Norah Jones
Image: Norah Jones performing live, showcasing her signature piano skills and captivating stage presence.
In 2002, Norah Jones emerged onto the global music scene, captivating audiences worldwide with her debut album, Come Away With Me. Her distinctive velvet voice, coupled with her poignant storytelling and understated yet masterful piano playing, quickly garnered her a vast and devoted international fanbase. Hailing from New York and raised in Texas, this talented singer-songwriter swiftly became a prominent figure in contemporary music. As accolades and Grammy Awards poured in, Jones evolved into a highly accomplished songwriter, consistently pushing her creative boundaries and exploring diverse musical landscapes. From her critically acclaimed solo albums to her engaging side projects, the best Norah Jones Songs trace the remarkable artistic journey of a truly exceptional musician.
Explore the quintessential Norah Jones songs on Apple Music and Spotify.
20: Here We Go Again (with Ray Charles, 2004)
A significant highlight in Norah Jones’ career arrived when the legendary Ray Charles invited her to collaborate on a reimagining of his 1967 R&B hit, “Here We Go Again.” This duet, featured on Charles’ final studio album, Genius Loves Company, beautifully showcased the contrasting yet complementary vocal textures of Jones and Charles. Adding to the song’s richness was a soulful organ solo by Billy Preston. The recording’s excellence was recognized with two Grammy Awards, solidifying its place among the best Norah Jones collaborations and Ray Charles’ memorable works.
19: Jesus, Etc (Puss N Boots, 2014)
Beyond her successful solo endeavors, Norah Jones participates in two collaborative groups: The Little Willies and the all-female trio, Puss N Boots. With Puss N Boots, Jones lent her vocals to a heartfelt rendition of “Jesus, Etc,” originally penned by Jeff Tweedy of the alt-country band Wilco. This track, from Puss N Boots’ debut Blue Note album, No Fools, No Fun, features warm vocal harmonies from Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper, adding a unique dimension to this Norah Jones side project.
18: Tell Your Mama (2009)
“Tell Your Mama,” characterized by its lively two-step rhythm and country undertones, represents another successful collaboration between Norah Jones and Jesse Harris, the writer behind her breakthrough hit, “Don’t Know Why.” This song, marked by its barbed and accusatory tone, presents Jones as a woman who has realized her worth and refuses to waste time on a neglectful partner. “Tell Your Mama” showcases a different facet of Norah Jones’ songwriting, highlighting her versatility beyond ballads.
17: Love Me (The Little Willies, 2006)
Norah Jones’ involvement in side projects has been a recurring theme in her impressive 18-year career. One notable example is her membership in the country-infused supergroup, The Little Willies. “Love Me,” from their first album, stands out as their most recognized song. This track is a poignant cover of the classic Leiber & Stoller song famously associated with Elvis Presley in the 1950s. While staying true to the original’s wistful essence, Jones infuses it with her distinctive soulful interpretation, making it uniquely her own within The Little Willies discography.
16: Unchained Melody (2017)
Norah Jones applied her signature alluring style to “Unchained Melody,” the timeless 1965 blue-eyed soul classic by The Righteous Brothers. This rendition was created for the soundtrack of the Amazon TV series The Man In The High Castle, based on Philip K Dick’s dystopian novel. Producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton), who previously collaborated with Jones on her Little Broken Hearts album in 2012, oversaw this recording, lending his distinctive production touch to this Norah Jones cover song.
15: Happy Pills (2012)
“Happy Pills,” a standout track from Little Broken Hearts, Norah Jones’ surprising collaboration with Danger Mouse, is an upbeat pop-rock infused song about moving past a failed relationship. Co-written by Jones and Danger Mouse, “Happy Pills” marked Jones’ first entry into Billboard‘s Hot Rock Songs chart, reaching No. 44. This song demonstrated Norah Jones’ willingness to experiment with different genres and sounds in her musical journey.
Image: Still frame from the “Happy Pills” music video, capturing Norah Jones’ playful and dynamic performance.
14: Wintertime (2019)
Norah Jones’ seamless blend of gospel and country elements is deeply rooted in the influences of musical icons Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. Their impact, filtered through Jones’ unique artistic lens, is palpable in “Wintertime,” a subdued and evocative winter-themed ballad co-written with Wilco guitarist and producer Jeff Tweedy. Initially released as a single, “Wintertime” later found its place on Jones’ 2019 mini-album, Begin Again, showcasing her continued exploration of Americana sounds.
13: Tragedy (2016)
“Tragedy,” a standout track from Norah Jones’ sixth album, Day Breaks, co-written with producer Sarah Oda, represents a return to the acoustic piano-driven style that characterized her earlier work. Day Breaks marked a deliberate move back to her jazz-infused roots. “Tragedy” is a mellow and romantic ballad, with Jones’ vocals and minimalist piano solo perfectly embodying her understated yet deeply expressive musical approach, a hallmark of Norah Jones’ signature style.
12: After The Fall (2012)
A highlight from Little Broken Hearts, “After The Fall” is a product of Norah Jones’ creative partnership with producer Danger Mouse during a period of personal heartbreak. This song obliquely reflects on the aftermath of a relationship’s end. Jones’ ethereal voice takes on a siren-like quality, floating over a rich and textured soundscape of guitars, synthesizers, piano, and strings. “After The Fall” is a magically haunting track that showcases the depth of emotion in Norah Jones’ songwriting.
11: Chasing Pirates (2009)
While the musical backdrop of “Chasing Pirates,” the Grammy-nominated lead single from Norah Jones’ The Fall album, was a departure from her previous work, her unmistakable voice remained at its core. Produced by Jacquire King, known for his work with Kings Of Leon, “Chasing Pirates,” with its whimsical tone and rock-influenced vibe, demonstrated Jones’ ability to confidently expand beyond her jazz origins. This song is a testament to Norah Jones’ artistic evolution and willingness to experiment.
10: Thinking About You (2007)
“Thinking About You,” a midtempo song expressing longing and desire with a touch of nostalgia, was co-written by Norah Jones with Ilhan Erşahin from her pre-solo band Wax Poetic. Produced by Lee Alexander, this track served as the lead single from her third album, Not Too Late. It marked her return to the Billboard Hot 100 since “Don’t Know Why.” The song’s appeal transcended genres, even inspiring a cover version by legendary New Orleans soul singer Irma Thomas a year later, highlighting the broad appeal of Norah Jones music.
9: What Am I To You (2004)
Reflecting Norah Jones’ growth as a songwriter, her second album, Feels Like Home, featured five original compositions, including “What Am I To You.” This soulful mid-tempo ballad is a heartfelt love song where Jones vulnerably expresses her desire for honesty and reciprocity in a relationship. She poignantly conveys the depth of her passion and devotion, making “What Am I To You” a standout ballad among Norah Jones songs.
8: Those Sweet Words (2004)
“Those Sweet Words” exemplifies Norah Jones’ signature understated style with its simple yet eloquent arrangement of delicate piano and soft guitar chords framing her resonant vocals. Co-written by Jones and her then-producer Lee Alexander for Feels Like Home, the song also features Jesse Harris, the writer of “Don’t Know Why,” on guitar. The apparent simplicity of this heartfelt performance belies Jones’ inherent musical sophistication and her ability to create deeply moving songs.
7: Turn Me On (2002)
Norah Jones channels a classic R&B vibe in her fabulously soulful cover of “Turn Me On,” a vintage John D Loudermilk tune. Originally the B-side to Mark Dinning’s 1961 single, and later covered by Nina Simone, Jones’ interpretation appeared on the soundtrack of the 2003 film Love Actually. Her version of “Turn Me On,” a meditation on longing and desire, brought renewed attention to this classic song and showcased Norah Jones’ versatility as an interpreter.
6: It’s Not Christmas ’Til You Come Home (Puss N Boots, 2017)
Recorded exclusively for Spotify in their New York studio, “It’s Not Christmas ’Til You Come Home” is a high-quality original Norah Jones song. Its theme of hope and yearning is delivered in the intimate country-esque style reminiscent of her first two albums. Jones later revisited the song with a different arrangement, recording it live with Puss N Boots for their 2019 EP, Dear Santa. This song has quickly become a beloved addition to Norah Jones’ repertoire and has the potential to become a perennial holiday favorite.
Image: Puss N Boots performing “It’s Not Christmas ‘Til You Come Home,” highlighting the trio’s festive and intimate musical style.
5: Seven Years (2002)
Despite Norah Jones’ debut album being released on the iconic jazz label Blue Note, “Seven Years” vividly demonstrates its stylistic and conceptual departure from traditional bebop jazz. Written by Lee Alexander, this gentle folk-infused song features Kevin Breit’s delicate acoustic guitar work and bluesy slide guitar solo. “Seven Years” is a sublime example of the raw emotional honesty that defines Norah Jones’ approach to singing and songwriting, setting her apart in the jazz world.
4: Carry On (2016)
After exploring more experimental sounds in albums like The Fall and Little Broken Hearts, Norah Jones returned to her piano for Day Breaks, a more jazz-oriented album. “Carry On,” a self-penned gem, centers on the theme of overcoming romantic disappointment and moving forward. It revisits the intimate country-meets-gospel style of her earlier work, reaffirming her core musical identity. “Carry On” is a testament to Norah Jones’ resilience and artistic consistency.
3: Sunrise (2004)
The true strength of Norah Jones’ vocals lies in her delicate phrasing, conversational delivery, and nuanced emotional expression. “Sunrise,” the opening track and lead single from Feels Like Home, perfectly exemplifies these qualities. This gently swaying folk-tinged ballad captivated listeners with Jones’ magnetic vocal performance. Co-written with bassist and producer Lee Alexander, “Sunrise” achieved gold record status and earned Jones a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, solidifying its place among her signature songs.
2: Come Away With Me (2002)
The captivating title track from Norah Jones’ debut album, “Come Away With Me,” proved that she was more than just a beautiful voice; she was also a gifted songwriter capable of crafting emotionally resonant songs. Dreamy and yearning, “Come Away With Me” is a country-tinged ballad that shimmers with a haunting beauty. Released as her second single, it became a global hit, reaching No. 20 on the US Adult Top 20 chart. This song remains one of the most iconic Norah Jones songs, defining her early sound.
1: Don’t Know Why (2002)
Topping our list of the best Norah Jones songs is “Don’t Know Why,” a Jesse Harris composition produced by the legendary R&B producer Arif Mardin. This song launched Norah Jones’ career and was immediately recognized as a modern classic. Its understated ambiance and subtle blend of soul, jazz, and country epitomized Jones’ distinctively warm and intimate style. As the first single from her multi-platinum debut album, Come Away With Me, “Don’t Know Why” became a global phenomenon and garnered Jones three Grammy Awards. It remains the quintessential Norah Jones song, instantly recognizable and deeply beloved.
Image: Norah Jones performing “Don’t Know Why,” capturing the intimate and soulful essence of her breakthrough hit.
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