‘Little Broken Hearts’ is an album all about jealousy, heartache, betrayal, and all of the emotions that come with a tough break-up. It is Norah Jones fifth solo album and it is wonderfully beautiful and dark. Those who have been through a relationship that has met its end will love this album.

The record is produced by Brian Burton also known as Danger Mouse. He has collaborated with artists The Black Keys, Gnarls Barkley, and Beck, among others. Burton and Jones make an excellent team as they together wrote and composed all twelve tracks on the record. ‘Little Broken Hearts’ also marks the first time that Norah wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album and it is different from anything that Norah has ever done in the past.

For starters, take a look at the amazing cover. It differs from previous album covers with its striking photo of Norah. The cover art was inspired by the poster to the film ‘Mudhoney’ from 1965. The story behind is that while recording the album at Brian Burton’s studio, Jones saw the poster on the wall as Burton has a collection of Russ Meyer posters in his studio. The poster was right over the couch where she would sit everyday and she thought it would be a great visual with herself as the vixen.

As always, Norah’s vocals are excellent. Her voice is darker than her previous albums, and this album reflects a woman who has gone through an emotional ordeal and as a result is damaged and dangerous, but ultimately in a happier place. The songs are fraught with sadness as she pours out her heart but the album is excellently build around the stages of coping: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

The songs on ‘Little Broken Hearts’ are raw and emotionally charged as Norah wrote the tunes after a rough break-up. The compositions are experimental and unique. There is a mixture of jazzy and upbeat tracks, all the way down to somber, stark, and low sounds.

Brian Burton is truly a master of sound and knows how to woo the listener - the track “Good Morning” is beautiful and elegant, while the track “Miriam” expresses an “I know what you did and you’re gonna pay” attitude with its angry vibe. “Happy Pills” is the most upbeat track on the record with its catchy and jazzy sound. It tells the story of Jones realizing that she is better off alone after being free from a relationship.

In all, ‘Little Broken Heart’s is an excellent album and fans will be pleased. Norah has taken the off beaten path and in doing so has created an amazing piece of art. The album was released May 1 and Norah is currently touring. Visit her site to find out when she’s going to be in a city near you.

Rating: 5/5

Image Courtesy of   asterix611

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