Natalie Imbruglia - White Lilies Island

The sophomore slump is tough for any artist, but it's got to be daunting when your worldwide smash debut four years ago (1998's Left of the Middle) dominated the charts based on someone else's song (Ednaswap's "Torn"). For her second album, pop singer Natalie Imbruglia allies herself with big-name producers/collaborators but takes a slower, moodier direction. While the singer/songwriter has maintained the key elements of her first album--a mixture of pop rock, acoustic and electronic embellishments, and gritty guitars--there's a greater sense of emotional turbulence here. The best moments on this effort are the edgier ones: the anxious opener, "That Day," with its nervous guitar and tumbling lyrics; the yearning space-pop of "Sunlight"; and the sparkling electro-acoustic rock of "Wrong Impression." Not all the tracks are keepers, but there is an appealing honesty and understated quality to White Lilies Island that makes it sound refreshing. After all, sadness can be catchy too. --Bryan Reesman Amazon.com

Hands down her best album!!

Song writers do their best work when something dramatic occurs in their lives. Natalie is fabulous, her voice enchanting, and her lyrics ranging from inspirational to haunting at times! Put it in and don't skip! Let the words and music engage you... I replayed this entire CD for 6 months before I ever put in another one. I simply love her!! August 28, 2008

AMAZING!

She writes her songs like she is in your head (thinking your thoughts). Beautiful and twisted at times. She is full of life and full of inspiration!

Nothing like music for women that makes us feel alive, teary, empowered...

THANKS Natalie!!! December 6, 2007

An Awesome Sophomore Release!!!!!

As of this date, Natalie Imbruglia's "White Lilies Island" album is by far the best of her three solo albums. Released in 2001, it spawned the modest hit "Wrong Impression," which, though far superior to her first album, only went platinum.

When I purchased this album, I took a big risk. I really liked her single "Torn" off of "Left of the Middle," but didn't care for the rest of the album - it had too much of the "Alanis Morrisette" sound for my tastes. Despite this, I really liked her voice, so I purchased her second release.

What makes this album so awesome? She has raised the bar ten-fold with diversity and quality. The melodies on most of the album are quite beautiful, rising and falling with each phrase. Add to that Natalie's beautiful tone quality and vocal control and you have the makings to a phenomenal album.

Then there's the arrangements, which are creatively superb. My favorite tracks are "Beauty on the Fire," "Do You Love," and "Goodbye." All of these tracks incorporate modern synth sounds that are not overdone, but utilized at the proper moment. These three tracks also display a pleasurable balance of distorted guitar against the keys. The latter, "Goodbye," with its long, flowing melody shows off the depth of Natalie's range. Perhaps it's her accent or good training, but her use of proper vocal diction is prevalent on all three of these tunes, particularly "Beauty on the Fire." This song is extremely interesting with all of the cool synth effects.

Of the other nine tracks, there is a great balance between ballads and pop, between keys and guitars. Tracks one and three are very acoustic-guitar based; track 12, "Come September," is a well written ballad with great dynamic and instrumental contrast; track nine incorporates the distorted guitar again with a heavy edge. It's an album that doesn't leave the listener bored, but enjoying it all the way. Yes, there are a few tracks that I don't care for, but that's easily forgotten because the majority of the material is so well written and arranged.

If you liked her first single "Torn," you must give this album a listen. It's in the same vein of quality - you will not be disappointed.

March 16, 2007

One Of The Most Meaningful CDs Ever..

The lyrical work on this CD is outstanding.. Natalie obviously knows how it is being on the darker side of life at times, and myself occasionally becoming depressed.. I was really able to relate to all the songs and lyrics.

Standouts are "That Day" & "Come September", which are very powerful in their delivery & give you a feeling that everything will one day day be alright.. while other songs such as "Talk In Tongues" & "Goodbye" can really set you off into a melancholy mood for days. Then songs like "Wrong Impression", "Sunlight", & "Satellite" are perfect for the radio & everyday listening.

Every song is a gem and is one of my favorite albums of all time. People who can't appreciate it have obviously never been through a tough time in their life, thus not being able to relate to the songs' meanings.

GET IT!!! September 1, 2006

It's supposed to be like this...absolutely perfect

"I cannot catch my breath
so throw the beauty on the fire
don't push too much..."

If you are having "one of those days" and something happens that you can't control, the first song on this album is amusing and healing. "I'm right and I'm wrong and it's beautiful." There is such an acceptance of the natural flow of life and woven with angelic appeal all while living on the edge.

The entire has that listen to this on a lazy summer afternoon feel. Casual textures and dreamy vocals within a somewhat occasional chaotic (That Day/Sunlight) yet melodic (Do You Love?/Goodbye) musical landscape give this artistic appeal.

~The Rebecca Review
July 27, 2006

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