When it comes to defining the sound of 90s pop with a touch of alternative edge, Natalie Imbruglia stands out. Her songs are not just catchy tunes; they are stories wrapped in melodies that resonate with raw emotion and genuine artistry. From her breakthrough debut to later hits, Imbruglia has consistently delivered tracks that capture hearts and climb charts. Let’s dive into a countdown of her best songs, celebrating the music that has made her a beloved artist worldwide.
9. Glorious (2007)
Official Chart Peak: 23
Released in 2007, “Glorious” is an upbeat and vibrant indie-pop song that served as the lead single for Natalie Imbruglia’s greatest hits album. This track showcases a more playful and carefree side of Natalie, with its jangly guitars and infectious rhythm. The music video, inspired by the film Y Tu Mamá También, added to the song’s adventurous spirit, depicting Natalie and her friends on a memorable road trip through the scenic landscapes of Mexico. While it peaked at number 23 on the charts, “Glorious” remains a fan favorite for its summery vibe and feel-good energy.
Natalie Imbruglia press shot from 2017, highlighting her enduring presence in music.
8. Counting Down The Days (2005)
Official Chart Peak: 23
“Counting Down The Days,” released in 2005, marked a significant shift in Natalie Imbruglia’s musical direction. Inspired by her relationship with her then-husband, Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, who also produced the track, this song and its album of the same name represented a departure from her earlier bittersweet and melancholic sound. It leaned into a more mature and introspective style, exploring themes of love and anticipation. Reaching number 23 in the charts, “Counting Down The Days” demonstrated Natalie’s willingness to evolve and experiment with her music.
7. That Day (2001)
Official Chart Peak: 11
“That Day,” the lead single from Natalie Imbruglia’s second album White Lilies Island (2001), is a dynamic and swirling pop track that signaled her continued artistic growth. Co-written with Patrick Leonard, known for his collaborations with Madonna, the song is characterized by its layered sound and adventurous pop sensibility. “That Day” showcased Natalie’s readiness to take risks and push the boundaries of her sound, achieving a peak position of number 11 in the charts and solidifying her status as a versatile pop artist.
Natalie Imbruglia at the 1998 MTV VMAs, a defining moment in her early career.
6. Wrong Impression (2002)
Official Chart Peak: 10
“Wrong Impression,” the second single from White Lilies Island, is a shimmering guitar-pop gem that perfectly encapsulates the album’s sophisticated sound. Released in 2002, this standout track reached the top 10, peaking at number 10. Entertainment Weekly famously described Natalie’s style during this era as “Karen Carpenter with cargo pants,” highlighting the blend of her classic vocal delivery with a contemporary, edgy fashion sense. “Wrong Impression” is celebrated for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about miscommunication in relationships, making it a lasting favorite among Natalie Imbruglia’s songs.
5. Wishing I Was There (1998)
Official Chart Peak: 19
Released in 1998 as the third single from her debut album Left Of The Middle, “Wishing I Was There” is perhaps Natalie Imbruglia’s most direct nod to the angsty pop-rock style popularized by artists like Alanis Morissette. This song delves into themes of longing and emotional distance, set against a backdrop of driving guitars and a powerful chorus. “Wishing I Was There” resonated with audiences for its raw emotion and relatable lyrics, reaching number 19 on the charts and further establishing Natalie’s presence in the late 90s music scene.
4. Smoke (1998)
Official Chart Peak: 5
“Smoke,” also from Left Of The Middle and released in 1998, holds a special place in Natalie Imbruglia’s discography. In a 2007 interview, she revealed it as her personal favorite single, describing it as “the least single-y single.” This suggests its nuanced and perhaps less overtly commercial appeal. Despite this, “Smoke”‘s inherent quality shone through, propelling it to number 5 on the Official Singles Chart. This success, as the fourth single from her debut album, underscored the depth and breadth of Left Of The Middle and Natalie’s captivating artistry.
The album art for Natalie Imbruglia’s debut album ‘Left Of The Middle’, a groundbreaking release in her career.
3. Shiver (2005)
Official Chart Peak: 8
In 2005, Natalie Imbruglia released “Shiver,” the lead single from her third album, and seemingly perfected the formula for a radio hit. This track is undeniably catchy and radio-friendly, combining pop sensibilities with a rock edge. While it peaked at number 8 on the Official Singles Chart, its impact was even greater in airplay. According to PPL, “Shiver” was the most-played song on UK radio and TV that year, demonstrating its widespread popularity and appeal. This highlights “Shiver” as one of Natalie Imbruglia’s most successful and recognizable songs in terms of radio play.
2. Big Mistake (1998)
Official Chart Peak: 2
Following the phenomenal success of “Torn,” Natalie Imbruglia released “Big Mistake” in 1998, proving she was far from a one-hit wonder. While “Torn” was polished pop with smoothed-out angst, “Big Mistake” embraced a grungier sound, allowing Natalie to express a rawer and more intense emotional landscape. This follow-up single reached number 2, matching the peak of “Torn” and solidifying her position as a leading figure in 90s pop music. “Big Mistake” showcased her versatility and ability to deliver powerful performances across different styles.
1. Torn (1997)
Official Chart Peak: 2
Natalie Imbruglia in the music video for “Torn”, her iconic breakthrough hit.
Natalie Imbruglia’s arrival onto the global music scene in 1997 with “Torn” was nothing short of iconic. She was initially presented as an authentic singer-songwriter, a fair representation given her co-writing credits on 10 of the 12 tracks on her debut album. However, when it emerged that “Torn” was a cover—originally written and recorded by Ednaswap, an alt-rock band—some critics labeled her a manufactured artist. Despite this pre-social media controversy, “Torn”‘s undeniable appeal quickly overshadowed any criticism.
“Torn” became a worldwide phenomenon, earning Natalie a Grammy nomination and becoming one of the definitive pop songs of the 1990s. In the UK, it also reached number 2 and has become one of the best-selling singles of all time, boasting over 1.2 million pure sales. Even in the streaming era, “Torn” remains immensely popular, accumulating nearly 80 million plays in the UK alone. “Torn” is not just Natalie Imbruglia’s signature song; it’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
