Curiosity Killed The Cat – Ordinary Day

Released in 1987, “Ordinary Day” was the third single from Curiosity Killed The Cat’s debut album, Keep Your Distance. Written by the band with Toby Andersen and produced by Paul Staveley O’Duffy, the song continued the group’s sophisticated blend of pop, funk and jazz-influenced sounds that gave them such a distinctive identity during the late 1980s.

The song has an easy-going, stylish quality, with its lyrics reflecting on the everyday experiences and emotions that can surround relationships. Rather than relying on dramatic storytelling, Curiosity Killed The Cat create a relaxed atmosphere where the melody, rhythm and vocal delivery work together to suggest the complexities beneath seemingly ordinary situations.

Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot’s smooth, distinctive vocal is central to the recording. His conversational delivery gives the song an effortlessly cool character, while the band’s musicianship adds plenty of detail beneath the surface. Julian Brookhouse’s guitar, Nick Thorp’s bass and Migi Drummond’s drums combine with keyboards and prominent brass touches to create the polished, funky arrangement.

The production by Paul Staveley O’Duffy gives “Ordinary Day” a spacious and sophisticated sound, allowing the individual instruments to complement rather than overpower one another. The band’s London club background is evident in the rhythmic groove, while the melodic songwriting keeps the track firmly within accessible pop territory.

“Ordinary Day” remains a fine example of Curiosity Killed The Cat’s understated style, combining polished musicianship, soulful influences and an effortlessly relaxed vocal performance. It captures the fashionable, sophisticated side of British pop in the late 1980s without losing the warmth and accessibility that made the band distinctive.

The song peaked at No. 11 in the UK Singles Chart on 11th April 1987.