Katie Melua - Call Off The Search: 20th Anniversary Edition

by Zena Grieg

published: 19 / 1 / 2024

Katie Melua - Call Off The Search: 20th Anniversary Edition

Label: BMG
Format: Select Format

Fine twentieth anniversary reissue of Katie Melua’s 2003 acclaimed debut album which includes extra tracks and demos

Review

The twentieth anniversary reissue of Katie Melua’s 2003 acclaimed debut album ‘Call Off The Search’ has just been released. Produced and co-written by Mike Batt, remastered at Metropolis Studio London, the album has been revamped as a double CD and Vinyl LP with additional demos and live tracks. The record includes B-sides as well as seven previously unreleased demos recorded by Melua and Batt. The central theme of the record is love and self-discovery, explored through heartfelt and introspective songs. A record which brought her immediate fame, in Melua’s words: “Putting together the reissue has naturally brought about feelings of reflection of nostalgia.” Highlights of the collection include: the title song and video opener; third single from the album ‘Crawling Up A Hill’: “I did fantasise about having an office job…having a commute, being in the same environment every day, and having somewhat of a consistency in terms of schedule really appealed to me. Music videos are about living out your fantasy, and I got to do it in this one”; the catchy, melodious lead single ‘The Closest Thing To Crazy’; the bluesy ‘My Aphrodisiac Is You’ with its barrelhouse piano; the poetic ‘Belfast (Penguins And Cats)’, an original composition by Melua on sectarianism, based on her own experience of growing up around the Falls Road following her family’s move from Georgia; and the haunting ‘Deep Purple’. The anniversary reissue encapsulates Melua’s distinctive vocal style with its skilful, soulful blend of folk, blues, jazz and contemporary pop.

Track Listing:-

1 Call Off The Search
2 Crawling Up A Hill
3 The Closest Thing To Crazy
4 My Aphrodisiac Is You
5 Learnin' The Blues
6 Blame It On The Moon
7 Belfast (Penguins And Cats)
8 I Think It's Going To Rain Today
9 Mockingbird Song
10 Tiger In The Night
11 Faraway Voice
12 Lilac Wine
13 Katie Melua - Starting Out, 2003