Pictures - Katie Melua > Reviews > matching the highs of the first two albums

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	some of her most mature, best work on here
Disadvantages:	couple of fillers

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I don't think I was the only one that when Katie Melua burst onto the scene I was sick to death of hearing that bloody 'closest thing to crazy' song. In fact back in my youthful ways I pretty much dismissed the talent from there; I have a knack of not liking songs that are played 1000 times a day on mainstream radio. In fact it was my late Nana whom spoke highly of her music and asked if I had heard the song 'Belfast'. See my Nan was Irish and found sentiment in the song and following her death (and not deliberately) I borrowed a friends copy of 'Call off the search' and indeed liked the Belfast song and in fact started to like that single I loathed. Soon I was pretty hooked to the album and gained respect for her music despite it being a considerable distance from my own tastes.

So enough of my family memories/ramblings and of previous albums. Hearing the hype of another Katie Melua album and disturbingly enjoying the cheesiness lyrics of lead single 'If you were a sailboat' (check '_if you were a river I would swim you, house I would live in you_' etc etc) I purchased 'Pictures'. Had it not been for the eventual appreciation of '_Call off the search_' I doubt I would have welcomed any of this new material. She is no doubt one of those artists you either love or hate. Well, I would say I like her, without been fanatic (contradiction I know).

Whatever your opinion her voice is amazing and the production of her work is flawless alongside the soothing music that compliments that voice. Admittedly she was made for Radio 2 and her first two albums although surpassed many expectations in terms of sales her song writing is relatively safe with most coming from the pen of long time collaborator Mike Batt. This however is the last record she is working on with Mike Batt so does the third in their trilogy stack up next to their predecessors? This is my short review of each track and album as whole: -

Mary Pickford

- finger picking acoustic guitar immediately starts off how you would expect a Katie Melua album to start off. Simple but effective opener sets the scene and reminds you of the best bits of her style. 8/10

All in my head

- Slow to get going but with a strumming style of guitar playing and with electric sounds. Staying in the same vain as the opening track, it is definitely a case of if the formula isn't broken then why fix it for Katie 7/10

If the lights go out

- The album picks up a bit both in quality and tempo. "_don't think about tomorrow_" demonstrates the more optimistic side of Melua. An almost catchy chorus makes it standout as a single though obviously not catchy enough judging by its lowly chart position 8/10

What I miss about you

- Representing what she does best with this stunning ballad. "You made me feel we had a future" shows reflecting on what could have been though rumours that this is about her relationship with the guy from the Kooks appear unconfirmed. Another single and one of the standout tracks on the album 9/10

Spellbound

- The album seems to get stronger as it goes along. Spellbound is another strong song with typical acoustic strumming. "_You must have cast a spell that's why I feel new_" again shows the uplifting, optimistic side to her music. This is the only track written solely by herself 8/10

What it says on the tin

- Back to the downcast style, the album at this point appear to change song by song with the mood and style. Not as impressive as the tracks before but one for the fans of the softer sound of her music 6/10

Scary Films

- Getting back to the better songs on the album. Scary Films is one of the highlights on the album. With its memorable chorus it was probably unlucky not to be one of the singles from the album. 8/10

Ghost Town

- not a cover of the classic but a Batt/Melua written almost reggae like feel track. Uplifting once more but nothing standing out. In fact it goes to show the inconsistencies of the album as this is one I would be forced to skip 6/10

If you were a Sailboat

- Ultimately cheesy but the distinctive finger picking acoustic and rhyming lyrics make this standout easily as a single release. Sparse strings compliment the simplicity of the song. Katie rightly points out that even though the lyrics are appearing fluffy but in actual fact it is quite dark in places, as well as bizarre ("_if you were piece of wood id nail you to the floor_") 10/10

Dirty Dice

- Spanish style acoustic playing and sounds. A good follow up to sailboat, and musically different to the start of the album. It seems that her experiments though wont change the world are always impressive 7/10

In my secret life

- First and only cover on the album, of a leanord cohen song. Having not heard the original (apologies) I can't comment on the comparisons only that it is an inspired choice for finishing the album. 8/10

Price

- Both of Melua's first two efforts can be picked up for as little as £5 each yet due to the success of pictures you can expect to pay a little more whilst its still in its first year of release. play.com are leading the way at £8.95 inc delivery, amazon slightly more but on the marketplace of new and used you can pick up one from 58 available at as little as £5.49.

Tracks to download

- if unsure of purchasing this record then I would recommend any from 'If you were a sailboat', 'mary pickford' or 'what I miss about you'

Overall

In summary this album is a typical Melua sounding album but is arguably as consistent as any of her previous work. I aren't her biggest fan but there is plenty to love here, especially if you are appreciative of her other albums. Album number three, still playing it safe but with the mass sales its understandable why and at only 24 it's quite conceivable that Miss Melua could be around for a fair amount of time yet and judging by this record that wouldn't be a bad thing!

Cheers for reading