CD Review of Colour The Small One by Sia

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Color The Small One
starstarstarno starno star Label: Astralwerks
Released: 2004
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Sia (the Australian-born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler) made a big splash last year, when her song, “Breathe Me,” was used during the unforgettable final scene in the series finale of “Six Feet Under.” Although none of the other songs on her album, Colour the Small One, have the impact of that amazing single (co-written with Dan Carey), the disc is still is a worthwhile listen for those looking for moody, “songstress” pop.

While she can sing, Sia’s voice isn’t overtly impressive, but it does have an emotional quality to it that is hard to quantify. Her singing is sincere, which is rare these days. It’s sort of reminiscent of Cat Power’s crooning. This sincerity is prominent during “The Bully,” which she co-wrote with Beck. The result is an apologetic ode to a child that she used to, well, bully when she was growing up. Apparently, her guilt about her behavior got so bad that she used to have nightmares about it. The track definitely has a Sea Change feel to it, with a quiet acoustic guitar set against Sia’s somber vocals. Guilt (and what to do with it) is the recurring theme throughout the disc, and Sia’s despondent vocals drive this topic home.

“Sunday” is another fine track, but it’s more up-tempo than most of the album. It has a chirpy keyboard riff that serves as the foundation for the entire song. There is a bit of a lull in the middle of the album (“Butterflies” being the only exception) before the quality picks up again with the final three tracks. “The Church of What’s Happening” is an uplifting track about change, with the pointed chorus “Throw away yesterday / Today is a brand new day.” “Numb” and “Where I Belong” continue the upbeat optimism, and provide a surprisingly joyous conclusion to the original album.

The US version of Colour contains four bonus tracks, including two remixes of “Breathe Me.” “Broken Biscuit” is a pretty tune that features quiet verses and a booming chorus, and is better than some of the original material on the album. “Sea Shells” is perfectly titled - it meanders along, never really going anywhere. The Four Tet remix of “Breathe Me” tries to pick up the tempo, adding drums and keys in an apparent attempt to convert the ballad into a dance track. The Ulrich Schnauss remix picks up the pace as well, but does a better job of keeping the mood of the original.

Colour is filled with pleasant songs, and fans of Feist, Regina Spektor and the aforementioned Cat Power will certainly find something they like. “Breathe Me” has established Sia as an artist to watch, and one hopes that she’ll be able to once again channel that creative inspiration as she puts together her next effort.

~John Paulsen