Unwritten (CD - 2005)

Much less dance-oriented than her brother Daniel's records, Natasha Bedingfield's impressive debut album is closer to a UK version of Kelly Clarkson's similarly masterful sophomore release, BREAKAWAY. Although UNWRITTEN unashamedly has its roots in mainstream chart pop--it's only degrees away from the likes of Jessica and Ashlee Simpson--Bedingfield's strong vocals (alternately flirty and commanding) and personal, quirky lyrics turn songs like "Single" and the title track into frothy but substantial gems, while the soaring opener "These Words" could well be the perfect summer single.

Throughout, the production is pleasantly gimmicky, with neat touches like the slide guitar and echoed vocals in the intro of "Silent Movie," and most importantly, the songs don't sound like they've had all the personality focus-grouped out of them in the manner of so many similar records. UNWRITTEN is a startlingly good example of glossy, commercial pop music circa 2005, and a rebuke to those who feel that successful pop records must by definition be irritating fluff. minimize