'Never change a winning team' is an English saying that applies perfectly to British singer Katie Melua. After three successful soft pop albums under the direction of writer, producer and label boss Mike Batt, the artist changed course in 2010 with the varied record The House. As could be expected, this bombastic CD full of electro beats did a lot less than its predecessors. To make matters worse,
… Melua became overworked the same year and had to cancel her tour. Fortunately, the woman with the enchanting glance and ditto voice made a successful comeback in 2011. At Secret Symphony the British is once again completely on the leash of all-rounder Mike Batt, who now turns out to be able to conduct an orchestra. The CD is filled with half an hour of velvet pop. The only surprise is that there are no surprises to report; as if The House never existed. This also means that Melua just does what she does best and can storm the charts again at full strength. (JE)more