Kylie Minogue - X

Some treasures and some duds, X doesn’t quite mark the spot

If, after a battle with breast cancer and a painfully public break up, you expected Kylie’s new album to be bursting with heartbreaking ballads then you’re in for a surprise. The pop icon’s first studio album in over four years had been dubbed X by fans during recording, so was officially christened this when it came to choosing the name. The 13 songs were recorded between London, Stockholm and Ibiza, with the clubbing capital a major influence on this dance-heavy collection, which could at times be mistaken as an offering from sister Dannii. 2 Hearts is an impressive start: perfectly polished pop paying more than a little homage to the 80s and sounding better with every listen. Other strong tracks include Sensitized, written and produced by pop dream team Guy Chambers and Cathy Dennis, and Heart Beat Rock, produced by DJ du jour, Calvin Harris. On the whole, though, X never really ventures away from the dance thread, and the songs can start to sound a little similar. The princess of pop has many personas, and if “Dance Kylie” is one of your favourites, then you’ll be wowed. If you prefer a different alter ego, then you’ll probably be left wishing for a little more variety.

Parlophone | 513 9522

Reviewed by Kirsty Doolan
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