Album: Stay With Me

Introduction
"Stay with Me" is a 2003 album by American singer-songwriter, Norah Jones. As the follow-up to her Grammy Award-winning launching album, "Come Away with Me", this record continued her remarkable music career with its unique blend of jazz, blues, and pop designs. The album includes 12 emotional tracks that display Jones' unique vocal abilities and piano skills in addition to the talents of her numerous partners.

Background
After the breakout success of her launching album in 2002, Jones had gathered a substantial following and high expectations for her subsequent release. She intended to expand upon the laid-back, jazz-infused sound that her fans had pertained to enjoy, while likewise diving into more introspective styles and experimenting with brand-new musical plans.

To accomplish this, Jones collaborated with a wide variety of musicians, including bandmates Lee Alexander (bass), Adam Levy (guitar), and Andrew Borger (drums), along with guest artists such as Dolly Parton, Levon Helm, and Carolyn Leonhart. The album was recorded mainly at Allaire Studios in upstate New York, under the careful eye of producer Arif Mardin.

Tunes
"Stay with Me" kicks off with the title track, setting the stage for the album's soothing and reflective character. On this jazzy ballad, Jones pleads with her lover to remain by her side despite the challenges they face. This theme of love and vulnerability runs throughout the album, as showcased in tunes like "Never Forget You", "Overprotected", and "Willing to Love".

One of the standout tracks on the record is "Hurtin' Me", a sultry blues number that spotlights Jones' singing variety and finger-snapping piano accompaniment. Meanwhile, "Visions of Yesterday" transports listeners to a dreamy, classic world with its mild tunes and reflective lyrics.

Jones pays homage to country music legend Dolly Parton by covering her timeless hit, "Jolene", and the 2 vocalists even carry out a duet on the album's 2nd single, "Creepin' In". The addition of Parton's signature twang to Jones' smooth voice develops a delightful harmony that showcases their flexible skills.

On "Smile", Jones ventures into more upbeat area with a gospel-tinged tune full of hope, while "Living Out Loud" offers an empowering message of self-esteem with its bossa nova groove and uplifting lyrics.

The album closes with a rousing rendition of Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart", featuring the apparent vocals of The Band's Levon Helm. This partnership acts as a fitting conclusion to the diverse mix of impacts and genres that shapes "Stay with Me".

Reception
"Stay with Me" was met important recognition and solid industrial success, earning Norah Jones several award nominations, including a Grammy nod for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the title track. The album's long-lasting appeal is a testimony to Jones' capability to deftly browse several musical styles while remaining real to her artistic vision.

In conclusion, "Stay with Me" effectively strengthened Norah Jones' status as one of the most fascinating artists of her generation. With its varied musical impacts and poignant styles, the album showcases her outstanding skills as a vocalist, songwriter, and pianist. The record's timeless appeal ensures that it will continue to captivate listeners for years to come.