Not Too Late
by Norah Jones
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Its ragged, unfinished nature illustrates that she's more interested in pursuing her art than recycling Come Away with Me, and if this third album isn't as satisfying as that debut, it nevertheless is a welcome transitional effort that proves her artistic heart is in the right place.
  2. Uncut
    80
    What's especially daring about Not Too Late is the degree to which Jones and [producer Lee] Alexander trust their songs and her languorous voice to hold the listener's interest. [Feb 2007, p.75]
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  3. PopMatters
    70
    Norah Jones proves herself to be as great a songwriter as she is a pianist and vocalist.
  5. Mojo
    80
    The majority of Not Too Late hums with a placid darkness and neurosis which is as delicious as it is unexpected. [Feb 2007, p.104]
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  6. Q Magazine
    60
    With a surfeit of samey country-rock ballads, Not Too Late ultimately proves rather a long haul. [Feb 2007, p.98]
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  7. Rolling Stone
    60
    Mildly adventurous.
  8. musicOMH.com
    80
    This collection of quaint, feel-good numbers is not going to set the world alight, but it offers something warm and comforting to come home to.
  9. The Guardian
    60
    It's pretty music, beautifully performed. But Norah Jones has more to offer than this.
  10. Drowned In Sound
    60
    While Not Too Late is a shade darker than her mega-selling, Grammy-winning template, it's highly unlikely to win all that many new converts, and fans may find this album a little bit of a slog in places.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Sonically, at least, the album takes only a small step away from the latte-lover mainstream.
  12. Slant Magazine
    70
    Not Too Late may not be the break from form that Jones is capable of, but it's an album that takes enough chances to suggest that she's started down that path.
  13. NOW Magazine
    80
    A very good showcase for Jones's evolution as a writer and musician.
  14. Sputnikmusic
    70
    Norah Jones has the potential to be one of the defining singers of the decade, but her songwriting needs to take on more styles and more voices.
  15. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Jones has concocted a pleasing effort underneath its delicate air.
  16. Blender
    40
    Again, the results are a mutant virus of gorgeous and bland, grainy and slick. [Mar 2007, p.135]
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  17. cokemachineglow
    68
    Yes, there could be more new ground broken in this material, but this does not necessarily equate to artistic diffidence.
  18. Los Angeles Times
    75
    Nobody's rocking the boat too much, though Jones does seem to be trying to dig a little deeper into the heart of the material.
  19. Dot Music
    60
    Norah's most personal collection of songs to date.
  20. Stylus Magazine
    67
    While the music remains modest, there are a few moments of gratifying lyrical incision and indecision befitting this being Jones’ first album bereft of covers.
  21. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Too good to hate, not exciting enough to love, she still makes most of what’s out there sound like phony baloney.
  22. Village Voice
    40
    That voice is still "that voice," but gravity was never what made it fly.
  23. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    The darker, more mischievous mood at work is perfectly complemented by arrangements that are as inventive as they are austere.
  24. Hartford Courant
    70
    Subtlety was a defining characteristic of her first two records, and it carries over onto "Not Too Late," where even the differences are understated and discreet.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 51
  3. Negative: 8 out of 51
  1. pauldiam
    Jun 23, 2018
    9
    I admit that when it was released, i thought this is her best work. An album which takes the risk to be too dark and a bit political (My DearI admit that when it was released, i thought this is her best work. An album which takes the risk to be too dark and a bit political (My Dear Country).

    I still appreciate it for what it is but it's not as good as her recent efforts. My Dear Country and Sinkin Soon are the highlights of the album.    … Full Review »
  2. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    8
    Not Too Late, the third release from Norah Jones, still showcases her beautiful voice, but I think the lyrics could've cut a little deeperNot Too Late, the third release from Norah Jones, still showcases her beautiful voice, but I think the lyrics could've cut a little deeper than they did.… Full Review »
  3. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    7
    A little too much guitar and not enough piano. I know she was trying something new and for that she is to be commended but sticking to whatA little too much guitar and not enough piano. I know she was trying something new and for that she is to be commended but sticking to what worked so well on the previous albums would have been a better choice.… Full Review »
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