There is a place in the music industry for songs that are fun and disposable, and we call this place pop music. It is only there to provide a beat to a visual performance, usually involving some form of a strip show, rather than a musical experience. Of course these songs are catchy and will sell a ton of records today, but few will remember them tomorrow.

Unlike these regurgitated, die-cut, overnight stars, Norah Jones brings a timelessness that makes her music surpass the trends and eras. She is a throwback to older artists, showing intimacy, thoughtfulness and, dare I say it, musicianship.

Her latest album Not Too Late is a mildly adventurous departure from her earlier works. While the sound is still distinctly Norah, the formula for the music has changed with the passing of Arif Mardin, producer of Jones' first two records Come Away With Me and Feels Like Home. All 13 songs on this new album were either written or co-written by the artist herself, five more than on her previous records combined.

With collaborative help from boyfriend, songwriter and bassist Lee Alexander, Jones successfully integrates new musical inspirations with her pleasing melancholic voice.

The forlorn opener entitled "Wish I Could," resolves any issue as to whether or not Jones is a capable songwriter. The background is different, relying on acoustic guitar and cello instead of the familiar piano, but the heartbreak in her voice is as strong as ever. Singing of a lonely war widow and a lonelier other woman, "I don't tell her that I once loved you too / Or about the things we used to do / I kiss her hair and think of you / Walking down the road you found."

Jones continues to include other musical influences throughout the album. "Sinkin' Soon" is a wonderful tribute to the Dixieland, Vaudeville style, and the presence of the Hammond organ in "Thinking About You," is reminiscent of a soulful gospel song.

Unlike her previous records Jones unapologetically infuses her music with liberal beliefs. "My Dear Country," a cabaret-like tune, is the story about a politician "we hate" and a terrifying election: "I cherish you my dear country / I love all the things that you've given me / And most of all that I am free / To have a song that I can sing / On election day." "Broken" finds a soldier hardened by war: "He's got blood on his shoes and mud on his brim / Did he do it to himself or was it done to him?"

Norah Jones may not be the best singer or songwriter, but there is quality and hypnotic beauty to her voice that is indefinable and cannot be ignored. Offering something warm and comforting to come home to, Not Too Late is another fine and alluring album, with enough quirks to keep the audience interested.

This collection of quaint and appealing numbers is not going to set the world alight, but it does give truth to the notion that beauty and art still exist in music.

— Leisha Muraki