New Music From Natalie Imbruglia

I have been a long time fan of Natalie Imbruglia since Torn. It was one of my favorite karaoke songs for years and if I ventured into a karaoke bar again, I would still see if it was on the list.

Grammy nominee, songwriter, actor and model, Natalie Imbruglia hasn't had an album out since 2009. Male is a collection of classic and contemporary songs that have all been performed by men. Hmmm...interesting.

The lead track, Instant Crush, was originally recorded by the electro-pop Grammy winners Daft Punk. The lyrics and tempo didn't do anything for me until I listened the second time. It definitely grew on me.

Now I thought about what I wanna say
But I never really know where to go
So I chained myself to a friend
'Cause I know it unlocks like a door

Cannonball was originally done by Damien Rice and I really like his version. Natalie does a great job with this. Her voice and the piano perfectly compliment each other.  It's a pretty song and very catchy.

Stones taught me to fly
Love, it taught me to lie
Life, it taught me to die
So it's not hard to fall
When you float like a cannonball

I love The Summer (originally done by Josh Pyke) by Natalie. Her version was much happier then the original.  The words are pretty and made me think of my Summers at the Jersey Shore.

But every year it gets a little bit harder
To get back to the feeling of when we were fifteen
And we could jump in the river upstream
And let the current carry us to the beginning where
The river met the sea again
And all our days were a sun-drenched haze
While the salt spray crusted on the window panes

Death Cab by Cuties I Will Follow You Into The Dark is a beautiful song about undying, unconditional love, trusting and the willingness to follow the person you love not matter where life takes you. Into the unknown! Natalie's version is breathy and beautiful. These words are perfect for her sweet voice.

If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

Goodbye in his Eye is a heartbreaking song about knowing when the one you love no longer loves you. The lyrics below are from the originators; the Zac Brown Band.  This was probably one of my favorites on the album. Her voice is gorgeous on this.

I could tell that it was over
When her lips met mine
It was an emptiness in her voice
Hesitation when she smiled
She didn't have to say a word
It was just so plain to see
She had found what she'd been looking for
And I knew it wasn't me

The Cure's Friday I'm In Love is one of the most well known song on the album. It is done with a ton of clapping, and in rockabilly style. Very interesting. I don't love it!

Naked As We Came done by wonderfully by Iron and Wine is a really quick song with just two versus. I love the words of two people who know they will be together until death do they part.

She says "wake up, it's no use pretending"
I'll keep stealing, breathing her.
Birds are leaving over autumn's ending
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes 'round the yard

She says "If I leave before you, darling
Don't you waste me in the ground"
I lay smiling like our sleeping children
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes round the yard

Let My Love Open The Door by Pete Townsend also has a lot of clapping. I'm not a big fan of clapping I guess that is why I mention it. It's a spiritual song about loving and allowing love in.

I have the only key to your heart
I can stop you falling apart
Try today, you'll find this way
Come on and give me a chance to say

Neil Young's Only Love Can Break A Heart is updated and pretty by Natalie with heavy bass. I loved it

I have the only key to your heart
I can stop you falling apart
Try today, you'll find this way
Come on and give me a chance to say

I Melt With You is one of my favorite songs. The Modern English version is a little faster but this was nicely done.  Ummmm there was more clapping on this one but I did love this version.

Moving forward using all my breath
Making love to you was never second best
I saw the world thrashing all around your face
Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace

Tom Petty's The Waiting is a great song. I loved this song. The banjo, harmonica and guitar were fun.  I love all the layers of music. I was worried about clapping but thankfully didn't hear any. Thankfully.

Oh baby, don't it feel like heaven right now
Don't it feel like something from a dream
Yeah, I've never known nothing quite like this
Don't it feel like tonight might never be again

Finally, The Wind by Cat Stevens has pretty guitar and Natalie's voice is stunning on this.

I listen to my words
But they fall far below
I let my music take me where
My heart wants to go

All in all I think it is a great album. Love the cover of the tattooed arm circling her pretty face.  Love how this woman made songs done by men feel soft, beautiful and light.

To Purchase (pre-order):

Disclaimer: I received digital link for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered