Katie Melua's debut album, ‘Call Off The Search,’ instantly established her as a remarkable new talent. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the album showcased her unique vocal style, blending jazz, blues, and folk influences with contemporary pop sensibilities. The album was co-written and produced by Mike Batt, who played a crucial role in crafting the album's lush and sophisticated sound.
The central theme of ‘Call Off The Search’ revolves around love and self-discovery, expressed through a collection of heartfelt and introspective songs, including lead single, ‘The Closest Thing to Crazy,’ which immediately captured audiences worldwide with its emotive delivery and captivating melody.
Critics and listeners alike praised the album for its mature and soulful sound, especially considering Katie Melua was just 19 years old at the time of its release. ‘Call Off The Search’ resonated with a broad audience, earning commercial success and critical acclaim, becoming one of the best-selling albums of 2003.
This 20th anniversary reissue was remastered at Metropolis Studios, London, and includes b-sides plus seven previously unreleased and pristine demos recorded by Katie and Mike Batt in 2002. The liner notes, written by Pete Paphides, features contributions from a new interview with Katie.
2LP Deluxe
Side 1 – Call Off The Search (2023 Remaster)
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
Side 2 – Call Off The Search (2023 Remaster)
1. Belfast (Penguins and Cats)
2. I Think It’s Going To Rain Today
3. Mockingbird Song
4. Tiger In The Night
5. Faraway Voice
6. Lilac Wine
Side 3 – Demos (Previously Unreleased)
1. Call Off The Search (Demo)
2. Tiger In The Night (Demo)
3. Faraway Voice (Demo)
4. I Think It’s Going To Rain Today (Demo)
5. My Aphrodisiac Is You (Demo)
6. September Song (Demo)
7. It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time (Demo)
Side 4 – B-Sides
1. Downstairs To The Sun
2. Shirt Of A Ghost
3. Deep Purple
4. Turn To Tell
5. Jack’s Room
6. Anniversary Song (Live)
2CD Deluxe
Disc 1 – Call Off The Search (2023 Remaster)
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
Disc 2 – Demos & B-Sides (*Denotes previously unreleased)
1. Call Off The Search (Demo)*
2. Tiger In The Night (Demo)*
3. Faraway Voice (Demo)*
4. I Think It’s Going To Rain Today (Demo)*
5. My Aphrodisiac Is You (Demo)*
6. September Song (Demo)*
7. It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time (Demo)*
8. Downstairs To The Sun
9. Shirt Of A Ghost
10. Deep Purple
11. Turn To Tell
12. Jack’s Room
13. Call Off The Search (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 2023)*
14. Anniversary Song (Live)
15. Belfast (Penguins and Cats) (Live)
16. Es Clase de Locura (The Closest Thing To Crazy, Spanish Version)
17. Otra Vez Tu (Faraway Voice, Spanish Version)
