KATIE Melua is an acquired taste, but she has an instantly recognisable tone. Reunited with Mike Batt after an ill-advised William Orbit project, she delivers an album which will be adored by her loyal audience.

Batt’s contribution to proceedings is immense. His orchestration creates a canvass which is understated and lush at the same time. Secret Symphony is technically the best crafted album of the year to date. But, whereas on previous Melua albums, the best songs have been original numbers composed by the mighty partnership of Melua-Batt, Secret Symphony relies on the songwriting talents of others.

Most songs are well chosen. Ron Sexsmith’s Gold In Them Hills and Bonnie Raitt’s Too Long At The Fair are quirky and charming stand outs. But perhaps covering the blues standard Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out stretches credibility to the limit. Regardless of the odd gripe, Secret Symphony is a welcome return to form.

Heather Nova should in theory appeal to the same audience as Melua, but prime-time audiences have not latched on to the respected folk artist’s catalogue.

The nautically themed 300 Days At Sea features the songs Beautiful Ride, Turn The Compass Round and The Good Ship Moon, all interesting modern sea shanties, but not unique enough to capture the imagination, in the way that Nine Million Bicycles did for Melua. Nova’s sixth album is worth investigating, but will remain a secret pleasure.