Clean win for soap star

Few things are less welcome than an actor turned into a pop star (except perhaps when it's the other way around).

But what a refreshing surprise that this 23-year-old Australian soap opera actress has created such a stirring and potent debut album.

Take some Alanis Morissette, a little Shawn Colvin, a hint of Meredith Brooks and a touch - not too much! - of Fiona Apple and our pernicious comparative recipe is complete.

Imbruglia has her own voice, of course. It's sensitive when it needs to be, raw and passionate if called for and completely pleasant all around.

The album largely focuses on relationships. The songs are vivid and thought-provoking without necessarily being bitter.

And catchy? You better believe it. It's pop all the way. These tunes would work with just acoustic guitar and voice, but they've been slathered in ear candy. They're also mostly backed by that ubiquitous hip-hop beat, but it's forgivable in the face of such strong material.

Imbruglia isn't just another sensitive female singer-songwriter Lilith Fair wannabe, but a genuine talent who's deservedly rising to the top.

Track Listing 1. Torn (4.04) 2. One more addiction (3.30) 3. Big Mistake (4.32) 4. Leave me alone (4.21) 5. Intuition (3.22) 6. Smoke (4.37) 7. Pigeons and crumbs (5.21) 8. Don't you think? (3.55) 9. Impressed (4.47) 10. Wishing you were there (3.52) 11. City (4.33) 12. Left of the Middle (3.46)		Album rating