Natalie Imbruglia is officially back. The Australian-British pop icon, forever etched in our memories for the nineties anthem ‘Torn’, has announced her newest musical chapter. Following a recent stint on tour that included performing alongside Olivia Rodrigo, Imbruglia is set to release her new album ‘Algorithm’ on September 4.
This marks her first full album release in five years, following the UK Top 10 success of 2021’s ‘Firebird’. Fans can expect a shift in direction, as ‘Algorithm’ embraces sophisticated pop, disco and house influences reminiscent of Robyn. Today, she gives us a taste of this new era with the lead single ‘Upside Down’.
The track opens with bright synths and energetic percussion, elevating her distinctive voice. As the chorus hits, it becomes a shimmering release of energy. Yet beneath the upbeat tempo lies a deeply personal narrative. Imbruglia explains that the song emerged from a place of shame regarding her mental health struggles.
“The inability to control my emotions, wrestling with fight or flight mode, was awful, and I was reaching this critical point with it,” she says. She notes that sheer willpower is not always enough to force your way out of dark moments. “You need tools, support,” she explains, adding that the song was born from the fight to maintain what some consider normality.
Creating ‘Algorithm’ provided a creative sanctuary during this difficult period. Imbruglia independently funded the project, taking on co-writing and co-producing duties for every single track. She collaborated with a notable roster of talent, including Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody and producers like Fraser T Smith and MyRiot.
“On this record I chose to work with collaborators who also co-produce, so from start to finish we were all so invested in every song,” she shares. This hands-on approach resulted in an album defined by empowerment and creative freedom. “This was by far the most fun I’ve ever had making a record,” she reflects, adding that it coincided with her most challenging mental health battles. “This is the beauty of music and artistic expression. You can take something dark and turn it into light.”.
With its eleven tracks, ‘Algorithm’ promises to be a confessional yet joyful return. As Imbruglia herself hopes, it is a record designed to make listeners dance their arses off.
Natalie Imbruglia’s New Album Algorithm will be released on September 4
Listen to Natalie’s new single Upside Down Here
‘Algorithm’ tracklist:
1. Debbie
2. Upside Down
3. Catastrophe
4. Algorithm
5. Sounds Like It Feels
6. Jesus On Mars
7. Who Dimmed The Lights
8. End Game
9. Just Drive
10. Breathe With The Fire Lola
11. Beautiful Love
