A Happy Place

Album: The House (2010)
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Songfacts®:

  • This is the second single by Katie Melua, from her fourth studio album, The House, which was released on May 24, 2010. The song was written by Melua with Robbie Williams' longtime writing partner Guy Chambers and produced by William Orbit.
  • It was a surprise to some that ambient techno boffin William Orbit hooked up with the easy-listening singer. "I'm still sent lots of demos and I occasionally dip into a few," explained Orbit to The Sunday Times April 18, 2010. "Katie's was different. I ended up playing all five songs, just for enjoyment, then put them on again. I was instantly hooked. I had to know where the songs went and I had to hear her voice again. Katie's voice is one of the most complex and colourful I've ever come across. It has no mannerisms or stylisations. I immediately called my manager and told him I must work with this woman."
  • Melua explained the song to Digital Spy: "It's strange 2010 pop inspired by Sparks, David Bowie and Queen. It begins by looking around at the materialistic world we live in and trying to see beyond it without any judgment. It's ultimately about trying to gain some freedom."
  • In the video Melua wears a rather amazing hat. She told Digital Spy it "was made especially for me by a milliner called Piers Atkinson. I try and get involved with the styling and stuff as much as they allow me."

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