Album review: Billie Joe + Norah, Foreverly

Album cover for Foreverly.

Norah Jones and Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong met after both performing with Stevie Wonder, and when Armstrong decided he wanted to do his own version of The Everly Brothers 1958 album Songs Our Daddy Taught Us, his wife suggested he ask Jones if she would be the other brother.

Turns out it wasn't a bad idea. They harmonise in a lovely fashion and find an easy groove in the old-time arrangements. Armstrong's unvarnished, blue-collar sound helps to make Jones sound a little grittier than usual, while her sweeter tones infuse the harmonies with warmth and tenderness.

They're faithful to the straight-up simplicity of the originals, and highlight the dichotomy of the upbeat melodies combined with dark stories - Rockin Alone could be deeply melancholy if it weren't for the arrangement, which gives it hope, and Put My Little Shoes Away is equally tragic, though the pair turn it into something beautiful.

And there's a glimmer of delight in their voices to be heard on more hip-shaking tracks like Roving Gambler, and Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine.

What could have been an indulgent project has instead refreshed the songs, and reminded how wonderfully artless they were in the first place.

Stars:

4/5

Verdict:

Endearing, faithful country-pop tribute

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- TimeOut