Search - Natasha Bedingfield :: N.B.

Even better than "Pocketful of Sunshine"

Robert M. Bittner | Charlotte, MI United States | 01/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This may be stated elsewhere here, but this is Natasha Bedingfield's *real* second album, which never received a U.S. release. Instead, it was held back when the first single, "I Want to Have Your Babies" was so completely misunderstood here. (Don't people actually listen to songs anymore?) Some of the songs from "N.B." were rescued and then combined with new songs for the U.S. release "Pocketful of Sunshine." (The songs that ended up on both releases are identical, not different edits or mixes.)



Okay: I've listened to both versions a lot -- I'm a fan -- and, in my opinion, "N.B." is the more solid release. Not to disparage "PoS" in any way; I just think "N.B." holds together better from a stylistic standpoint and that, perhaps, it may have a stronger mix of songs overall. (I like "Put Your Arms Around Me" o.k., but I think "How Do You Do?" is a much stronger opener.) The songs that only appear on "PoS" tend to have a much more hip-hop/R&B vibe (to varying degress) than the "N.B." tracks, which, in my opinion, makes the new "PoS" songs feel like they don't quite fit the album.



I guess, in the end, "N.B." feels like Natasha Bedingfield's cohesive vision for what her second album should be, and I really like what she came up with. There is a lot of great material here. By contrast, "Pocketful of Sunshine" feels a bit like a compromise: some of her "N.B." faves, along with songs that will, supposedly, appeal better to distracted American listeners.



"Sunshine" is, of course, still Bedingfield. After all, even the phrase "pocketful of sunshine" seems to sum up her uniquely inspiring outlook. But "N.B." sounds a bit braver and more personal. And I prefer that."

In a world filled with pretty girls.........

Robert C. Hufford | Hopewell, VA USA | 07/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"....who try to sing, whose words you either can't understand, or wish you couldn't, Natasha is a breath of fresh air. A total joy. Sexy does NOT mean trashy; Natasha is sexy, clean, and a treasure. She comes from a background in Christian music, and the lessons have stuck....



This is [sort of] the Brit version of "Pocketful of Sunshine"...each album has songs the other doesn't. My own favorites are "I Wanna Have Your Babies" [yes, it's perfectly clean], "Soulmate" and the reprise of "Unwritten". Most of the songs are about relationships, but none of the problems are TOO bad. "Tricky Angel" is really novel, "Backyard" is catchy, and "Smell the Roses" is special, with a great message....



This is a wonderful record...pleasant, clear, voice...lyrics that never offend...rock, but not hard. If you don't know Natasha, you're missing out....."