Day Breaks
by Norah Jones
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 7, 2016
    91
    Still, it’s the relationship between Jones’ voice and her piano that impresses most. Not since her entrancing debut has she sounded this engaged.
  2. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    80
    It's a darker, more nuanced album, and Jones, now 37, sings with more depth and soul than she did in her youth. [No. 136, p.54]
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  3. Uncut
    Oct 6, 2016
    80
    Jones displays a fluid keyboard touch and nuanced vocals, not unlike Diana Krall's recordings. [Nov 2016, p.31]
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  5. Mojo
    Oct 6, 2016
    80
    [Day Breaks] is arguably her masterpiece to date. [Nov 2016, p.90]
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  6. AllMusic
    Oct 6, 2016
    80
    Jones' originals feel as elegant as time-honored standards, and all her covers feel fresh. The former speak to her craft, the latter to her gifts as a stylist, and the two combine to turn Day Breaks into a satisfying testament to her ever-evolving musicianship.
  7. Exclaim
    Oct 6, 2016
    80
    A collaboration with names such as saxophonist Wayne Shorter, percussionist Brian Blade and bassist John Patitucci sees a the self-professed "jazz dropout" helm a strong project of original material, save for a sweet rendition of Duke Ellington's "Fleurette Africaine" and a bulletproof interpretation of Neil Young's "Don't Be Denied.
  8. Pitchfork
    Oct 11, 2016
    69
    Day Breaks grows a bit tedious near the middle, and it's easy to forget it's playing if you aren't paying attention.
  9. Consequence
    Oct 11, 2016
    67
    The record retains some of the boundary-pushing and the jazz doesn’t always thrill, but it’s a record on which Jones sounds entirely familiar.
  10. PopMatters
    Nov 11, 2016
    60
    While Day Breaks can be relaxing at times, it also borders on being sloppy on rare occasions such as these.
  11. Q Magazine
    Oct 19, 2016
    60
    Warm, understated and authoritative, Day Breaks demands you lean in and listen. [Dec 2016, p.109]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 4 out of 40
  1. Bleat0124
    Oct 30, 2016
    7
    After dipping her toes in other sounds--from pop to soft rock, country and everything in between--Jones has settle back into the place whereAfter dipping her toes in other sounds--from pop to soft rock, country and everything in between--Jones has settle back into the place where she is most comfortable. Not say say she can succeed in these other areas, see "creeping in" and chasing pirates, but the elements of her music that made come away with mr so special was the subtlely, almost like someone thinking out loud--not really trying to convince the listener, just suggestions. Jazz is the prefect sounds for this kind of song writer. And her voice is kinda like the light in a cloud of smoke.

    The tone is set up perfectly in the intro, and the producer for the most part hold that tone throughout and gets creative with it here and there. In fact without Jones voice this would be a pretty good Jazz album. The last track kinda highlight the skillful production.

    This free Jazz production puts allot of pressure on the song writing however, and Jone and her writers do a good job for the most part. Carry on, dont be denied, and others, are vintage Jones. On a few track the lyrics are a little sleepy and or a little overly sentimental, or shallow even but these are a few and far between. Overall great album. I think her second best work and best since Come away.

    I really want her to see if she can continue in this free jazz direction. There are so many great jazz musicians out there and with her voice, just wow--the potential    … Full Review »
  2. tombenicio
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    Norah Jones never disappoint when comes to music. This is definitely one of her best albums, the best song is Burn followed by Peace.
  3. pauldiam
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    I've been waiting for this album for a long time after the masterpiece 'Little Broken hearts'.
    Day Breaks sounds more like a return to her    I've been waiting for this album for a long time after the masterpiece 'Little Broken hearts'.
    Day Breaks sounds more like a return to her jazz roots of the debut album. It's a beautiful record which includes 1-2 covers in which Norah nails it.
    A very sweet and short album that is definitely in line with her previous efforts in terms of quality.    … Full Review »
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