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Pop Turns IneXplicable on Minogue’s latest |
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Written by LUKAS SZYMANEK
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
Kylie Minogue brings nothing new to the pop table with her latest studio album X. Finally being released in the states courteous of iTunes, this time the result comes with the most surprisingly misguided urgency. If the letter X stands for the unknown, then her album’s title could not be more spot-on.
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Kylie Minogue
|  Entertainment
 Art
"X"
(EMI)
Released February 12, 2008
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After battling cancer in 2005, I suppose one ought to be grateful she did not go on a life-reaffirming sonic trip, a la Melissa Etheridge. But then from a music pro of the glitziest mainstream caliber, one would expect a lot more than a mish-mash of masterly produced, but completely unoriginal and inconsistent material, that sounds more like a collection of average B-sides from the artist’s past eras.
Whether it was 2001’s Fever’s catchy electronic club-ready offerings, or 2003’s Body Language’s 80’s inspired pop candy, Minogue always seemed successful in capitalizing on radio trends and creating cohesive material, that managed to speak a certain musical point of view. This time around, rather than trying to find whatever second layer there may still be to the current pop and dance sound, Minogue goes the easy way, and track after track simply rips off every other diva out there.
There’s the painfully Goldfrapp-esque sounding first single “2 Hearts.” With the familiar beat, the lyrics (“I’m in love! I’m in love!”... “Strict Machine,” anyone?) right down to the video, I’m surprised Allison Goldfrapp did not sue for plagiarism (there’s still time). There’s the Britney Spears-reeking “Like a Drug,” and desperate Gwen Stefani wannabe “Heart Beat Rock.” “Speakerphone” could very well be one of Madonna’s “Confessions.” The boring obligatory ballad “Cosmic” and embarrassing “Nu-di-ty” are tragic closers to what could be one of the most uninspired pop records of recent years, in a genre not that complicated or demanding to begin with.
If there’s to be any redeeming qualities to X, it’s when Minogue is sort of listening to her inner musical gut. “Wow” is so tacky and 90’s disco ball sparkling, you almost fail to realize it is the great classic Minogue sound. And it actually works. “The One” and "In My Arms" are also relatively strong by sticking to the artist’s straightforward dance formula. “Sensitized” brings a certain unexpected punch with a gripping melody and sweeping arrangement.
The last track, “Magnetic Electric,” is the only one I was honestly impressed with. How unfortunate Minogue didn’t let this song dictate the shape and sound of the rest of the entire record. Inexplicably, the track is only a US iTunes bonus. And it very well just may be fitting; its quality does not fit onto X anyway. |
QB
Written by Guest on 2008-02-28 08:03:24
That review is spot on and totally consistent with the ones the album received in the UK and Oz, her main territories (unfortunately for us in the UK). | :)
Written by Guest on 2008-02-28 17:53:39
I love this album, can't wait till it's released in the states! | Written by Guest on 2008-02-28 19:41:33
Wow. I have read a lot of reviews on Kylie's new album "X" and not only is this the first negative one, it is also the first unfair one ("one of the most uninspired pop albums in recent years"). Yes, I am a Kylie fan but c'mon! Any way, listen for yourself but I say that this is a classic modern pop-dance CD and her best since 1997's "Impossible Princess".
And if you were wanting post-cancer misery, listen to Carly Simon's 2000 recording "Bedroom Tapes" and you will quickly change your mind (and jump off of a bridge). | don't put her down!
Written by Guest on 2008-02-29 09:50:58
aren't you being a bit harsh with kylie saying "X" sounds like a collection of b-sides? I think "X" is a good album and the beauty of it is that it has different styles of songs and still sounds great... after being diagnosed with cancer i think it's normal kylie wanted to have fun again and not sing depressing songs, she'll do that when she feels the need! Let her be and do whatever she wants and if you have nothing good to say then keep it to yourself. | aaa
Written by Guest on 2008-02-29 12:21:25
Even though there isnt really any thing substantially new on the album, it is still probaly better than fever. the reasons why is because there are so many songs that are possible singles, i also think the one and in my arms are brilliant. however this album lacks a song like cant get you out of my head, which for many respects made the success of the album fever. | Written by Guest on 2008-02-29 13:34:37
Fever is Kylie's best album to date and actually my opinion one of the greatest albums of all time. I had high exceptions with X, but it just didn't deliver at all. I'll pray and hope that Kylie Makes another Album in the future like fever or better than fever. | Written by Guest on 2008-03-01 22:54:59
the B-sides from X are heavens better than what made the actual LP cut. for everyone who thinks X is a good album, try finding tracks like "Cherry bomb," "Rippin' up the disco," "Fall for you," or "Lose control.," and try explaining how in the showbiz they got passed on for the likes of "Cosmic," or "No more rain"
-Lukas Szymanek | Phew
Written by Guest on 2008-03-03 08:40:22
This is one of the numerous negative reviews Bottom line is she is and always was the epitome of minor talent getting far omn being average dull and boring.Not worth reviewing imo.It is underacheiving in UK despite being the most promoted album in history. Any one saying otherwise is some self deluded cult worshipping fan desperate to prove theri devotion and meaningless in terms of objective crit. |
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Other Recent Articles by LUKAS SZYMANEK:Losing the Battle, Winning the Glory BoxLadytron Delivers PerfectionStrict Machine, UnpluggedKiller B-Sides Are So So"Ain’t Talking Shit About a Pretty Damn Good Concert"
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