Once torn artists now comes to life

Tell US

In 1997, Natalie Imbruglia graced the world of pop music with her huge hit Torn, from her debut album titled, Left of the Middle. This single alone sold over seven million copies worldwide.

And despite 12 years on the song still remains a classic tune of the '90s, and marked as the biggest achievement of her music career. But to others, they remember Torn as Imbruglia's first and last hit song, as her other tunes have failed to reach a similar level of success.

But if you're not a true fan, you may have never known that her last studio album Counting Down The Days (released in 2005) went to No.1 in the British music chart, or that the lead single Shiver was the most played song on British radio that year.

And you may not have known that when calling out her last name - Imbruglia - there is no need to pronounce the "g".

There could possibly be many more things that we still haven't been acknowledged about this attractive singer who is blessed with beautiful blue eyes, but Imbruglia has returned to the spotlight; her fourth album, Come to Life, released last month.

The first single in the latest album, Want, was produced by Chris Martin (Coldplay), and it has recently put her name back as a pop star on music charts, both in Thailand and internationally.

'Outlook' spoke with Imbruglia during an exclusive interview about her newest album.

So, tell us ...

... is there a story behind the name of your latest album?

I think it comes after the feeling of me being single for the first time, and being single from the record company [Brightside], which I've been with for a long time. It gives me a sense of freedom and, you know, it's about really living, not living the life that everyone thinks you should.

... more about your stunningly sexy, new look in the 'Want' music video. It was a very different approach from your previous albums.

I definitely think there have been some changes in me. I feel more confident in my thirties and feel way more sexy than in my twenties [laughs]. Since this song was a sexy track itself, I thought I should make a video that matched that. And yes, it was my idea and I really feel confident about it.

... how does it feel to work with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on this album?

It was a song that I had, and that he [Chris] helped me rewrite. It was very exciting and I'm still pinching myself about it.

He got in touch with me and said that he had some ideas for songs that my voice would sound good on.

I had a really good time at his studio. It was very professional, and Chris himself is a real perfectionist. He's got loads of ideas flowing out of him. It was a bit intimidated at first, but once I got into the groove, we had a really good time in the studio. And we got some great songs.

... more about your project in Africa.

I am a spokesperson for the UNFPA [United Nations Population Fund], it's a campaign I've supported that fights against obstetric fistula. It helps women who have suffered from bearing a child surgery.

It is tragic to hear the stories of these women in which the only thing they did was to get pregnant and wanting to be a mother. But sadly these symptoms ruined their lives.

We've been raising awareness, as well as a fund to support health care and education for them. This year, we just did a speech at the UN. And I hope this issue would be brought up to the government level and implemented in many countries to end this problem.

... the names of a few singers or bands that are frequently played on your iPod?

I 've been listening to Florence and the Machine, Karima Francis, Tom Tom Club, an Australian band called, The Red Sun Band.

I also listen to the new album of my sister, Laura Imbruglia.

'Come to Life' is now available in Thailand through Universal Music Thailand. Check out Natalie Imbruglia's 'Want' music video on her official website at http://www.natalieimbruglia.com.

Relate Search: Natalie Imbruglia, Counting Down The Days, Chris Martin