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Title: Check out track 2...
Review: Norah Jones comparisons abound and rightly so because, like her, Katie Melua can really sing. But, wait a minute, in amongst the high quality, perfectly executed, but essentially MOR ballads that form the core of this album, what's happening on track 2, "Crawling up a Hill"? Something very different... a brilliant down-tempo interpretation of a little heard R&B number, originally released as their first single by the UK's John Mayall's Bluesbreakers some 40 years ago. Exciting at the time and much, much better this time around thanks to Katie Melua's beautifully controlled vocals, some exceptional playing, and a production that extracts the best from its excellent lyrics & underlying melodies. An inspired choice and a stunningly good track that, for "cool blues" fans out there, is worth the price of the album on its own.
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