Sia - Colour the Small One [16 Tracks] (2004) VBR

Sia - Colour the Small One [16 Tracks]

Year 2004

Tracks
01 Rewrite
02 Sunday
03 Breathe Me
04 The Bully
05 Sweet Potato
06 Don't Bring Me Down
07 Natale's Song
08 Butterflies
09 Moon
10 The Church of What's Happening Now
11 Numb
12 Where I Belong
13 Broken Biscuit [-]
14 Sea Shells [-]
15 Breathe Me [-][Four Tet Remix]
16 Breathe Me [-][Ulrich Schnauss Remix]

Having seen Zero 7 tour in 2001, I kept the name Sia Furler in my memory and bought this soon after it was released. Although different from the work she's done with them, this is a delightful, soulful album that has grown on me. Tracks, including the opener, that didn't seem to hit the mark blend into the overall feel.
The album develops an involving arc, that spans from the emotionally withdrawn 'Rewrite' to the near cathartic 'Where I belong', sharing many moments of discovery in what she's described as a very personal album. The intimacy that it develops is well maintained but does not stop the songs from varying. The charming, funny 'Sweet potato' and the almost anthemic 'Church of What's Happening Now' move the pace of the album away from predictability. It took a little while before I thought of it as a '5' but did warm to it immediately.
Her success with Zero 7 and inclusion on the keenly anticipated Six Feet Under 2 compilation suggests that her star will continue to rise, and I hope with the beauty and intimacy of this album.