Kylie Minogue Album: “Kylie X”

After Body Language, I was left a little disenchanted by the direction that Kylie had chosen to take with her music. "Body Language" was a little too "Americanized" for my taste - I live in America and prefer the sound of Europe! Kylie's newest endeavor, "X" is just what I have been waiting for. It's everything I was hoping it would be; more glittery, sugar coated dance pop. The tracks on this album remind me of her "Fever" album, which is my favorite Kylie album (and yes, I live in Oklahoma and I have her entire catalog beginning with her debut "Kylie". ) My love affair with Kylie started back in 87 when I first heard her version of "Locomotion" and I knew I was hooked with "Got to be Certain." For all of you newbies to Kylie's catalog, I strongly suggest starting with "Ultimate Kylie." and "Confide in Me - The Irresistable Kylie Minogue." If you want modern Kylie, go with "X." It's like Kylie's "Fever" meets Madonna's "Confessions on a Dance Floor." It's danceable, listenable and just plain, pure, sugar coated pop-perfection. I can't wait for the release of "White Diamond/Showgirl Homecoming!"

No other pop artist (including her most obvious rival, Madonna, who I'm a fan of) has made as many great albums in a row as Kylie Minogue. She's often referred to as diminutive, as a less-than-perfect vocalist, and more about her looks than the music. While these descriptions aren't totally inaccurate - the visual aspect is intrinsic to her craft, as can be said about the likes of Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson (if you haven't seen any of her live dvds, you've just got to) - there is just no denying how great her albums have been. Ever since the Kylie Minogue album, when she broke from the teeny-bop formula and image and began to create her own voice, she's been absolutely unstoppable. Kylie Minogue, Impossible Princess, Light Years, Fever, Body Language -- even the two songs used to pad the Ultimate Kylie hits collection proved to be two of her best singles.

And now there's X. Following her public break-up and even more public (successful) struggle with cancer, Kylie isn't thrown off for a moment. "2 Hearts" is another in a long run of instant-classic singles and kicks off the album on the right note. And it all flows from there (sequenced well, I'd liken it to Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor in that regard). I particularly like "No More Rain," "All I See," and "Stars," around 3/4 of the way through the cd. I'll be interested to see which songs are chosen to be singles, as there are a few that I think would do well.

The beats are modern throughout, the songs melodic, positively sparkling. Whatever system she's got for collaborating with different producers and songwriters, it's working. This album is a cohesive, grooving group of songs that doesn't let up for the full 45 minutes. Another absolute winner.

After 2 Hearts was released, I honestly did not know what to expect. 2 Hearts in my opinion was not the best choice for a lead single, and I feared the rest of the CD would sound similar. Thankfully, I was wrong.

Here is how I rated each song:

1) 2 Hearts (4/5) - Well, I think it's finally starting to grow on me - I kind of dig those high pitched "ooohhhs" in the chorus.

2) Like A Drug (5/5) - I instantly loved this catchy pop song which is very dancefloor friendly - I hope it's the follow-up single.

3) In My Arms (5/5) - This one's also ready for the radio and would be an excellent choice for a single.

4) Speakerphone (4.5/5) - Make sure to turn up the volume on this little funky sounding musical gem. It sounds better after several plays.

5) Sensitized (5/5) - This mid-tempo pop gem is also very catchy and single worthy.

6) Heart Beat Rock (5/5) - Another fun and funky song that makes me wanna keep moving.

7) The One (4/5) - This is a pleasant pop song that has a great beginning; but the rest of the song isn't as strong.

8) No More Rain (10/5) - This in my opinion is the best pop song on the CD, and I sure hope Kylie or Parlophone will consider releasing it as a single.

9) All I see (4/5) - This slightly slower paced song is also pleasant - but nothing extraordinary.

10) Stars (4.5/5) - Here's a fun pop song that's also very radio friendly.

11) WOW (4/5) - I've seen other reviewers give this song rave reviews. Personally, I think there are much stronger offerings on this CD. It's not a bad song - but I find the "WOW WOW WOW WOWs" kinda cheesy. But it's catchy and starting to grow on me (hence the 4 rating).

12) NU-DI-TY (4.5/5) - This little sizzler takes a few listens to get you going; but, it's another funky little ditty that keeps getting better after each listen.

13) Cosmic (4.5/5) - This mid-paced introspective ballad is the slowest song on the CD, and is a nice and suitable way to end off a great CD.

All in all - GREAT POP CD 5/5 - definitely recommended to Kylie fans and other fans of pop music.

I've listened to this album only once but am already astounded and very pleased; this is simply a brilliant outing and a whole lot of fun. Leading with the big splashy single "Two Hearts" the album leads moves quickly away from glam and onto disco, R&B, and a little bit of everything else under the sun. Though clearly lacking cohesiveness, the album is clearly, and lovingly covering ground that she's already touched on her other 9 albums. There's definitely shades of Fever and Body Language but also goes back further including tinges of her SAW years and revisits Kylie's biggest achievement, Light Years, on more than several occasion. Clearly there are many players pulling the strings here and the breadth of the album may be too broad for many, but there are so many shimmering moments of pop joy, the appeal of this album just can't be denied. If ALL I SEE isn't released as aUS single I would say that clearly her record company is being run by idiots; it's an absolutely fabulous R&B ditty drawing deep comparisons to Janet's Velvet Rope era and it's probably the best moment on the album.

I have nothing against Kylie, but this CD was not my cup of tea. Over produced and under-sung, all these songs sounded just about the same--and that's not a good thing. I am utterly perplexed as to these 5-star and 4-star ratings. This reminded me somewhat of Stacey Q, but (if you can believe this) not as good.

Not recommended.