Album Reviews

Norah Jones

`The Fall'

(Warner Music Korea)

Grammy Award-winning singer Norah Jones flirts with a new pop-rock sound in her fourth album ``The Fall.'' If you're expecting her trademark jazz sound from ``Come Away With Me,'' you'll be disappointed. But once you give ``The Fall'' a listen, Jones pleasantly surprises with the slow rock beats of ``Light as a Feather,'' ``Chasing Pirates'' and ``Young Blood.''

Jones' distinctive languid vocal style works well with the bluesy ``Man of the Hour,'' and the folk-influenced ``Tell Yer Mama.'' On the hauntingly beautiful ``Back to Manhattan,'' Jones makes references to her break-up with bassist Lee Alexander. With the album, Jones shows she's not afraid of mixing it up, and she succeeds quite impressively.

―Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Snow Patrol

`Up to Now'

(Universal Music Korea)

Alternative rock band Snow Patrol has just released a new compilation, drawn from the five albums it has released in its 15 year career. The two-disc set features 30 songs chosen by the band members as their favorites, including not just hits but B-sides and rare tracks as well.

With its melancholic sound, the Northern Irish band has earned comparisons with Coldplay. This is most evident in their biggest hits, ``Chasing Cars,'' and ``Run'' (bonus live versions of the two songs are included). Also on the album are three new tracks: ``Just Say Yes,'' ``Give Me Strength'' and ``Dark Roman Wine.'' There's also the band's rock version of Beyonce's ``Crazy in Love.''

If you're not yet a fan of Snow Patrol, this is a good way to get acquainted with the band's music.

Robbie Williams

Reality Killed the Video Star

British singer Robbie Williams goes back to his pop roots with his eighth album. ``Don't call it a comeback, look what I invented here,'' he sings on the 80s-inspired ``Last Days of Disco.'' The former Take That singer goes for the trendy electronic pop sound on dance tracks ``Bodies,'' and ``Starstuck,'' but also included the ballads ``Morning Sun'' and ``You Know Me.''

Produced by Trevor Horn (a former member of The Buggles whose hit song ``Video Killed the Radio Star'' is the reference for the album title), the album is a solid effort by Williams. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem quite enough since it became the first of Williams' albums not to debut number one on the U.K. album charts.