Norah Jones: The "Women Are Complex, Too" Interview

Ms. Jones plays a round of "Would You Rather" and talks relationships, TV, and her "bummy" steeze.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The jazzy R&B singer, whose Danger Mouse-produced ...Little Broken Hearts album dropped a few weeks back, took a break from her hectic tour schedule to play a game of “Would You Rather.”

This feature appears in Complex's June/July 2012 issue.

As told to Brad Wete (@BradWete)

I’d rather have critical acclaim than pop glory. It would make me crazy to obsess about where I stand with people. I walk a fine line between having a lot of success and selling out—and I’m not a pop star. I’m not out there like that. I just love music. If I wanted to be on the Hot 100, I would have chosen a different musical path. I’d rather cook than be served. I like to have more control, but I’m not as bad as Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. I’ve found the balance between cooking and not overdoing it. I like to cook simple things and not spend hours stressing over meals.

I don’t enjoy the process of getting ready for awards shows. It’s fun to play dress up but it’s hard to walk around in heels all night. Your dress might be too long and you’re afraid you’re going to trip. And you can’t breathe.

I’d rather have a staycation than a vacation. When you travel a lot for a living, it’s hard to plan a vacation. I always say I want to go to the beach, or go here or there, but whenever I have time off I just want to stay at home in Brooklyn.

I’d rather watch scripted TV than reality TV. I like Dexter. I don’t watch shows like Jersey Shore or Real Housewives but I’ve heard they’re addictive.

I’d rather be bummy than chic. I try to find nice, comfortable clothes. I don’t enjoy the process of getting ready for awards shows. It’s fun to play dress up but it’s hard to walk around in heels all night. Your dress might be too long and you’re afraid you’re going to trip. And you can’t breathe. I’d rather be in a relationship than be single. It depends on how functional it is. Being with somebody and struggling to make it work can be really hard.

I’d rather be in a healthy relationship. I have a boyfriend right now. It all depends on who you are and where you are in your life. Dating around was fun initially, but it became complicated and confusing, like, “I don’t know that I want to be with this guy. So why am I even bothering? Oh, because I’m supposed to be dating!” It’s weird.

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