Aussie soap-star-turned-pop-star Natalie Imbruglia has returned to her commercial pop routes, a la Torn, for Come To Life, her fourth studio album - and first new release since 2005. Featuring writing contributions from Coldplay (Natalie co-wrote Want with Chris Martin) and production efforts by the likes of Brian Eno and Ben Hillier, the album is a pleasant mix of melodic, radio-friendly songs such as Lukas and Fun. Don’t be disappointed if it feels the music recedes into the background; it does a little ... but songs such as All the Roses will make sure fans are glad to have her back.
Brit singer/songwriter Paloma Faith’s style tends towards the dramatic, which is hardly surprising considering her theatrical background (she’s been a magician’s assistant, dancer, actress and performer in burlesque shows). Musically, she sounds a lot like Duffy, Amy Winehouse and co, her influences ranging from 60s soul, jazz and blues to indie pop. Her debut Do You Want the Truth or Something Else is divine; a rich, polished offering that hints at great things to come. Pay attention to early singles Stone Cold Sober and New York, as well as Romance is Dead and Smoke and Mirrors.
Grammy-nominated Imogen Heap’s electronic style may be quirky, but it’s also graceful and laid-back. On Ellipse, her third solo album, she blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, crafting a collection of mostly beautiful, distinctly unusual, computer music to soothe and uplift. The album was recorded in diverse locations - Fiji, Hawaii and her own home studio among them - so contains multiple influences. If you’re new to Imogen’s music, be prepared to give the songs a while to reveal their charms. A good place to start though is early single First Train Home, and Little Bird.
For edgy rock, check out Karen Zoid’s first best-of collection... Titled Ultimate Zoid, it’s a fab double CD set filled with the emotionally charged, energetic sounds that have made her one of SA’s best musicians to date - think Aeroplane Jane, Small Room and Katriena. Also included are several of Karen’s more intimate tracks, like Beautiful and Jan. We selfishly wish the entire collection was in English, but then part of her appeal is the fact that she rocks in Afrikaans as well! Listen out for four new songs, including Big Mouth and Bottle, and play the live in-concert bonus disc loud
