“Torn” is a captivating pop-rock ballad performed by Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, released in October 1997 as the lead single from her debut album, Left of the Middle. Though widely associated with Imbruglia, the song was originally written by Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, and Phil Thornalley, and first released by Danish singer Lis Sørensen in 1993, followed by a version by the Cutler and Preven’s American alt-rock band Ednaswap in 1995. Imbruglia’s version became a global phenomenon, marking her transition from a television actress to an international pop star. Its heartfelt lyrics, memorable melody, and Imbruglia’s emotive delivery made it one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s.
Natalie Imbruglia was primarily known as an actress in the Australian soap opera Neighbours before pursuing a music career. After signing with RCA Records, she worked with producer Phil Thornalley, one of the original songwriters of “Torn,” to create her debut album. Imbruglia’s rendition of “Torn” infused the song with a pop-rock sensibility, balancing vulnerability with a polished, radio-friendly sound. Her performance resonated with listeners, capturing the emotional weight of the lyrics while showcasing her distinctive voice.
The lyrics of “Torn” explore themes of heartbreak, disappointment, and disillusionment in a relationship. Lines like “I’m all out of faith, this is how I feel” and “Illusion never changed into something real” convey the pain of realizing that a once-promising romance has fallen apart. “Torn” is a mid-tempo pop-rock ballad with elements of alternative and acoustic pop.
“Torn” became a worldwide hit, dominating charts across the globe. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at No. 2 and spent 11 weeks in the top 10, while in the United States, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, staying there for 11 consecutive weeks. The song also topped charts in countries like Canada, Sweden, and Italy, and achieved top 10 positions in over 20 countries. The single sold millions of copies worldwide, helping Left of the Middle achieve multi-platinum status and making Imbruglia a household name. For the song, Imbruglia received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, losing to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”.
The music video for “Torn,” directed by Alain White, features a simple yet impactful concept. It depicts Imbruglia performing the song in a sparsely decorated apartment, interspersed with scenes of her and her love interest (played by actor Jeremy Sheffield). The video employs a playful twist, as the set frequently “breaks,” revealing the crew and camera operators, mirroring the song’s themes of illusion and disillusionment.