Five years separated Come to Life (2009) and Male (2015)—the fourth and fifth studio long players from Australian pop vocalist Natalie Imbruglia. But this gap did not mark a decline in quality. If anything, the two records (the former comprised of original fare, the latter an ambitious set of covers) are arguably some of her best works.

Six years since the release of Male, Imbruglia has announced the forthcoming issuance of her sixth record, Firebird, due out this September on the BMG label. Proof that the extended time away from the studio has not dulled her keen adult pop sensibilities whatsoever, Firebird’s inaugural single “Build It Better is an ode to perseverance and positivity in the face of life’s obstacles; the singer-songwriter soars above the driving, pop-rock arrangement that is fresh but feels like an “Imbruglia classic” in the making.

“Build It Better” is a gorgeous kickoff to this new project and confirms that changing industry standards and trends aside, Imbruglia is always en vogue.

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