"Day Breaks" is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Norah Jones, released on October 7, 2016, through Blue Note Records. The album includes nine original songs and three covers, marking a return to the piano-driven sound reminiscent of her early career. It peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200, becoming her sixth album to reach the top ten. Day Breaks received positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its production and Jones' vocals, often comparing it favorably to her debut album, Come Away with Me. Jones promoted the album through television performances and interviews.
Day Breaks was made available on CD, vinyl, and as a digital download, including a limited edition orange vinyl. Eight songs on the album were composed or co-written by Jones, who aimed to recapture the sound of her 2002 debut. The album was co-produced by Jones and Eli Wolf and features contributions from drummer Brian Blade, organist Lonnie Smith, and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Jones explained that the songs were influenced by jazz music and recorded live without overdubbing.
The album features three cover songs: "Peace" by Horace Silver, "Fleurette Africaine (African Flower)" by Duke Ellington, and "Don't Be Denied" by Neil Young, which Jones reinterpreted in the third person. It also includes "Sleeping Wild," written by Sarah Oda, who co-wrote three other tracks and co-produced the album.
The first single from the album was "Carry On," followed by "Flipside" and "Tragedy." Jones performed songs from Day Breaks on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Today Show, and she discussed the album on PBS's Tavis Smiley show. To further promote the album, she embarked on the Daybreaks World Tour.
