Norah Jones

Featuring Norah Jones, Blue Note/EMI***

Over the years, American singer Norah Jones has often been on the receiving end of uncharitable criticism (Snorah Jones and so on). While this compilation album of her guest slots across a variety of genres probably won't sway naysayers, it's impossible to deny that Jones is a trier. She's also an exceptional vocalist, and if there's one thing these collaborations, cameos and duets prove, it's how, when taken out of her perceived comfort zone, she rises to the occasion. Cases in point include dalliances with Belle and Sebastian (

Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John

), Outkast (

Take Off Your Cool

), Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (

Loretta

), Ryan Adams (

Dear John

) and Foo Fighters (

Virginia Moon

). If it's too diffuse, it's because there's no precise thematic value - it's really just a record company's trawl-and-gather exercise - but dig a little and you may find something you like. See norahjones.com

Download tracks: Dear John, Virginia Moon