IMBRUGLIA NATALIE - COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS

Starting Today

Shiver

Satisfied

Counting Down The Days

I Won't Be Lost

Slow Down

Sanctuary

Perfectly

On The Run

Come On Home

When You're Sleeping

Honeycomb Child

To dismiss Natalie Imbruglia's new album as 'Indie-lite by numbers' seems a little unfair, especially as it boasts the winter-dispelling joy that is "Shiver". The temptation to do so is strong though, but luckily, it's weighed against the fact that this album packs at least more than one eyebrow-raiser.

"Counting Down The Days", like her first album, boasts a surprising and impressive selection of bright and breezy songs of the guitar pop persuasion - and there is no shame in that. If you liked "Shiver", the chances are you'll enjoy most of this just as much. It's not all exactly the same (On "Sanctuary" Nat even goes a bit ROCK!), but generally, the jangly guitar and Nat's lovely way with a tune are very much the order of the day.

All in all, Imbruglia's voice sounds better than ever - hanging on to words as if she's rolling out an expensive carpet - but we can't help but feel that beneath the perfect facade, lies the musings of a mixed-up little girl.

• Music > Rock & Pop