Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Chances are, if you own a radio you’ve probably heard of the London-native pop sensation, Natasha Bedingfield. Bedingfield first appeared on the scene in 2005 with her debut album, Unwritten, which was met with considerably good review. In Bedingfield’s sophomore album Pocketful of Sunshine, she has again found her way up the charts and into the hearts of many hardcore pop music lovers.

In comparison with the other thousands of pop star females that are on the market today, one difference I find in Pocketful of Sunshine is that Bedingfield’s music feels more personal and ‘real’ as opposed to the over-producer-influenced pop jams that a lot of other pretty blonde singers are pumping out these days. Almost every track on Pocketful of Sunshine was written or co-written by Bedingfield herself which is something to take note of in this industry overpopulated by lip-synching drones.

In the tracks Say it Again and Love like This Bedingfield collaborates with lead singer of Maroon 5, Adam Levine, as well as reggae singer Sean Kingston to produce two likable, radio-friendly hits. These two tracks along with the rest of the songs on Pocketful of Sunshine are anthems for love, self appreciation, and the general consensus that we should all be happy.

Love like This, Happy, and Angel all adhere to Bedingfield’s notion of love and happiness and consist of catchy lyrics that are bound to stick in your head and have you humming “A.N.G.E.L, I’ll be your angel!” all day. My personal favorite from Pocketful of Sunshine is Pirate Bones, a song about not giving into the pressure to conform to the social standards that will leave you feeling empty inside. Pretty heavy for a pop song, I know. Whether this song was intended to have the meaning I perceive from it or not, I don’t know; but it really feels like Bedingfield is claiming that yes, she will sing these poppy love songs but she’s not going to completely change her self identity for a place on the Billboard’s Hot 100. This song, like many others on Pocketful of Sunshine has a soulful hint to it and feels like something a little more meaningful than just a catchy tune.

All in all, yes, Natasha Bedingfield is another blonde pop singer and Pocketful of Sunshine is another catchy Pop album but it’s actually not half bad. I wouldn’t say all of the tracks on Pocketful of Sunshine are winners but there are a few gems in there and I wouldn’t discount the whole album as a another attempt by the music industry to make a quick buck – Natasha Bedingfield actually does have a soul and this album shows that. If you’re into pop, pick up Pocketful of Sunshine. You’ll definitely find some keepers. Did I mention Bedingfield can actually sing?