CORPORATE LINE: Katie has just turned 19, and has signed a five album recording deal and management contract with DRAMATICO. Upon graduating from the Brit School, Katie began working with Mike Batt on the songs for her first album, which has a jazzy, bluesy feel. Her single, “The Closest Thing To Crazy”, went to number ten in the UK singles charts in December 2003. The album “Call Off The Search” reached number one in January 2004.
THE GREAT:
“Crawling Up A Hill” – This is jazz—Norah Jones’ publicists could take note—and is an absolute treasury.
“Call Off The Search” – Everyone will compare Katie Melua with Norah Jones, but they are different. Melua is clearly closer to jazz than Jones ever was—with a sweet and tempting style like Peggy Lee, Melua has a voice that feels like silk.
“The Closest Thing To Crazy” – Precious. Gorgeous. Anything else left to say?
THE AVERAGE:
“Learnin’ The Blues” – A few awkward moments keep this song from being great.
“Blame It On The Moon” – Sexy, seductive, and almost works itself out to greatness.
THE BAD:
“Mockingbird Song” – This rearrangement doesn’t work.
“Faraway Voice” – This “ooohhhs” are near unbearable.
FRANKLY: Katie Melua is a gem. Yes, everyone will dismiss her as a Norah Jones wanna-be, but she’s no imitator. Melua’s real jazz album is closer to Harry Connick Jr. than Norah Jones. Ignore the comparisons and give Melua a few spins—that’s all it takes to fall in love.
+ Rae Gun
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