White Lillies

Everyone’s second-favourite Antipodean pop star returns with her difficult sophomore album. It’s been four years since ‘Torn’, the all-pervading pop single it was cool to like, steam-rolled its way into the national consciousness. The question is, will Imbruglia ever match that gem again?

‘That Day’ – the first single taken off the new album – opens proceedings well. It’s another slice of glossy, radio-friendly and charming pop but with enough of a twist to keep you curious. Imbruglia’s vocals drip with urgency, falling about and tripping each other up. ‘Wrong Impression’ is another strong tune with a meaningless but catchy singalong chorus. And ‘Satellite’ is a sunny, acoustic ditty with enough sha la la’s to see us through to next summer.

But after the initial burst of melodies the album descends into a string of undistinguished and indistinguishable tracks. ‘Goodbye’ falls into power ballad territory – complete with cheesy drum-roll leading into a big chorus. Each glossy song blends into the next and the whole thing verges on monotonous.

Overall a perfectly capable offering when Imbruglia sticks to the melodic pop she does well. There’s nothing of the same calibre as ‘Torn’ here but enough potential chart-toppers to ensure her face wont be a stranger to us over the next few months. Forget her previous cross-over charm – this one’s for pop pickers only.