ALBUM REVIEW: Katie Melua
- Posted on November 19, 2007 2:24 PM
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Katie Melua
Pictures: A Katie Classic
Review by Naima Khan
Katie Melua hasn’t strayed far from the beaten track carved out by her last two albums. Though we wouldn’t want her to drop those distinctive vocals and lullaby like melodies. On the more earnest tracks, there is a sweet touch of country, but ultimately this is another jazz coated mellow pop collection.
Depending on your point of view, the lyrics are pointless or eccentric thought not always hers I have to point out. Producer Mike Batt penned a good 5 out of 12 tracks and it’s these songs that let the album down. Loosely themed around cinema of old, these are more zealous and declarative than the others. If you ain’t never seen a flicker show, I’d skip them. Batt has an annoying habit of formulating an average to poor lyric and overusing it hoping Katie’s beautiful vocals will distract us from the banality of the song writing. For the overuse of trite metaphors see track 10 ‘If You Were A Sailboat’, can you guess what she’d do? Yep, she’d sail in you and if you were a house? Well I’ve made my point. If you’re in a cynical mood this song might have you shouting ‘we get the point!’, however, the more romantic of you out there will certainly appreciate the gooey-eyedness of it all.
There are 7 other great songs on this album. ‘In My Secret Life’ in particular is sung beautifully and superbly written by Leonard Cohen – a must-hear. The more contemplative songs carry Katie’s classic appeal. ‘What I Miss About You’ and ‘Spellbound’ are clever, thoughtful and a little mysterious. These showcase Melua’s soulful talent and velvety voice. ‘Perfect Circle’ is a personal favourite; subtle lyrics, a jazzy tempo, an excellent example of what Katie should do next. A lot less lullaby a touch more anguish and a lot more originality.
The general consensus is buy it! She’s an amazing vocalist and you need to hear that Cohen song.
Katie Melua tickets on Seatwave
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