Natalie Imbruglia-Left Of The Middle (RCA)

The press has anointed Aussie soap star Natalie Imbruglia as the latest heiress apparent to the angry young girl throne of Alanis Morissette. Since there is a new singer in that slot every month or so, Imbruglia can just ride that out and let us look at her new album with clear eyes soon. And without the baggage, Left Of The Middle is a pretty good album.

The first hit, a remake of Ednaswap's "Torn" is a killer single, a catchy and well sung little slice of pop rock. But it isn't really all that much like most of the other songs, which are Imbruglia originals. That is obvious seconds into the next song on the album, "One More Addiction," a harrowing rock documentary of a life gone wildly out of control. "Big Mistake" is an angry brush-off to an old lover.

Imbruglia isn't the next Morissette, but then she shouldn't have to try. Left of The Middle is perfectly enjoyable on its own accord. (4/98)

Alex Diamond