Natalie Imbruglia, known for her hit "Torn," has shared an honest playlist, revealing everything from the first song she fell in love with to the track she'd choose for her funeral. In a candid interview, the singer also addressed the ongoing fan comments about "Torn" being a cover, expressing her frustration.
Early Musical Memories
The first song Imbruglia fell in love with was "California Dreamin'" by the Mamas & the Papas, given to her by her father on vinyl for her fifth birthday. She recalls thinking, "Who is this weird bunch of people?" but now recognizes the gift was more for her dad than for her.
Her first single purchase was Michael Jackson's "Beat It," which she begged her mother to buy at a record shop in the suburbs of Sydney. "I mean – he's Michael Jackson," she said.
Karaoke and Tour Bus Anthems
When it comes to karaoke, Imbruglia admits it's awkward for a singer. "You don't want to throw a tantrum, sound too good or show off," she explained. She might perform "Torn," but only at parties when she's drunk and friends insist.
The song she inexplicably knows every lyric to is "You're the Voice" by John Farnham, calling it a "tour bus anthem after a show and a couple of gins."
Songs That Stir Emotions
Imbruglia can no longer listen to Joni Mitchell's "Coyote" after a teenage experience. At 17, a guy presented her with the lyrics, claiming he'd written a poem about her. Years later, she recognized the words and thought, "What a creep!"
For parties, she relies on "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club. "No matter the mood or the crowd, I can put on 'Genius of Love' and everyone loves it," she said.
When asked about the best song to have sex to, she declined to answer, adding, "Have I tried my own music? God, no!"
Life-Changing Song and Morning Routine
Unsurprisingly, "Torn" changed her life, despite being a cover. "I've been tortured over it ever since," she said. Fans often point out she didn't write it, and a meme about the song being a cover reignited the debate. "I thought: 'For fuck's sake, I just got over that!'", she said.
For mornings, she prefers something gentle like "Little Blue" by Jacob Collier, as she's not good in the mornings. The song that makes her cry is "A Song for You" by Donny Hathaway, praising it as "the most incredible love song."
Funeral Song and New Album
For her funeral, Imbruglia would choose "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, segued into "Don't Stop Me Now."
Her new album, Algorithm, is set for release on 4 September.
