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After three years of silence, Natalie Imbruglia is back with the release of White Lilies Island. Like her 1998 debut album Left of the Middle, the album is filled with jangly mid-tempo rock songs that are solid throughout.

The key to Natalie Imbruglia's music is her voice. Though it doesn't have outstanding range, it has a sweet and alluring quality that could make just about any song bearable. There's no need to compensate, however, as White Lilies Island has several good songs along with some real gems.

“That Day” opens the album with an unexpected punch. The song is relentless, and Imbruglia rambles quickly in a folk-like manner, leaving behind conventional singing. The result is purely positive and makes for possibly the best song on the album.

The next three songs are the most disappointing on the album. “Beauty on the Fire,” “Satellite,” and “Do You Love?” have few memorable moments. Each seems to rely on Imbruglia's successful formula of the past: slow and haunting verses complemented with big sweeping choruses. Even the guitar accompaniment plays similar parts.

The album turns around for good with “Wrong Impression.” Extremely catchy melodies and a great chorus make this a wise choice as first radio single. Other standout tracks include “Everything Goes,” “Talk in Tongues,” and “Come September.” “Everything Goes” features an illustrious instrumental backdrop of acoustic and electric guitars that paves the way for Imbruglia's infectious melody. A driving chorus then carries the song to the next level. “Come September” closes the album with a calming melody accented with pretty piano lines.

Though Imbruglia's lyrics are considered to be a strength, they can also be disappointing. She often follows the trend of vague introspective musings of many of today's rock artists. Many songs are also full of cliches. “There's something in the air tonight/That feels right/but you're keeping me guessing/and I'm finding it hard to catch your eye” she sings in “Satellite.”

Although it would be extremely interesting to hear Imbruglia's voice over a more experimental musical landscape, she clearly has found her niche. White Lilies Island is a complete and unified album. It's a great sophomore album for Natalie Imbruglia, and well worth the wait.

Jon Singer  3/19/2002