Back in 1988, I was given a free ticket to the Bicentennial Concert in Sydney. On that night, I watched a young soap star called Kylie Minogue perform a version of the Little Eva hit, “The Locomotion.” I didn’t know it at the time, but her music was going to become the soundtrack to some of the best nights of my life. Over time, I became like Kathy Bates in Misery – “Kylie? I’m your number 1 fan” – only without the hobbling and ankle breaking. 35 years later, Kylie has just dropped her 16th studio album, “Tension,” which is a euphoric celebration of pop music and, well, everything that’s Kylie. I mean, you can never have enough sequins in life or electropop, can you?
So, what’s it like? Well, “Tension” is full of catchy tunes that blend dance Kylie of the 1990s with the occasional 1980s disco/funk beat, giving the album more than a touch of nostalgia. Kylie is in fine voice, delivering lyrics that are personal and every now and then sexy, and that occasionally give a nod to past hits like “Spinning Around” and “Made in Heaven.” Even her song “Slow” gets a mention. “Tension” is an album that will make you dance around the lounge room, sing out loud while hard-boiling an egg, and clap your hands in the air like you just-don’t-care in the shower. Ultimately, you’ll feel rejuvenated, like you’ve been to a day spa in Daylesford after listening to it.
“Tension” is also a love song to all of Kylie’s loyal fans (like me) around the globe who have stuck by her for life. Well, at least for 35 years. If you’ve danced to one of Kylie’s songs late at night, maybe at a place like The Peel Hotel, then I reckon Kylie’s “Tension” is made for you, and you will love it. But don’t just take my word for it. “Tension” has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Here are just a few. 😊
- Pitchfork gave the album a 7.3 out of 10, calling it “the most relaxed of her recent LPs and by far the best, a return to form.”
- Rolling Stone awarded the album four out of five stars, calling it ‘brilliantly good fun.’
- Retropop reported that the music “exudes joy and sees the pop legend not only genuinely energized but also delivering her strongest vocals in a long time.”
- The Guardian awarded the album four stars out of five, stating that “after this summer’s mega-hit single (Padam Padam), Kylie Minogue remains firmly on the dancefloor – and the 1980s – with this largely irresistible set of disco and R&B cuts.”
And finally, last but not least, my rating.
Well, as you know I’ve been a fan for a long time. Kylie and I have been through makeups and breakups together. She’s had bad hairdo days, while I’ve had no hair days. So, for that reason, and after listening to “Tension” a couple of times, I’m going to give the album ten out of ten.
Energy – 10.
Music – 10.
Pop – 10.
Kylie – 10.
“Tension” celebrates Kylie’s past, particularly the early 1990s, but also looks firmly towards her future. Remember, her Las Vegas (High) residency is just around the corner. It’s an album that will have you dancing in the streets and make you love Kylie Minogue even more than you probably do already! Tension is out now.
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