Music Analysis – Delta Goodrem’s Album Evolution (Mistaken Identity)
This analysis series will explore the evolution of Australian singer-songwriter, Delta Goodrem, over the course of six of her studio albums: Innocent Eyes, Mistaken Identity, Delta, Child of the Universe, Wings of the Wild, and Bridge Over Troubled Dreams.
Although she released the album, Only Santa Knows, in 2020, between Wings of the Wild and Bridge Over Troubled Dreams, as this album is mostly covers, I’m not including it in my analysis, at least not right now, I may include it later. This also goes for her standalone releases.
This part of the series, part two, will continue on to her second album, Mistaken Identity.
Mistaken Identity summary:
Mistaken Identity is a 14-track album (well, technically 15, with a hidden track at the end of the album) that was recorded in 2004, primarily whilst she was undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which Goodrem was diagnosed with months after the release of her previous album. The album was released in Australia on 8 November 2004. Out of the 14/15 tracks, five of them were released as singles: Out of the Blue, Mistaken Identity, Almost Here, A Little Too Late, and Be Strong.
Goodrem co-wrote all the tracks bar one, Almost Here, the duet song of the album, which was written by Paul Barry, Mark Taylor, and Brian McFadden. Brian McFadden was who she sung the duet with and was her partner at the time.
Music was one of Goodrem’s main comforts as she was undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and she labelled the album as “more grown up.” Goodrem has also stated in interviews about the album that her “music changed because my life had change, the whole world around me had changed. My music had to reflect that.” Due to this, this album had a darker tone in comparison to Innocent Eyes.
Although the sales of the album didn’t match the sales to her previous album, it was still massively successful, debuting at number one on the Australian Albums Charts and sold 4.5 million copies worldwide.
Track Listing:
- Out of the Blue
- The Analyst
- Mistaken Identity
- Extraordinary Day
- A Little Too Late
- Be Strong
- Electric Storm
- Almost Here
- Miscommunication
- Sanctuary
- Last Night on Earth
- Fragile
- Disorientated
- You Are My Rock
- Nobody Listened (Hidden track, can be heard after a short silence after You Are My Rock ends)
(Quick) Track Analysis:
Thankfully for this analysis, I had the help of a track-by-track video Goodrem made, providing insights and meanings to each track of the album.
Out of the Blue
The first track and single of the album, Out of the Blue, is a track about a new beginning and new chapter of her life. Goodrem stated that she wanted to start the album with a positive track, and this one was perfect for that.
The Analyst
The second track of the album and lyrically one of Goodrem’s favourites. Goodrem pointed out that it was in third person, and she wanted to write about her own analysis of life and provide a freedom from over analysing.
Mistaken Identity
The third track of the album, second single of the album, and the album’s namesake, this track lyrically speaks about Goodrem’s Hodgkin Lymphoma’s ordeal and how it changed her outlook on life. It is also, lyrically, a harsher, darker and edgier track, in comparison to her previous tracks, both on this album and Innocent Eyes. Interestingly, this song ended Goodrem’s streak of consecutive number one singles. Goodrem stated that it’s one of her favourite songs on the album.
Extraordinary Day
The fourth track of the album, Extraordinary Day, is one of the most personal and literal tracks, as it talks about the day Goodrem was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (8 July 2003), as well as the outpouring of support she received from the public after the diagnosis and during her treatment. According to HATC Magazine, Goodrem stated that writing this track was her way of “marrying a moment in time with a sound,” allowing her to process the trauma of the diagnosis, and use it as a healing tool.
A Little Too Late
The fifth track and fourth single of the album, this track, in comparison to the others on this album, is more of an upbeat and empowering anthem about independence, self-discovery and defiance of expectations. Goodrem also stated that this track was a fun one for her to record.
Be Strong
The sixth track, final single and another personal entry on the album, as it was written by Goodrem in support of her good friend and fellow cancer sufferer, Belinda Emmett, an Australian actress (who sadly lost her own battle with breast cancer in 2006). Interestingly, this single was released as a digital download, which at the time weren’t included as part of the main Australian Singles Charts, and was therefore ineligible to chart. This single also had a more limited release, in comparison to the other singles from this album.
Electric Storm
The seventh track and halfway point of the album, Electric Storm, is a fan favourite as it allows Goodrem’s vocals to reach a higher register, and provides a more dramatic image and vibe. Lyrically it speaks of a turbulent, high-stakes relationship, and love in the public eye, and the scrutiny she faced about her relationship with McFadden.
Almost Here
The eighth track and third single of the album, and Goodrem’s first duet, with Irish singer and her-then partner, Brian McFadden, Almost Here, is an interesting melancholic pop ballad, about a relationship on the verge of collapse. Whilst it was written by McFadden, Goodrem was not involved in the writing process of this track, and was the only track on the album not written by her.
Miscommunication
The ninth track of the album, Miscommunication is an interesting departure from Goodrem’s usually piano-based signature songs, with it musically leaning into blues and jazz, with electronic elements. Lyrically, it speaks about the frustration of poor communication in a relationship. Goodrem described the track as “funky” and “old school” sounding.
Sanctuary
The tenth track of the album, Sanctuary is another entry on the album that talks about her Hodgkin Lymphoma’s ordeal, specifically the emotional support system she had, that helped her cope and survive, and served as a ‘thank you’ song for that support system. Goodrem described it as a “laidback” and “easy listening” track.
Last Night on Earth
The eleventh track of the album, Last Night on Earth, is a track about death and love, exploring the intersection of love and mortality, how fragile life is, and the importance of expressing love whilst there is still time. This is another highly regarded song due to its pop rock energy and Goodrem’s vocal delivery.
Fragile
The twelfth track of the album and a more raw and stripped back one, with only the piano being played by Goodrem, as she sings the powerful lyrics that explore extreme vulnerability. Goodrem in fact described this track as the “vulnerable track.”
Disorientated
The penultimate track of the album, Disorientated, is a more experimental track with spoken word sections, classical influence, and layered vocals. Lyrically, it speaks of an identity crisis, panic and anxiety, and accepting the unknown. Goodrem described it as the “rambling thoughts coming out” track.
You Are My Rock
The final track of the album, You Are My Rock, is known as a “thank you” song from Goodrem. She mentioned on her track by track feature on the Mistaken Identity DVD that it was for a “special friend”. However, in later years, she has mentioned it being a thank you song to her brother, Trent. The track serves as an uplifting, peaceful, and positive note to end the darker album on.
Nobody Listened (Hidden Track)
A hidden track playing after a short silence at the end of You Are My Rock, Nobody Listened is an intense and defiant track, filled with anger, and has been interpreted as a response to the intense media scrutiny and public pressure she faced, during the success of her previous album, and during her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma treatment. The track’s hidden nature was hinted at in the lyric booklet included in the album. Interestingly, she didn’t talk about it on the track by track video on the Mistaken Identity DVD.
Alternative versions of Mistaken Identity
The international version of the album re-ordered the tracks Sanctuary from tenth to fourth, Extraordinary Day from fourth to eleventh, Electric Storm from seventh to tenth, and Last Night on Earth from eleventh to seventh. Disorientated and You Are My Rock were listed as bonus tracks on the international version.
My ranking of Mistaken Identity’s tracks:
My ranking of Mistaken Identity’s tracks can be found below, in order from my least to most favourite, based on my personal preference.
15. Miscommunication – This track ranks in last for me as its musical tone and lyrics feel out of place, in comparison to the other tracks on the album. It’s even a little too literal in some parts, one notable part being Goodrem requesting a new computer.
14. Disorientated – This track comes in second-last for similar reasons. It’s eclectic, random and tonally all over the place, to the point that it can be hard to follow along. However, it doesn’t come completely last as it’s lyrically more powerful and poignant than Miscommunication.
13. A Little Too Late – This track is clearly the ‘happy song’ of the album, which makes it feel all the more out of place, in comparison to the darker tracks on the album. In all honesty, it feels like a song that would have fitted in better on the previous album.
12. Almost Here – Whilst this is a beautiful duet and a solid debut duet for Goodrem as an artist, it ranks lower on this list for me due to the fact that it wasn’t penned by Goodrem, and she doesn’t appear on the track until nearly one minute into it. I do appreciate that the track talks about a relationship collapse, a more mature romantic theme for Goodrem’s album, in comparison to her tracks on her previous album, which talked about love from a more teenage lens.
11. Sanctuary – This is a beautiful song with a more upbeat and eclectic sound, with Goodrem’s vocal prowess on display. However, it ranks a little low on this list due to its lyrics becoming more repetitive towards the end.
10. Out of the Blue – An optimistic and strong opening on what goes on to become a dark album, Out of the Blue shows the importance of not only support from a loved one, but also the double blessing of unexpected support during a tough time. I love the rise and fall of the track. The reason why it ranks lower on this list for me is due to its length and slower tempo.
9. Nobody Listened – This gem of a hidden track on the album perfectly shows Goodrem’s understandable frustration and anger during what I imagine was the most difficult time of her life. This is a side of herself that Goodrem doesn’t show very often, actually I’m not confident she’s shown this side of herself again. The quicker tempo and dramatic delivery of the lyrics makes me think of songs you’d hear in a theatre show or dramatic musical. I’d like to know why this track was hidden, but if I had to guess, I’d say that the angry tone may have been unwelcome by the record label, and may have been viewed as “too dark or extreme.”
8. You Are My Rock – The final track of the album and a good optimistic note to end the album on, I enjoyed the musicality of this track, and despite it being a tribute to specific people, this track could easily be universally applied to all listeners. This song gives a “smile through tears” kind of vibe, and shows off Goodrem’s vocal prowess.
7. Mistaken Identity – The album’s namesake, and a dark, alternative theatrical pop song, this track speaks to listeners as to where Goodrem’s mind and feelings were at during this time of her life. Goodrem’s skills, both as a singer and songwriter, were on full display, as she shed her old identity and embraced the new one.
6. The Analyst – The second track and the first track of the album to dip its toes into the darker territory that the album is known for, The Analyst is a beautiful song that explores anxiety and self-reflection that many could relate to. I personally enjoy this track, but it ranks around the middle of the pack for me, as it’s a good but not necessarily a standout track.
5. Fragile – A beautiful and powerful stripped back track, with Goodrem’s vocal prowess on display. There’s nothing bad about this track, it ranks in fifth for me purely due to personal preference.
4. Be Strong – a beautiful tribute to a friend and also a universal song, it’s a simplistic and strong (no pun intended) track that showcases its musicality and Goodrem’s vocal power. I’ve personally always loved this song and found it relatable, but it ranks in fourth due to my personal preference.
3. Electric Storm – A fiery track about a high stakes love and relationship. I loved the dark and dramatic energy of the track, and Goodrem’s vocal prowess on display. This is another track that I’ve always loved, but it ranks in third place for me, due to the stronger poignancy of the content of the top two tracks.
2. Last Night on Earth – Another track I love, it’s raw, personal and powerful, and sends a reminder to every listener about the fragility of life, and the importance of telling a loved one that you love them. The musicality was smooth and beautiful, as was Goodrem’s vocals.
1. Extraordinary Day – This song ranks in first place for me as it goes to the heart of the album’s content – Goodrem’s cancer diagnosis – specifically the day she was diagnosed. Whilst The Analyst dipped its toes into the water of darker content, this track dives right in, with a strong musical start by using pianos and strings to set the mood, providing an eerie vibe.
My final thoughts:
Goodrem stated that Innocent Eyes was like a diary from when she was a teenager, this album is also a diary, a diary of her cancer battle, and what a diary it was.
The album shows a darker side of Goodrem as an artist, and despite her saying in later years on reflection that the album felt rushed, I feel it was an album that needed to come out. Mistaken Identity, both the track and the album as a whole, talks about Goodrem changing as a person, and provides an insight into that change and how it affected her. It’s a time capsule of one of the most successful Australian artists of all time going through the lowest moment of her life, and how at the end, she starts to come through the other side.
Whilst there were the usual three or so tracks that felt tonally out of place, this album had a more consistent vibe and tone throughout, in comparison with Innocent Eyes.
Towards the end of the album, Goodrem is lyrically showing us that she is starting to heal from the experience, I’m looking forward to seeing her as an artist completely healed in her next album.
What are your thoughts on Mistaken Identity? What are your favourite tracks? Feel free to let me know your answers to these questions and any other thoughts you have on the album, by leaving a comment below.
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