Feels Like Home seems rooted more in Texas. Perhaps that's why this new album is named what it is...? The only song on this CD I didn't immediately love is "Creepin In". It moves fast, is definitively country (I'm fairly certain Dolly Parton is singing along, but I don't have the album cover), yet it's very catchy and fun (as testimony, I found myself humming it tonight in the shower). Below is a list of songs that (if you love her past work) you'll immediately adore: Sunrise: I got an advance listen to this track a couple of months ago and fell in love with it at first listen. I think it's one of the loveliest songs on the album. What Am I To You: Beautiful BB King style R&B track. Will certainly be a huge hit. When I first listened to this CD I couldn't get past this particular song. I listened to it a half-dozen times straight. Carnival Town: Mostly guitar and piano (which is when I think she's at her best), the intricacy in her luscious voice is amplified and really stands out for appreciation. In The Morning: If I decided to do what I threatened so often as a kid to do, and "ranaway", this would be the perfect song to play as I screamed out of town in some hastily acquired convertible...Rambling Anyone? Sorry...This track is intense (not loud), with a wonderful buildup and easy flowing rhythm punctuated by passionate lyrics that then break into cool but subdued R&B. Toes: Norah at her best! Dreamy and romantic, the rhythm moves unpredictably but "just right" between light and heavy. Yikes, if that's not ambigious (might make more sense to you when you hear it). Humble Me: Hauntingly lonely guitar entrées this song about struggle, desperation, and forgiveness. Ooh this one is good! The Prettiest Thing: This is a slam dunk hit. A jazzy, slow rhythm that picks up in tempo and seduces you into focusing on what is probably her most romantic moment in the CD (occurs around 2 minutes 45 seconds into this track). Forgive me if this is overly dramatic (it's 2am at the writing of this review), but this song literally gave me the chills. And on that note, I'll sign off. Enjoy this elegant work of art, you won't be dissapointed.
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