A unique talent, Georgian-British Singer-Songwriter Katie Melua is back with new music in the form of her self-explanatory Album No. 8.
Set for release on Friday, October 16, 2020 via BMG, it marks her eighth overall studio album since debuting back in 2003 with Call Off the Search. Additionally the latest collection marks her first full-length release of new songs since 2016’s In Winter. Not sitting idle over the last four years since, Melua released her Ultimate Collection in 2018 and a live album in 2019 with help from the Goir Women’s Choir.
Consisting of 10 songs, and lasting just around thirty-five minutes, Album No. 8 also features production from English Composer Leo Abrahams and executive production from Bob Ezrin. An inspiring collection of subtle, beautiful tracks, it is all emphasized even further by the complimentary rich, instrumentation of the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra; in the form of strings, piano, and brass.
Known for her soothing, sweet voice, along with her ability to mix Folk, Jazz, Pop, and Easy Listening styles, many of the tracks on this new album possess a French touch to the melodies, while others are dressed with Georgian traditional influence. That said, all the compositions are riddled with soft, catchy melodies that lull you deep into a dream.
From the start, with “A Love Like That” and the ethereal “Leaving The Mountain,” you are tempted into a form of escapism that you willing dive into Furthermore, each of the song tells a story about traditional love and romance that is quite touching.
A theme that is steady throughout, instrumental, the arrangements are also delightful, traditional, and very well mapped out. This is evident with tracks like the James Bond-vibed “English Manner,” the ever so delicate “Maybe I Dreamt It,” colorful “Voices In the Night,” as well as the light “Airtime,” but also the Folk leaning closing of “Remind Me To Forget.” Then there is “Your Longing Is Gone” finding its place amidst the fantasy with Melua’s voice coming on strongly in an amplified, emotional manner.
Overall, each song on Album No. 8 is silky smooth, thoughtful, and extremely tranquil. It has the healing quality that could ease your mind after a hectic and stressful day… even if it is only for a little while. Easy to get lost within, Cryptic Rock gives Album No. 8 3.5 out of 5 stars.
