A Happy Place

Album: The House (2010)
Play Video

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."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.

Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets

Curt Kirkwood of Meat PuppetsSongwriter Interviews

The (Meat)puppetmaster takes us through songs like "Lake Of Fire" and "Backwater," and talks about performing with Kurt Cobain on MTV Unplugged.

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.