... Featuring Norah Jones

Uncut - 4 stars out of 5 -- "There are knockabout duets with big names, but more interesting is hearing Jones sweeten hip hop tracks and add heavenly harmonies to indie sessions." Billboard (p.24) - "The singer is especially good on 'Life Is Better,' a sexy soul-rap track from Q-Tip's 2008 THE RENAISSANCE, and on 'Dear John,' a bleary duet with Ryan Adams that reminds listeners that even multiplatinum prodigies can get the blues." Mojo (Publisher) (p.97) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "This 18-song miscellany reminds us that talent loves the company of talent, one-off duets with Ray Charles and Dolly Parton underlining Jones's seemingly effortless ascent to premier league status." Paste (magazine) - "The burble of organ on 'Turn Them,' a duet with Sean Bones, may be the album's finest sonic hook, a sound that subtly mimics her mellifluous vocals." Record Collector (magazine) (p.84) - "As a showcase for Norah's voice, it's fantastic. As an illustration of her ability to stretch herself far from the dinner party soft jazz of her perceived populist image, it's even better." Clash (Magazine) - "[T]he close vocal harmonies with Gillian Welch are particularly strong and a version of Roxy Music's 'More Than This' is utterly charming."

ノラ・ジョーンズの課外活動をコンパイルした企画盤。収録曲のうち6曲がグラミー賞に絡んだという、何とも贅沢な一枚だ。ロックやカントリー、ヒップホップまでさまざまなタイプの楽曲が並ぶが、一貫して彼女の歌声の存在感に惚れ直させられる。フー・ファイターズ、Q・ティップ、タリブ・クウェリ、レイ・チャールズ・・・・・・と名を挙げればきりがない豪華さで、すべての音楽ファンに訴求できる作品と言えよう。
bounce (C)藤井大樹