Norah Jones takes new plunge on 'The Fall'

REVIEW (WJRT) -- Norah Jones is back.

Well, sort of.

The Grammy-winning singer's latest, "The Fall," brings an unfamiliar sound for the jazz/folk artist, but she pulls it off with confidence and grace.

Released this week, most of the songs on "The Fall" are grittier and darker than Jones' past three contributions to the music world, but her vocals are still husky and enchanting and are expertly coupled with the melodic rhythms of a more produced sound.

To a lesser degree, Jones recalls the transformation of fellow chanteuse Nelly Furtado, who threw away her earlier bohemian trappings for glossy pop stardom.

Jones still puts her own stamp on the familiar ground of heartbreak and longing, but with a weightier sound than fans of her earlier work may be used to.

Jones penned most of the songs on this album after a breakup with her longtime boyfriend and bassist Lee Alexander, who along with others in her original band have been replaced.

Her new, tougher exterior, the overlty seductive tone of the album, and at times her quiet desperation make more sense knowing that she has recently been suffering.

The song titles themselves have no illusion of subtlety, making it clear from the start that she's been through some tough times: "I Wouldn't Need You" ("If I could hold myself the way you held me, then I wouldn't need you ... ") and "You've Ruined Me" are two such examples.

"The Fall" has much more of a rocker vibe since the piano-loving Jones has largely put aside the ivory in exchange for a more guitar-heavy sound.

Her work with Tom Waits' producer, Jacquire King -- who also produces Kings of Leon, among others -- shines through in a handful of songs, as Jones almost seems to be channeling Lucinda Williams. "Stuck" is a prime example.

"The Fall" may be the most divisive release of Jones' career and she's clearly open to experimentation musically, because her voice is still the glue that holds everything together.

That said, how her fan base receives it may determine if Jones continues in this previously unexplored direction or returns to the kind of songwriting and tone that first put her on the map.

The ABC12 Listening Room staff: James Chesna, editor-in-chief; Josh Daunt, managing editor, photographer; Beth McEnroe, staff writer, photographer; Gwen Mikolajczak, staff writer; Eric Fletcher, chief photographer; Randy Cox, photographer; Chris Carr, photographer; Jessica Reid, contributing photographer; LeeAlan Weddel, contributing editor, writer; Shawn Light, contributing writer; Robin Chan, contributing writer.

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