One of 1977’s biggest pop songs was Crystal Gayle’s jazz tinged “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and it comes to mind when you listen to Norah Jones newest “Carry On.”
Both Gayle and Jones have smoky voices, with similar styles—strong, calm, controlled vocals, minimal production, no drama or emotional venting, but still, lots of power.
Sensitively written with a melody to match, “Carry On” is Norah Jones at her finest—she lulls and lures us with touching, graceful lyrics and her spare piano accompaniment. Quiet intensity. It’s charting Top 20 on the Adult Alternative format, but don’t be surprised if it pops up on some Country stations, too.
It’s the first single from her her soon to be released album and is a satisfying reward for her fans who’ve had a four-year wait for new material –Jones is not one to rush the creative process.
“Day Breaks,” a 12-song collection, will be available in Oct.
Since her 2002 debut with the mega hit “Don’t Know Why,” Norah Jones’ superb singing and writing has sustained a global career that has sold millions of albums.