:: White Lilies Island

Natalie Imbruglia

It’s been an interesting time for Natalie in the lead-up to this difficult second album for her. Much expectation about following up the huge debut release led to some uncertainty and desperation. She couldn’t even meet a long deadline that would have given her a big financial bonus. So it seemed that all was not well. As it turns out, the songs reflect confusion in what she wanted to adopt. She is looking for that mature rich range of sounds and substance. Good songs are “Wrong Impression”– upbeat, charming dance rhythm that ahs an addictive sound. It’s probably her best song on the album. “Beauty On The Fire” has thrashing beats and a wailing guitar. “Come September” is a good closing track with a punchy style. But the album remains spasmodic, and difficult to grasp and inspired. It is doubtful whether Natalie can sustain a multi-dimensional stream of material. I think it’s a major let-down from the amazingly successful “Left In The Middle”, and she may never be able to reproduce anything like it to gain new fans or satisfy her high expectations. I might need to have a few more listens, but there doesn’t seem to be the cohesion and appeal. Her next album will surely make or break her music career. Already her thoughts are turning back towards an acting career.