Katie Melua – Piece By Piece

Katie Melua – Piece By Piece

Originally released in 2005, Piece By Piece is the second studio album from British-Georgian singer-songwriter Katie Melua, following the remarkable success of her debut Call Off The Search. Produced by Mike Batt, the album continued Melua's distinctive blend of intimate singer-songwriter material, folk, blues, jazz and sophisticated pop, helping establish her as one of the UK's most successful contemporary vocal artists.

The album opens with Shy Boy, before moving into Melua's best-known song, Nine Million Bicycles. Written by Mike Batt, the song became a major international hit and remains closely associated with Melua's early career. Its gentle acoustic arrangement, understated vocal delivery and memorable melody capture much of the relaxed, atmospheric character that runs throughout Piece By Piece.

The title track, Piece By Piece, continues the album's intimate approach, while Halfway Up The Hindu Kush and Blues In The Night introduce more bluesy and jazz-influenced colours. Melua's fascination with traditional blues and jazz is particularly apparent across the record, balanced by the accessible songwriting and polished production that made her music appeal well beyond the traditional singer-songwriter audience.

Other highlights include Spider's Web, Blue Shoes, On The Road Again and Thankyou, Stars, while Melua also brings her distinctive style to Just Like Heaven, her atmospheric interpretation of the song originally recorded by The Cure. The album closes with I Do Believe In Love, rounding out a collection that combines acoustic textures, subtle arrangements and Melua's warm, restrained vocal style.

Piece By Piece is an essential Katie Melua album for fans of singer-songwriters, acoustic pop, contemporary folk, jazz-influenced vocals and blues, and a particularly strong example of the polished yet intimate sound of mid-2000s British adult contemporary music.

Tracklist

1. Shy Boy – 3:28
2. Nine Million Bicycles – 3:15
3. Piece By Piece – 3:24
4. Halfway Up The Hindu Kush – 3:06
5. Blues In The Night – 4:12
6. Spider's Web – 3:57
7. Blue Shoes – 4:39
8. On The Road Again – 4:38
9. Thankyou, Stars – 3:39
10. Just Like Heaven – 3:35
11. I Cried For You – 3:37
12. I Do Believe In Love – 3:00