Troubled about the direction America is headed, Jones expresses political concerns (“My Dear Country”) and warns that pride may do us in (“Sinkin’ Soon”). She comforts and counsels a hurting friend, pledging to stand by her “Until the End.” “Broken” believes that a man with “a broken voice and a twisted smile” can be restored. With similar optimism, “Not Too Late” looks forward to another chance at love (“I’ve seen people try to change, and I know it isn’t easy/But nothin’ worth the time ever is”). Other emotionally vulnerable tracks find the singer expecting to rebound from an unspecified sadness (“Not My Friend”) and mourning the loss of a loved one taken by war (“Wish I Could”).
Veiled references shield listeners from anything explicit, though a few lines seem to suggest physical intimacy on “Little Room” and “Be My Somebody.” Instead of bravely confronting a trial, Jones hibernates for a season of denial (“Wake Me Up”).
Born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar (daughter of Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar), this laid-back Grammy-winner has a lullaby-ready voice and serene social conscience. With only minor cautions, Not Too Late specializes in warm, sweet tunes about the bonds we share with others … and our imperfect homeland.
After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.
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