Tuesday, August 2, 2011: How Cool Is: Natalie Imbruglia

As part of the new launch of CSOTD, we will be revamping our (fairly) regular segment of TWOfer Tuesdays.

In keeping with the two-song theme, we'll be using Tuesdays to highlight two songs from one specific artist or group. How Cool Is: (or, for groups, How Cool Are:) is what we're calling this, and our very first artist is Natalie Imbruglia.

I'm usually prejudiced against hot chicks. I fully admit it.

And, I'm using that word "prejudiced" in it's correct context - I "pre-judge" hot chicks. Usually, to the negative.

I always assume that if you are hot, then life is really easier and more fun for you. Now, hot chicks will try and deny this, they will try to explain about how it's oppressive the way men treat you like objects, or how people never take you seriously because of your looks, or how difficult it is to maintain such good looks, etc. I say, hogwash. If you are hot, the world treats you (in general) a whole lot better than it treats dumpy, fat, unglamourous schlebs like me. You don't have to buy your own drinks, you get to talk your way out of traffic tickets, and you get to be escorted to the first of the line and into any club you want.

I'm sure it goes back to Jr High and High School when all the hot chicks (and popular guys) got invited to all the parties, and I ended up in my room practicing my accordion.

So, when it comes to music, usually if someone is hot, like Ford Model Agency hot, then for the most part I dismiss them as having no talent and only being successful because of their looks. Yes, I'm that shallow.

There are to glaring exceptions to this: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Natalie Imburglia. Now, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is in her own class of hotness, so I think she'll need another day just for herself, so today I'll focus on two songs from the other lady who's hotness is not a problem for me - Natalie Imbruglia.







Originally written and released by now defunct Los Angeles-based band Ednaswap (no, you've never heard of them either) Torn is about as perfect as a pop song gets - it is easy to get into, but still somewhat sharp around the edges. It has that wonderful combination of breezy pop sensibility with some dark undertones. This song never gets old. And considering this was released after her stint as an actress on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, where it would have been easy to just be known as model-slash-actress who suddenly thinks she is a pop star, her success as a recording artist is outstanding. And well earned.



That said, she's no Madonna in terms of success and growth as an artist. It would be fair, though slightly uncomfortable, to say that Torn was the pinnacle of her success; she would never dominate the charts again the way she did with that one single. Which doesn't mean she doesn't still make great music.

Wrong Impression is obviously "Torn" lite, but that doesn't make it any less of a cool tune. It's rhythmic chorus, casual guitar strumming beat and pure pop vocals make this a true treat, and criminally overlooked, in my opinion.

So, here's to a hot chick that makes any day brighter. Both with her gorgeous looks and gorgeous hooks. Here's to you, Natalie, and thanks for helping me confront my prejudices.