Album review: Norah Jones, Little Broken Hearts

After selling 20 million copies of her 2002 debut album Come Away with Me, Norah Jones has been able to forge her subsequent career on her own terms.

Now in her early 30s, Jones isn't afraid to broach new territories musically and in the 10 years since her amazing success, she's also developed her skills as a singer-songwriter considerably, along with a confidence that wasn't so apparent initially.

With Little Broken Hearts, Norah Jones has again ventured into pastures unknown and it's a powerful collaboration with Brian Burton, better known as Danger Mouse.

Their chemistry really pays dividends and they share the songwriting credits for all 12 songs.

It's an apt title, too, as the whole texture of the album seems to be Jones' response to her break-up with long-time partner and former band member, Lee Alexander.

Combined with the heartfelt lyrics, it is a very different soundscape compared to the languid and laid-back feel of Come Away with Me and much of her follow-up album tracks.

Danger Mouse introduces a moodier and more atmospheric backdrop and it demonstrates to me how much Jones has developed as an artist.

The title track, After the Fall, Out on the Road and Miriam are all standout tracks.

With a fresh approach and a new collaborator, Norah Jones can only but add to the 40 million albums she has already sold.

Norah Jones

Little Broken Hearts

Rating: 4 / 5 stars