Norah Jones "Little Broken Hearts"

          A good producer assists the artist in making a good album, while a better producer takes their sound to a different place. A great producer helps them improve upon their strengths and take their sound to a different direction without changing their core identity. I don’t know if you understand the logic, if it’s present, but Brian Burton is a great producer. I am more of a fan of her whole discography than I originally believed I would be. After The Fall, which was my favorite, you have to realize something will end up in pieces. Little Broken Hearts documents the damage done, and the relationship that was left unwritten, and works of true passion no longer spoken. The hearts are not the only things that are broken; does anybody hear broken bells? Broken hearts can be vicious, and Jones has not sounded as confident to “Say Goodbye” as she does here; unless it’s a ruse. The title track’s lyrical exploits of the “Little Broken Hearts” happen to be more interesting than the sound of the hearts breaking. When an ex goes for someone younger, most can call it a “mid-life crisis.” I cannot help but think of Kid Rock’s half your age, based upon solely the title of the next track. You can tell that she’s mad that “She’s 22” because it is made into a big deal by other. I will not say that it is the weakest song until I “Take It Back”; it’s a bluesy country-tinged number that sounds good before or “After the Fall.” The next shatter sounds like a different direction and tone, but I can’t say country because it isn’t. Instead I will mention that comparisons were made to the work of Dusty Springfield and Marvin Gaye; now all we need to find out is the last damaged organ because she sings about “4 Broken Hearts.” Norah continues “Travelin’ On,” as she passes the house of rising sun.                            She must have taken “Happy Pills” while driving “Out On The Road.” The former is very upbeat, and is reminiscent of early Sheryl Crow, while the latter is still pretty close to upbeat; just not as sunny. She must have taken a really weak dose because she sounds mad; but anyone would be after learning that their ex slept with someone else in their bed. Oh “Miriam,” maybe you should consider getting a restraining order. So I must ask if it was “All A Dream,” or more of a nightmare? She went through a lot of pain to produce this record; who says a broken heart does not cause true pain? Surviving her nightmare, and with the help of Burton, she created an album worthy of praise. The best tracks are: Say Goodbye, She’s 22, Little Broken Hearts, Take it Back, 4 Broken Hearts, Happy Pills, and Miriam