Katie Melua - Secret Symphony (09/10/2012)
Recorded with a symphony orchestra, Katie Melua's recent release is coloured by opulent strings and a theatrical mood throughout. Released a short skip, hop and jump shy of Christmas, Secret Symphony will undoubtedly find its home in Mothers and Wives stockings all over.
From the artist whose breakthrough single 'The Closest Thing To Crazy' was elegant and polished balladic pop, this latest album's bread-and-butter is its easy-listening filler tracks. That may sound harsh, but it's not to say there isn't a place for this brand of adult contemporary. There definitely is.
Halfway through the album, the tone hasn't shifted from dinner party ambience to, well, anything other than. Having said that, if you're a fan of Melua's honey vocals and gently strummed acoustic, then the whole album will undoubtedly please you.
Melua's voice is warm molten lava, and her intonations are seamless and soulful in subtle emotional inflections. Comprised of largely covers and a sprinkling of originals, Secret Symphony's most interesting moments come in the form of an old standard and a Ron Sexsmith penned tune.
'Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out' is all Chicago-esque smokey underground jazz club, with bluesy sax and keys. Opening Sexsmith track, 'Gold In Them Hills' is a sweeping, gently unfolding masterpiece, on which Melua's voice delicately pirouettes in harmonious synchronisation with the symphony.
Rebecca McCann
From the artist whose breakthrough single 'The Closest Thing To Crazy' was elegant and polished balladic pop, this latest album's bread-and-butter is its easy-listening filler tracks. That may sound harsh, but it's not to say there isn't a place for this brand of adult contemporary. There definitely is.
Halfway through the album, the tone hasn't shifted from dinner party ambience to, well, anything other than. Having said that, if you're a fan of Melua's honey vocals and gently strummed acoustic, then the whole album will undoubtedly please you.
Melua's voice is warm molten lava, and her intonations are seamless and soulful in subtle emotional inflections. Comprised of largely covers and a sprinkling of originals, Secret Symphony's most interesting moments come in the form of an old standard and a Ron Sexsmith penned tune.
'Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out' is all Chicago-esque smokey underground jazz club, with bluesy sax and keys. Opening Sexsmith track, 'Gold In Them Hills' is a sweeping, gently unfolding masterpiece, on which Melua's voice delicately pirouettes in harmonious synchronisation with the symphony.
Rebecca McCann