Katie Melua – Piece By Piece

Artist: Katie Melua

Title: Piece By Piece

Label: Dramatico

Rating: 7.5/10

FILE UNDER: No longer a Norah Jones copycat.

CORPORATE LINE: In between her overseas travel Katie recorded her new album, ‘Piece By Piece’, which was released in Europe on September 26th 2005. The album comprises more self-penned songs including the title track as well as a cover of the 1987 Cure hit ‘Just Like Heaven’ that Katie had recorded for a DreamWorks film starring Reese Witherspoon.

The first single, ‘Nine Million Bicycles’, preceded the album release and gave Katie her highest UK single chart entry at number 5. One week later and ‘Piece By Piece’ entered the UK album charts at #1 and Europe swiftly followed with the album reaching #1in Holland, Norway, Denmark & Iceland. #2 in Germany & Ireland. #3 in South Africa & Switzerland. #4 in Poland & Belgium. #5 in Austria and #6 in Sweden giving an overall position on the Billboard European Top 100 Chart of #2.

Nearly six months after the European Release of ‘Piece By Piece’ the album is still in the Top 5 selling albums in Europe!

THE GOOD:
“Nine Million Bicycles” – A very sexy song that takes from her predecessor Norah Jones—not surprisingly—and expands Melua’s ability to be saucy and still create a great atmosphere.
“Piece By Piece” – The song is lovely and the haunting repeated “Ooohs” sound like something out of a horror movie or reminiscent of a theremin.
“Halfway Up The Hindu Kush” – Bad song title—good song.
“Just Like Heaven” – Yes, it sounds like Norah Jones—however its is a beautiful ballad that shows how far Melua has come from her freshman release.

THE AVERAGE:
“Shy Boy” – A sexy song that disappears into the backdrop.
“Spider’s Web” – Most of the song is good—however there are moments of sheer aggravation. Melua attempts to sing a bridge and it sound awkward and out of place. It’s a real shame.

THE BAD:
Nothing.

FRANKLY: Melua has always had the knack for making a few good hooks—her biggest downfall has always been her inability to maintain the momentum. Piece By Piece is a major step forward from her freshman release Call Off The Search. Katie Melua has proven she can write songs that hold up well against her contemporaries.

+ Rae Gun