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.
I caught one of the songs (turned out to be "Soulmate") on a TV show and quickly rewound it to write down the lyrics to later search for the song. I have heard the name before but didn't really know her music, except Unwritten. This album was a great surprise with the whitty lyrics and Natasha's great voice. It's a wonderful departure from the overprocessed pop music of these days. Some of the songs are funny, some serious, some just entertaining but overall great quality.
This is the most amazing CD I've heard by her. "I Wanna Have Your Babies" is the best song by far. Also there are two hidden tracks on the CD Lay Down and Loved By You they are great songs. I don't have the CD but I'm getting it next week. I've already heard all the songs on youtube and this CD is worth buying!
Some POP some dance and some touching balads. NB must have a very quirky sense of humor indeed for it to come accross so well in her lyrics.
This cd has a good message in it. i think it is one of natasha's best cd by far. it has a good beat to it if you like to dance or if you are a dancer.
