"Like their Christian missionary parents, the musical careers of Natasha and brother Daniel seem governed by an agenda. Uncharitably nicknamed the Boringfields, they set out to replace frivolity with responsibility, quality and thoughtfulness. Dan's success lasted until his personality bypass stood out like a dual carriageway crossing a country lane. Not wanting to follow his passage back to Nowheresville, Natasha's 2004 Single Girl debut album was all attitude and full of personality.

Natasha was a get-ahead role model for the 21st century female- the thinking woman's woman, the concerned single gal with a library of self-help manuals. Her success suggested a brave new world where WAGs stopped teetering on stilettos and B Girls on the corner quit chewing gum and enrolled for nightclass. Even Prince duly doffed his cap and her mission statement, Unwritten, steamed to the top of the American charts. Now, here she comes again. Whether she is "for real" or a calculating marketing machine modelled on the cleaned-up Madonna, Natasha's second album is the most self concious sequel in recent history.

So you get what that suggests- ultra-efficient, well-crafted, skilfully-written, studio-polished songs about the dating game. You get funky, upbeat, think-while-you-dance-round-the-handbag groovers (I Want To Have Your Babies), acoustic confessionals building to a mobile phone-aloft anthem (Soulmate), philosophical nuggets to chew on (Pirate Bones) and a hint of naughtiness (Who Knows). Yes, even nice girls have temptations! True love versus physical hi-jinx- it's a toughie. The see-sawing beat and squeaky guitar solo on Who Knows allow Natasha to stop, adjust clothing and check her moral compass.

And, as the late, great Kurt Vonnegut said, so it goes. Natasha is undoubtedly a shrewd operator delivering a designer pop masterclass. This year's model has brainpower which keeps pace with the body popping, running on super-clean eco-friendly fuel. Yet no matter how sharply her sights are fixed on 21st century success, Natasha often seems to have an over-earnest 19th century literary heroine's perspective. To make her music loveable rather than functional, she needs to lighten up. Perhaps a night- or 10- out on the tiles with Amy Winehouse is required. "

a night out with Amy Winehouse would probaably destroy her :lol: or anyone for that matter........ :mellow:

 

nice review i think they have summed it up well.... ^_^ could of commentedf on more of the songs though. -_-

Amy is Fab. :wub: It would make her cool. B) :lol:

 

Nice review. Thanx for posting. :)

When is this getting a US release?

When is this getting a US release?

 

Should release there in August!

Amy is Fab. :wub: It would make her cool. B) :lol:

 

Nice review. Thanx for posting. :)

 

Nat is already cool!! :P B) -_-

I dont really get why people think she is either boring or verging on it - how is she any more boring than anyone else?! Cos she doesnt flash her t*ts to the press or snort a line or ten every night out?!

 

Anyway, its an okay review, but more talk about the music might have been nice!

Night or 10 seems rather excessive, hope it's more moderate. Great review, thanks for posting. :D