Ray Charles & Norah Jones, Here We Go Again

In the 22^nd edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Ray Charles and Norah Jones collaborate on the Grammy-winning “Here We Go Again.”

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight ear-catching songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column on The Musical Hype. In the 22^nd edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Ray Charles and Norah Jones collaborate on “Here We Go Again”. Let the dazzle begin!

“Here we go again / He’s back in town again / I’ll take him back again / One more time.”

Ray Charles (1930 – 2004) and Norah Jones (b. 1979) made musical magic on their once-in-a-lifetime duet, “Here We Go Again”. One reason it was once in a lifetime is that Charles passed away before the album was released. “Here We Go Again” is the opening track from Charles’ posthumously released, Grammy-winning, 2004 album, Genius Loves Company. Interestingly, Charles covers himself. He originally released “Here We Go Again” in 1967, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The gem – the original and the duet, cover version – was penned by Don Lanier (1936 – 2014) and Red Steagall (b. 1938). Notably, Charles and Jones’ duet version won two Grammys: Record Of The Year and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

The first thing that stands out about “Here We Go Again” is the sophisticated arrangement and production. The instrumental sounds that bless our ears are organ (more on that later), piano (Jones), electric keyboard (Charles), bass, guitar, and drums. Gorgeous vocals by Norah Jones, excerpted earlier, set the tone.  Speaking of tone, her tone is beautiful. She sings purely and easily, sounding calm, cool, and collected. More earthy, soulful, and gritty vocals by Ray Charles follow, intact with those signature Ray Charles-isms (“I’ll be her fool again (I will) / One more time”). More intense organ signifies Norah Jones’ next solo, during the bridge, with a bit more bite and grit: “I’ve been there before / And I will try it again / But any fool, any fool knows / That there’s no, no way to win.” Charles follows, singing naturally with ease yet steeped in soul.  He memorably concludes, “Alright, Mr. Preston!”, cueing a marvelous organ solo by Billy Preston (1946 – 2006). Playful, sing-talking vocals by Charles, in the bridge, following Preston’s epic solo.  Jones concludes the section strongly with her sophisticated, pure vocals. There is magnificent vocal chemistry when Charles and Jones sing together in the final verse at the end of the record for the first time:

“Here we go again

She’ll/He’ll break my heart again

I’ll play the part again

One more time

I’ll take her/him back again

One more time.”

Revisiting “Here We Go Again” in its duet form, it is even more magical and special. Perhaps there is an argument to be made that Genius Loves Company received a sympathy vote for some of its Grammy wins, but this dazzling duet was deserving of the two Grammys it was awarded without question.