For Norah Jones, The Power of Heartbreak: Lessons from Little Broken Hearts




Norah Jones took a different direction with her album "Little Broken Hearts" by filming two music videos where she portrayed a murderer. The victims were a cheating boyfriend and his temptress, both ending up at the bottom of a lake. This album marked a departure in Jones' career, where she challenged herself to step out of her musical comfort zone to process romantic turmoil, resulting in a concise and consistent statement comparable to classic heartbreak albums.


Jones expressed her love for the album, stating that even those who didn't like her previous work enjoyed this one. Known for her soothing voice, Jones gained popularity in the early 2000s with her debut album "Come Away With Me," which sold millions of copies.


"Little Broken Hearts" was created after Jones went through a dramatic breakup, resulting in a more weary and emotional sound in her music. Collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, Jones explored darker themes and storytelling in her songs, departing from her usual style.


Despite the album's dark content, Jones enjoyed the process of creating it and felt comfortable working with Danger Mouse. The album's standout track, "Miriam," showcases Jones fantasizing about killing her romantic rival, displaying a different side of her artistry.


While some critics were surprised by the shift in Jones' music, she resisted labeling the album as a heartbreak album, emphasizing the playful elements in the songs. Jones found it unnecessary to discuss the real-life inspirations behind the album, as she believed the music spoke for itself.


"Little Broken Hearts" received positive reviews and was reissued with a live performance included. Jones continues to perform the songs from the album, appreciating their enduring quality even in stripped-down versions. Despite the pressure to replicate the success of her debut album, Jones remains focused on following her artistic instincts to avoid failure.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post