Underrated Song II: Daniel Bedingfield’s “If You’re Not The One”

“If You’re Not the One” by Daniel Bedingfield is underrated. There, I said it. Released in 2002, the songs tells the story of someone who is deeply in love but worries about whether their partner is the right one for them. Bedingfield’s emotional voice brings out a feeling of vulnerability and hope that most everyone has experienced at least once in their life. The lyrics express a desire to be with someone, while also questioning if they are truly meant to be together. [Come on now, how often are we drawn to something or someone that may not be right for us?]

Bedingfield is a British singer-songwriter known for his pop and R&B music. Born on December 3, 1979, in Auckland, New Zealand, he first brush with fame came in the early 2000s with his debut single, Gotta Get Thru This. Talent runs in the family as his younger sister, Natasha Bedingfield is a Grammy award nominee singer. Daniel was in a terrible car accident in 2004 that changed the course of his life. After this accident, he was quoted as saying, “I did the pop star thing from nine years old till 24, I really was very focused and then I had a car crash and I suddenly realized the first memory when I woke up is I’d like to try something very different.” More than twenty years after his debut success with Gotta Get Thru This, Daniel recently returned to touring earlier this year.

Back to the underrated song. The song reached #1 on the UK Billboard chart and #15 on the US chart. The melody is gentle and heartfelt, making it easy to connect with. “If You’re Not the One” expresses the complex feelings surrounding romance, but does it in a clear and rather simple way. That’s a credit to the lyrics, penned by Mr. Bedingfield himself. The song remains a favorite for its sincerity and depth, as well as for the voice. Let’s give credit where it’s due, Daniel Bedingfield can sing!