The House [CD]

Katie Melua's fourth studio album, and her first away from the guiding influence of Mike Batt, a collaboration that has produced some fabulous music over the last five years. It seems this has been something of a double-edged sword for the artist. In my humble opinion she is a supremely gifted singer and no mean songwriter either, but her critics have always used the "Batt factor" as an excuse to undermine her worth. I hope I am wrong, but it seems to me she may have felt this a little too, grateful for the mentoring, musicianship and astounding song-writing talent of Mr Batt, but feeling in latter years that she still needs to prove herself as an individual. If that was the case, then it is a testament to her ambition and dedication that somebody who has already penned such heartbreakingly beautiful songs as "Faraway Voice", "Piece By Piece" and "I Cried For You" should still feel the need to prove her writing ability.
Melua's songs don't always grab one instantly. In fact I have initially dismissed several as duds. But it is always the same - after a couple of plays they begin to haunt my brain like some strange, beautiful ghost.
The House certainly hasn't let me down. In fact I think it is superb. Lyrically clever, haunting, diverse and full of subtle melodies, there is plenty here to please the old Melua fans, but enough diversification from her past style to gain many new ones (and hopefully some younger ones!) William Orbit's production is certainly evident, and some passages wouldn't be out of place in a club. I especially liked the little vocal quirks which are dotted throughout the songs, which only someone of Melua's talent and range could pull off effectively. In fact, in places it put me in mind of Kate Bush's vocal experimentation - and that's no bad thing.
You may not enjoy Melua's particular style, and that is down to individual taste. But for me this album proves there can be no doubt about her talent as a writer of songs.
You may suspect I am a fan of Katie Melua's music, and of course you would be right.
I for one hope that she keeps producing albums as good as "The House" (and her previous three albums) for many years to come. But whatever I say won't make any difference. You will either like something or you won't, and the only way to find out is to listen to it.
But in my opinion, pure talent, with or without Mr Batt.
Highly recommended.

First of all I would like to say I am a huge fan of Katie Melua and her music. I have all her albums and DVDs and have even seen her in concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I have just bought her new album "The House" and I have to say I am a little bit disappointed. It's an eclectic mix of songs ranging from electric pop, slow ballads, soundtrack-sounding songs to one song (Twisted) that sounds like a Kate Bush number; for those of you old enough to remember her.

Katie's voice sounds great as usual and the musicians play their part too, but if I'm being honest, I think some of the actual songs/lyrics are below her usual high standard. The worse one by far is "God on Drums, Devil on the Bass", ironically the only co-write with Mike Batt. I much prefer when Katie sings bluesy numbers (e.g. Call of the Search, My Aphrodisiac is You, Closest Thing to Crazy, Learnin' the Blues etc.). I'm not too keen on the new experimental direction Katie's music is going in. Also, owing to the rave reviews she got for her cover version of Janis Joplin's "Kosmic Blues" (which was brilliant live and as a recording) I thought Katie would have chosen that route.

The influence of William Orbit in the production is evident, which is not necessarily a good thing, with a couple songs reminding me of "Ray of Light". Plus there were a few major key changes in the songs, which I thought spoilt their overall tempo.

Having said all of this, there are some really good (not great) tracks on the album and still worth the money I paid for it on Amazon! I'm sure Katie fans will enjoy the album, if only for her wonderful voice! My favourite songs (in order) would be; - The One I Love is Gone, A Moment of Madness, No Fear of Heights.

The album art and booklet inside are the usual high standard and there's a nice picture of Katie at the piano, on page two of the booklet. However, I wish it was in a jewel case like her other albums were, rather than folded card (digipak).

Hopefully her next album will be more in-tune to her extraordinarily beautiful voice.

If you buy this simply on the strength of being a Melua fan then play it three or four times or in other words don't jump to conclusions!

The 'girl next door' image is going if not gone, but Katie's voice still sounds great, a little more earthy on some tracks and still powerful too. I particularly like 'The Flood' which has great lyrics and a dynamic production. Many may disagree but I could hear a little 'Madonna' (at her best) style coming through on this track and others - perhaps not surprising with William Orbit producing.

Katie punches her weight on the vocals, and few of these songs will ever appear on top karaoke charts because it is clear they are difficult to sing, indeed I feel that in some cases only Katie (and perhaps Madonna) could do justice.

In short Katie will keep her existing following and earn new fans with this album, it grows on you with every play.