Natalie Imbruglia is back — and this time entirely on her own terms.

By Andy Murray

Having recently witnessed her live acoustic showing at The Wardrobe in Leeds, the process of making her seventh studio album Algorithm has clearly proved to be a deeply cathartic experience.

Album launch shows work on every level, and this was a perfect example of why: take an established record store, a beautifully intimate gig venue, 400 privileged onlookers and a beyond‑excited global artist on release day — the perfect musical cocktail.

I can’t lie, I’m a glutton for 90s pop nostalgia, and like the rest of the adoring crowd I couldn’t wait for a live version of Torn, the four‑million‑selling debut release from Left of the Middle. We weren’t left disappointed. It arrived as number seven in a stripped‑back set of eight songs, and for the first time ever I was comfortable with a sea of phones — they somehow enhanced what really is the most perfect piece of pop.

“This is my absolute pleasure, and I live for this s***.” she joyfully declared.

But Natalie has entered a new era — one defined by empowerment, freedom and creative fulfilment. Her new material cuts deeper than any of her previous work. Four fresh tracks were intertwined with old favourites Torn, Wishing I Was There, Wrong Impression and Shiver, giving the night a lovely balance of nostalgia and forward motion.

Upside Down opened the evening, a downright catchy track full of classic pop hooks and melodies. Debbie followed — her self‑professed favourite — a wry, self‑checking track built around not being a “Debbie Downer on myself” and embracing her neurodivergent quirks.

The raw version of Beautiful Love — co‑written with Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody — showed her at her most open, embracing imperfections and leaning into self‑acceptance. “The more you share of yourself, the more you love yourself,” she told the room. Bird of Paradise, a gorgeous unreleased bonus track, closed the night — sung beautifully, with Natalie now completely at ease.

A big star in a tiny room, and a night that quietly underlined what Algorithm represents: Imbruglia stepping forward, fully in control, and finally sounding exactly like herself.

“I wish all gigs could be this intimate, it’s much more my vibe. I mean I want to do stadiums and make a buck but maybe I should just be a pub singer.”

She left the stage smiling, the room buzzing with that rare mix of nostalgia and renewal.