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    The Phantom Tollbooth 1998/Natalie Imbruglia
    Natalie Imbruglia — Left of the Middle cover

    Natalie Imbruglia

    Left of the Middle

    (1997)

    Reviewed by James Stewart

    DiscogsApple MusicTIDALAmazon MusicSpotify
    Label BMG / RCA RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1998
    indie poppop rocktrip hop

    "Torn" was a hit for Natalie Imbruglia just before Christmas in the UK, something of an oasis in the middle of all the holiday releases at that time of year. The following single was also a good song, "Big Mistake"--piquing my interest.

    The album mixes an alterna-pop sound ala Sarah Masen, with a bit more distortion, some trip-hop/dance influences, and a nod of the head to indie-pop. Natalie's vocals are pretty good--slightly quirky in places, matching well with the lyrics.

    "Torn"'s lyrics seem interesting, describing a loss of faith in something or someone that could be Christ:

    I thought I saw a man brought to life
    He was warm, he came around like he was dignified
    He showed me what it was to cry
    Well you couldn't be that man I adored
    You don't seem to know - I don't care what your heart is for
    I don't know him anymore...
    I'm torn
    I'm all out of faith

    The involvement of one Matt Bronleewee (Jars of Clay collaborator), these lyrics, and a possible appearance at Greenbelt this summer may make Natalie Imbruglia of interest to the Christian music community. But apart from the two singles so far, the album is not really anything very special--they are the only two tracks that stand out.

    2.5 tocks

    Similar sounding releases

    1995Alanis MorissetteJagged Little Pill1998Considering LilyThe Pieces Fit1998Rebecca St. JamesPray1999Plumbcandycoatedwaterdrops2000Sinéad O'ConnorFaith and Courage2001Michelle BranchThe Spirit Room

    More from Natalie Imbruglia

    2001White Lilies Island

    Also in The Phantom Tollbooth 1998

    1997KatoSeasider1998Various ArtistsLethal Injection1998Margaret BeckerFalling Forward1998Terry Scott TaylorJohn Wayne1998Dale Thompson & The Kentucky CadillacsTestimony1998Eso-CharisEso-Charis