A New Norah: Listen to Happy Pills

There’s something different about Norah Jones on her new single. Even though she’s pleading “please just let me go now”, she sounds lighthearted, sassy and, most of all, like she’s having fun.

Maybe bringing on Danger Mouse (who she collaborated with on the Rome project) to produce her latest CD “Little Broken Hearts” was her cue to shake things up. But, no matter the reason, I like the new Norah.

Happy Pills by norahjonesofficial

I had a chance to meet her early in her career and she couldn’t have been nicer. It was at a Gram Parsons tribute concert and she expressed how crazy it was that she was about to sing a duet with Keith Richards (on “Love Hurts”).

Her career had a steep trajectory (in big part thanks to KCRW”s support actually) and she’s stayed relevant all these years with a wide variety of projects (including The Little Willies, who just released their 2^nd album) but I have a good feeling that this solo record is the one we’ve all been hoping for.

As a longtime fan, I like that she’s embracing her sensuality (I mean, look at that photo) and adding that extra layer of attitude to her already beautiful voice.

The album will be out May 1 via Blue Note and you can find tour dates below, including a show at the Hollywood Bowl!

RR

Norah Jones 2012 Tour Dates:

03/15 – Austin, TX @ Waterloo Records (SXSW) *

03/15 – Austin, TX @ Antone’s (SXSW) *

03/17 – Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa (SXSW)

05/25 – Paris, FR @ Olympia Theater

05/28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Carre Theater

06/01 – London, UK @ Royal Festival Hall

06/02 – London, UK @ Royal Festival Hall

06/29 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater

07/14 – Lucca, IT @ Lucca Festival

07/16 – Luxembourg City, LU @ Neumunster Abbey

07/17 – Hamburg, DE @ Stadtpark

07/19 – Rattvik, SE @ Dalhalla

07/20 – Molde, NO @ Moldejazz Festival

07/22 – Pori, FI @ Pori Jazz Fest

08/10 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

* = as part of The Little Willies