Not Too Late
Norah Jones · 2007
45 min · 13 tracks · blues
A soothing blend of jazz-inflected melodies and introspective lyrics that capture a sense of longing and reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wish I Could Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sinkin' Soon — This track features a catchy piano melody paired with lyrics that reflect a sense of despair and resignation, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
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My Dear Country — In this song, Jones addresses political issues with poignant simplicity, blending her smooth vocal style with a heartfelt message that resonates strongly with listeners.
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Not Too Late — The title track serves as a reflective anthem about hope and renewal, showcasing Jones' ability to meld personal storytelling with universal sentiments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends soothing melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied arrangements and slower tempos.
- Many tracks utilize a soft piano backdrop, with subtle instrumentation that complements Jones' vocal delivery without overpowering it.
- Several songs incorporate conversational lyrics that create an intimate atmosphere, often reflecting on personal themes of longing and introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- intimate, reflective listening moments
- gentle background ambiance
- thoughtful, contemplative moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by dedicated fans for its intimate sound and reflective lyrics.
- Themes
- political simplicity· personal renewal· piano-driven melancholy
- Career context
- When 'Not Too Late' was released in January 2007, Norah Jones was already an acclaimed artist following her breakout debut album, 'Come Away With Me,' which won multiple Grammy Awards. This album marked her third studio release, showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter while exploring more personal themes in her music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Madeleine Peyroux· Diana Krall· Sarah Jarosz
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Dear Country
The verses directly address feelings of disillusionment towards the state of the nation amidst stirring imagery of loss.
Tracklist
- 1 Wish I Could Start here 4:18
- 2 Sinkin' Soon 4:38
- 3 The Sun Doesn't Like You 2:59
- 4 Until the End 3:56
- 5 Not My Friend 2:54
- 6 Thinking About You 3:20
- 7 Broken 3:20
- 8 My Dear Country 3:25
- 9 Wake Me Up 2:46
- 10 Be My Somebody 3:36
- 11 Little Room 2:43
- 12 Rosie's Lullaby 3:56
- 13 Not Too Late 3:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Trouble
Ray LaMontagne
Shares a similar blend of introspective lyrics and a soulful, acoustic sound.
Careless Love
Madeleine Peyroux
Combines jazz-inflected melodies with themes of longing and emotional depth.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Explores personal narratives with a piano-driven, reflective atmosphere and rich storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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