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The Fall Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for the singer-songwriter was produced by Jacquire King.

Top Track

Chasing Pirates
In your message you said You were going to bed But I'm not done with the night So I stayed up and read But your words in my head Got me mixed up so... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Here, Jones ties up loose ends, unafraid to sound smooth or sultry, letting in just enough dissonance and discord to give this dimension, creating a subtle but rather extraordinary low-key record that functions as a piece of mood music but lingers longer, thanks to its finely crafted songs.
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    The Fall contains more than a few copper-bottomed classics: the languid and steamy I Wouldn't Need You, the Ryan Adams co-write Light As A Feather, and Chasing Pirates, a near-perfect two-and-half minute study of the racing thoughts that get in the way of sleep. [Dec 2009, p. 114]
  3. 80
    The emotional imprint of The Fall moves beyond the pining, wistful tones that are her trademark in favour of Sex And The City scenarios bursting with heartbreak, regret and emotional devastation.
  4. The result is avant-roots music that rocks, albeit gently.
  5. She's also got a voice that seems made to jump genres: supple, mellifluous, effortlessly sexy. But even when Jones lets it rip, so to speak, as on The Fall's moderately rollicking saloon stomper 'It's Gonna Be,' she remains, at heart, a girl gone mild.
  6. The Fall is ultimately a mildly more adventurous art-pop take on her piano-based cabaret style.
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    It's intelligent, tasteful, and well-executed music. But it ain't rock 'n' roll, not even a little and damn Jones for trying to pretend that it is. [Holiday 2009, p.78]

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Nov 9, 2012
    9
    Rather than a fall, Norah in fact bounces back up with this release. The songs are all unique, yet bonded by similarities. The Fall has aRather than a fall, Norah in fact bounces back up with this release. The songs are all unique, yet bonded by similarities. The Fall has a perfect, melodic flow to it, and its beautiful to listen to. Expand
  2. hannahw
    Nov 17, 2009
    9
    Great grooves, varied tones gives the voice new background texture on which to lay down a slightly rougher, sexier, yet still subtle and Great grooves, varied tones gives the voice new background texture on which to lay down a slightly rougher, sexier, yet still subtle and commanding sound. Norah is in full command here, doing what she wants - growing, changing, evolving herself and her music without regard for the critics who want her in a box or want who want her to ignore the strengths that made her appealing in the first place. Always herself first, it's refreshing to see that Norah Jones isn't beholden to her brand or her hype. Expand
  3. johnw
    Nov 18, 2009
    9
    My favorite Norah album since Come Away With Me every song is unique and keeps my attention...glad she still can make intersting music unlike My favorite Norah album since Come Away With Me every song is unique and keeps my attention...glad she still can make intersting music unlike alot of artist who usually fade by their 4th album! Expand
  4. Nov 21, 2021
    7
    A very different approach to Norah Jones going from blues to rock some songs are good and have a rnb feel others are bland.
  5. PaulK
    Nov 19, 2009
    5
    Could this album be any more benign musically? Jones' lyrics may be conceptual and probing, but the music of this album is destined for Could this album be any more benign musically? Jones' lyrics may be conceptual and probing, but the music of this album is destined for elevators and dental offices worldwide. Very disappointing. Expand
  6. JasonS
    Nov 19, 2009
    4
    This Cd is not what I hoped it would be change can be good but not in this case.