Kate Miller-Heidke -Words (single)

Fri 20th Jul, 2007 in Music Reviews

She’s got a big voice; one so operatically taught, lyrics that make her audience chuckle and now a debut album. Kate Miller-Heidke’s musical talent is undeniable, but on her single Words, her romantic-folk roots are almost left behind, for the worst rather than the better.

Miller-Heidke doesn’t want to be the zany and wacky girl in pop, but perhaps not recognising this as an asset (one that makes her different from the rest) she is turning a blind eye to one of her greatest qualities, and one she may pine for on her upcoming Australian tour with Missy Higgins.

Words is a fun song (the single contains the Radio and Album mixes). It shows off Miller-Heidke’s extraordinary vocals, especially in the background if you listen closely, it is playfully rhythmic and reaches a screeching cabaret rock-opera in the chorus. However, if you have been a Miller-Heidke supporter from her past releases (_Circular Breathing, Telegram_) you may be disappointed by the grand and slick production that is her polished debut. Though, keep in mind Words was actually written by Keir Nuttall and not Miller-Heidke herself; perhaps he has some explaining to do.

On the other hand, We’re Gonna Need Love is also included on the single and shows why she is so good, and what separates her from the rest of female pop Australia. A sweet ballad it is, she begins each phrase softly and finishes them off with a vocal quiver. This may as well be the evidence that Kate Miller-Heidke has something special to throw at the rest.

Check out the clip for Words