Lots to Like About Little Broken Hearts

Norah Jones has come a long way from the mellow coffee house songstress who won audiences over with laid back singles such as "Sunrise" and "Don't Know Why". On "Little Broken Hearts" her trademark penetrating style is used to enrapturing effect. However, she has added some venom to her siren song. "Good Morning" sounds decaf enough, awash in the daybreak colors of orange and faint pink but listen close enough and you learn she's rankled by a lover who couldn't be bothered to reciprocate. If you're an "experienced" woman pushed aside by the libido of a caveman lusting after a newer model then "She's 22" has the potential to be part of your iPod playlist in no time flat. Meanwhile "All a Dream" drips with the euphoria of post-coital sex. It ought to be mandatory listening for any couple trying to stoke a night of arousal. That guitar drum tag team makes it impossible to listen without wanting to to shed various layers of clothing. Three cheers for Ms. Jones successfully experimenting with songs which challenge her to stop being so mellow. She only heightens her bewitching persona by playing rough.