#42: Ingrid Michaelson - Human Again (2011)

Ingrid is one of my absolute favotrites. In her past albums she employed more of a singer/songwriter feel to it, with a lot more acoustic tracks, and even some cheeky/cheesy lyrics at times. She's a great songwriter but she's becoming a pro at putting together top notch albums. It's been a gradual process to get to where she is today and while I love her previous works, she's really coming into her own. I absolutely adore where she is and where she's heading.

Fire
Very quick strings add urgency, but there's a odd calming effect apparent in the song while the sparse drums and big hits keep you on your toes which leads perfectly into the chorus. It's poppy, it's catchy, it rocks, and it's full of emotion - it mixes a whole lot in the pot. It's a track that shows considerable growth from her past albums and hopefully it's a glimpse of what's to come.

End of the World
Such a simple concept, and while the lyrics are good - it's the music and the weight it carries (coupled with Ingrid's powerful performance) that pushes the track over the edge. The live version she posted is just her and a piano and somehow it even has more impact. "At the end of the world will you find me? So that we can go together?" Strings, guitar, bass, drums, and a little piano consistently add more and more layers which creates waves of emotion for the best written song on the album.

Save Me
This is my favorite song on the album. It's not afraid to do something different. Synths add in to a quick guitar and it's the chorus I live for. 'Save Me, why don't you save me tonight?" The bass carries the song to create a very memorable song. It's fun, it's a little cooky, and it's extremely entertaining. It's the perfect song to follow 'End of the World' and that's how most of the album is. It shows you something awesome and then shows you something different.

All in all, this album is full of really solid tracks. I wouldn't hesitate to spotlight any one of them over the others. They have different feels, ideas, and sensibilities that keep the listener engaged throughout. My favorite moment of the record is the bridge on 'In the Sea'. The album is full of very cool moments, especially in context of the entire song. Ingrid is one of the best artists out there right now and it's a shame she's not more popular. With this album she's proven that she's only going to get better.

Tomorrow's album: Marty Robbins' Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. 

#18: Norah Jones - Not Too Late (2007)

Not Too Late is the third studio album by Norah Jones and the third consecutive #1 album she had. A little fun fact about Norah is that her father is Ravi Shankar, the famous sitar player. He also taught George Harrison how to play the sitar. Small world.

Sinkin' Soon
The best track on the album. It's witty, it's fun, it's a little cooky. It also features the coolest horn solo on any of her records, maybe even the best solo overall. The guitar keep a little picking going while Norah's haunting vocals lay on top of a slow, yet bouncy bass. The piano fills make the song really move for me, they're extremely tasteful and elegant. Overall the song just has oodles of atmosphere. It's unlike any other track on the record.


My Dear Country
Lyrically it fits in any time period. No matter what political party you're aligned with, it can be applied. It's such a beautiful, dark song that starts with a simple piano/vocal and slowly stretches out to an out of control machine. This song (along with Sinkin' Soon) are the reasons I chose to review this album, they are two of her best... and also because nothing scarier than election day.

Not Too Late
Why is it that every time I play a simple piano part it sounds contrite and lacks any kind of emotion, and when Norah Jones does it - it's magical? Maybe it's the fact that she has some of the most amazing pipes I've ever heard. Maybe it's because she can control her words so well that it really doesn't matter what she says. Or maybe it's just because the accompaniment always comes in at the perfect time and never allows your ear to get bored. Either way, 'Not Too Late' is a simple, yet beautiful song that's worthy of being the namesake of such a wonderful album.

All in all, it's a ridiculously solid record. If you're looking for something upbeat and poppy this is not your album, but if you're looking for something that's rich on emotion and thought - this will be right up your alley. Norah does an incredible job of mixing jazz, folk, and a little pop into thirteen tracks of goodness. I listen to this album probably four or five times a month and it never fails to deliver.

Tomorrow's album: Thelonious Monk's Brilliant Corners