Back to life
Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 11/02/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ever since her stunning Pop debut "Left of the middle", Natalie Imbruglia has been heading down the less-is-more road musically. "Come to life" finds her going even further down that road, with some writing and production from Chris Martin and ambient king Brian Eno. The sound is darker and more reflective.
Opening is the lightly sunny and jangly "My God" with Imbruglia's endearing clear breathy vocals pulling you in. "Lukas" is a Chris Martin co-write (produced by Eno), with catchy incredibly layered harmonies, and telling the tale of a boy named Lukas. It sounds like it could fit into Coldplay's last album and it could as apparently it was written during the "Viva la vida..." sessions. Following is the gently pulsing "Fun", another Martin co-write. Both songs are the only two not featuring Imbruglia's songwriting skills.
"All the roses" is an ethereal sounding piano ballad. Lead-off single "Want" is edgy and upbeat with electronic flourishes, another Martin co-write. "WYUT" is an upbeat number with ghostly flourishes, while "Cameo" is a bouncy Rock-tinged Pop song. Also upbeat with a Motown-ish beat is "Wild about it".
At 10 tracks, the album is rather brief. Calming and beautiful music, a welcome return for Ms Imbruglia."
Good... Good...
Pocha Dot | Los Angeles | 11/04/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although I feel this album falls short in some areas (For instance, There only being 10 songs) I went ahead and gave her the four stars anyway. "It seems like this album took FOREVER to come out!!!" Natalie Imbruglia is one of the very few artists that I like that has not conformed to the sound of Hip-Hop to sale records, She's stayed true to her sound while experimenting within her realm and adding excitment.
"WTUF" "Scars" "Twenty" "Lukas" & "Cameo" are all my favorites so far. Surprisingly "Cameo" is my favorite of my favorites, It's really HOT with a DRAMATIC electro beat. It's not the sound that Natalie's most known for but strikes me. It reminds me of the Pop-Electrik sound that most female popstars in the UK were going for between 2003-2006 (Rachel Stevens, Holly Valance, Dannii Minogue, Maria Serneholt) to name a few, It's definitely a standout with its big sound and breaks of complete silence.
"WTUF" is a really wacky song, It's very "Busy" hyperactive, energetic and all-over-the-place (Which is a really good thing) "Lukas" has that signiture 80's pop/rock arrangment. "Sanctuary" from 2005's "Counting Down The Days" wouldn't be out of place on "Come To Life".
Lyrically the songs are all their very own. Another song that I didn't mention is "Want" which is also the 2nd single, I like the sound but it's really predictable and has been done repeatedly. I have many songs in my music collection that sound exactly like it. It's typical Pop/Dance, However I feel some growth with it.
As usual Natalie has not gone against the grain which in my opinion shines a light on her since "going against the grain" is the NEW trend. I'm okay with "Come To Life", How can I be bitter?.
"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1