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| ▲ This photo, provided by Universal Music Group, shows the cover for Norah Jones' first Christmas album "I Dream of Christmas." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Yonhap) -- Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones (42) has released her first-ever Christmas album "I Dream of Christmas" in 19 years since her debut.
In a written interview with South Korean reporters on Tuesday, Jones explained the purpose of the album, saying, "I mostly made this album to comfort myself in this time."
"This album did come out of the very long first year of the pandemic," Jones added. "I needed something to look forward to and a way to be creative that had a little joy baked into it. This was the perfect project for me."
Jones also participated in writing all six songs of the album, including "Christmas Calling" and "You're Not Alone," which sends the message of consolation and wishing for happiness amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The singer-songwriter picked "Christmas Calling" to be her favorite and said, "It really helped inform the whole album with the longing for Christmas spirit and missing friends who feel like family. By the end it's a party."
"There is no shortage of amazing and classic Christmas songs. I just picked the ones I wanted to sing the most and everything fell into place," Jones added.
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| ▲ This photo, provided by Universal Music Group, shows American singer-songwriter Norah Jones. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Jones recalled to have spent a quiet Christmas last year with her family due to COVID-19 and is planning to spend this year's holiday in the same way. "I've been enjoying playing the Christmas songs for some promotion but now (I'm) going to settle in to being cozy!"
"To me, Christmas is a nostalgic and magical time of year that is something to look forward to. A time to shut off the phones and just hang out and eat and spend time with those who matter most," she said.
Debuting in 2002, Jones achieved an impressive feat at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards in 2003 with her first studio album "Come Away With Me." The singer clinched three out of four of Grammy's top "major" categories--album of the year, record of the year, and best new artist--in addition to securing best pop vocal album, best female pop vocal performance, and best engineer album.
The album was evaluated to have touched many hearts of Americans who were going through difficult times after the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks. 19 years later, Jone's new Christmas album gives a similar comforting touch to listeners struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.
When asked how she felt about her upcoming 20th debut anniversary, Jones replied, "It's a crazy touchstone to think that it's been 20 years," adding, "I have very fond memories of making the record and the fact that it became such a success changed the course of my whole life."
"I hope to tour a bit next summer, it's been way too long," she said.
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| ▲ This photo, provided by Universal Music Group, shows American singer-songwriter Norah Jones. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The 42-year-old singer, who has been loved for her beautiful jazz-based songs since her debut, mentioned she didn't want to be "pigeonholed into genres."
"Though I do come from a strong jazz background I've always felt very free with genres. I think for me, all that matters is that I'm singing a song and conveying the lyrics in an honest way."
Jones then said, "Everything else should just fall into place. I don't think of how I'm singing too much when things are working that way."
Previously, the American singer had opportunities to meet Korean fans through three of her performances in 2005, 2012, and 2017.
Wrapping up the interview, the artist left a sweet message to her fans in Korea, saying, "I hope to visit soon to play music in Korea again! I love it there so much and I wish you all love and friendship for the holiday season."
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