Contrary to the title, British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield’s fourth studio album, Strip Me, happens to be anything but naughty and raw. With layers upon layers of keyboards and electronic buzzes and drones, Bedingfield builds a wall of sound around an image that was cool about ten years ago.
Opening track “A Little Too Much,” though catchy and cute, wouldn’t be out of place on the soundtrack to a Cameron Diaz movie. So poppy, in fact, you feel like you’ve heard it before. The voice is pretty and that’s the only redeeming piece of Strip Me. Bedingfield’s slightly gravely, weary voice is a nice alternative to the faux-ghetto-growl that is present on so much blue-eyed soul on today’s scene.
The rock anthemesque second track, “All I Need” featuring Kevin Rudolf brings his typical grinding guitar-cum chorus- cum whirring backbeat into the mix. Unfortunately, Rudolf already released an almost identical track with Lil Wayne about two years ago. Seriously, mash them up. You won’t be able to tell the difference. It’s a shame because Natasha is a nice girl, with a nice voice and she can do better than this. Maybe if Daniel Bedingfield produces the next one, we’ll be better off. Family will tell you the truth, right?
Strip Me is full of great rom-com pop songs, like “Weightless,” which despite the cheesy lyrics, is a fun, breezy listen. “Neon Lights” offers a slightly more organic texture with a bit more Natasha, which is refreshing. “Touch” is a floaty, sparkly narrative of serendipitous meeting… What else would you expect from the artist who penned the theme song to “The Hills”? The tail-end of the record is slightly confused with overwrought arrangements and a sudden desire for vocal exhibition, which isn’t really what this record is about.
Conclusion: Sweet, fun and completely unnecessary.
love natasha and i think she construct the best album of a pop artist in a very very long time … her voice seems on top in this cd … the album completely seems more faster and dancing it’s cool for me, not massive or forced … the elements are very diferent and her creativity is strong … Message ” be happy and don’t be fraid to be human” a legacy of her destroy every artist female bitch in this word just for it her needs to be in a sanctuary because listen about bodies and sex everytime is bored..
brasil loves natasha
This album makes me smile from ear to ear. I am not much for analyzing music, I listen and if it happens it happens. But honestly, I can’t think of any singer who so masterfully uses her voice. It’s not only beautiful but expressive and personal in the most positive sense of the word. I can almost see her facial expressions in front of me as I listen. The songs and arrangements are powerful and beautiful and never ever dull. If you have liked her previous albums you will love this one. I can’t stop listening. I better stop before this gets out of hand… just get it, okay?