Midland Vibes

Natalie Imbruglia Algorithm

Tracks: Debbie, Upside Down, Catastrophe, Algorithm (Interlude), Algorithm, Sounds Like It Feels, Jesus On Mars, Who Dimmed The Lights, Endgame, Just Drive, Breathe With the Fire Lola, Beautiful Love

Label:Landgirl Records

Natalie Imbruglia may have had her first big taste with fame playing Beth Brennan on Neighbours, but longer term she is best known for the huge impact her debut single, Torn, had on one chart around the world. With the song having been revived through TikTok, and most notably sharing the stage with Olivia Rodrigo to perform the song, it is fair to say that attention is once again being paid to the artist that not only gave us one of the most incredible debut albums ever - Left of the Middle - but one who has consistently, over her last six studio albums, shown an ability to play with sounds but never lose sight of what makes her popular. Having re-charted with her sixth studio album, Firebird, in the wake of winning 2022's The Masked Singer, which showcased a very different side to the performer, she has spent the last few years revisiting her hits, while building a new generation of fans through her performances. Now, as she takes the first steps in her career as an independent artist, she is ready to release album #7 - Algorithm.

Having started to tease the release back in April with the impressive shimmer of Upside Down, it was immediately apparent that Natalie has not lost sight of the slight alternative pop leanings that produced her biggest hits to date, but that she is not afraid either of playing the pure pop game. Subsequent singles, Algorithm and Just Drive, both built on this. Natalie Imbruglia has not lost sight of who she is as an artist, it is clear from these singles that she is simply ready to fully embrace the pop label with all her heart.

With those three singles having already been warmly embraced by critics and fans alike, the anticipation to see where the album Algorithm lands has been heightened. And everyone can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Algorithm is exactly the album you want it to to.

Album opener Debbie sets the tone perfectly. This is a synth-pop anthem that it is easy to get addicted to and that you will be chanting on repeat,. However, it feels far from paint by numbers. Natalie might now be playing the pop game, but she is not playing by the same rules as everyone else. She is staying true to herself and allowing herself to shine bright in that glittery haze.
As a result, this is a no skips album. From the moment you press play until you reach the freshly released single and album closer, Beautiful Love, you are hooked and the need to press play again the moment the album closes is irresistible.

However, that does not mean that there are not stand out moments that will make your heart beat that little bit faster than the others. Former single and album title track, Algorithm, is truly hypnotic, while slowing it down and stripping away the glimmery production on Who Dimmed The Lights leaves you feeling all tingly. However, it is on Endgame, which would have fitted easily on Left Of The Middle, that the bite really hits and the album reaches its crowning moment.

Having freed herself of record label constraints, Natalie is clearly relishing the freedom to really play the music game on her own terms. That liberation pays off dividends as Algorithm is a true gem of a record that deserves to register on algorithms for all music fans the world over.