Review: Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones – ‘Foreverly’
West Coast (Billie Joe Armstrong) meets East Coast (Norah Jones) to recreate the organic sound of pure Americana in “Foreverly.”
The dynamic duo meld different musical styles on a song-by-song reinterpreting of the Everly Brothers’ 1958 album “Songs Our Daddy Taught Us.”
On this collection of traditional folk and country arrangements, both Grammy Award-winning artists effortlessly emulate the splendidly sweet two-part harmonies showcased by the Everly Brothers throughout their career.
Conventional wisdom would have said to use two male singers instead of a male and female for this quirky side project that draws comparisons to “Raising Sand” by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in 2007.
Armstrong’s selection of Jones proves to be masterful as the odd combination breathes new life into these obscure arrangements.
A longtime fan of the Everly Brothers, Armstrong was encouraged by his wife to ask Jones to join him on this labor of love.
The vocals may sound of angels, but the song lyrics are laced with dark and depressing messages of loneliness, heartache and reflection.
“Roving Gambler,” previously covered by Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel, opens the album and ushers in the stripped-down production that accentuates the vulnerable vocals.
Jones’ breathy singing style shines as she takes the lead on “I’m Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail.”
“Long Time Gone” is the album’s lead single and clearly the standout track.
Completed in just nine days, “Foreverly” proves that when you match quality tunes with stellar talent, the results are satisfying and timeless.
The Green Day frontman has stated his band plans to take a break at the conclusion of the current tour.
Meanwhile, Jones recently collaborated with her half-sister, Anoushka Shankar, on Shankar’s latest album “Traces of You.”