TLDR
I wanted to love this album, but I have to say —it wasn’t for me. But it was really interesting to learn about Kylie, and think about why I like the dance/electronic musicians I do like (not as much nasal singing, collabs with epic house DJs like Tiesto, Alesso etc so the beats are great). Overall the album was too bubble gum for what I wanted, and the beats weren’t strong enough to stand on their own. 🙈
At times songs reminded me of Katy Perry, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Tove Lo, Spice Girls, S Club 7.
This Pitchfork review put this whole album and Kylie’s vibe in such clear context — she’s peter pan and she owns it. “Minogue’s art is surface — fabulously so…Unlike Janet Jackson or Madonna, who sought to reveal fresh aspects of their psychology with each new release, the fiercely private Minogue has often opted to present herself at face value, even as she’s navigated intense personal upheaval…To read too deeply into the lyrics of a megahit like “Padam Padam” would be an insult, so consider its charm: The single, which defied industry expectations, became an officially sanctioned Pride anthem, sparked dialogue about ageism on UK radio, and dominated the summer off the back of a million TikToks, is a testament to how invigorating and multifaceted the effect of the singer’s music can still be.”
Hot Takes
Padam Padam — I have to admit that I was kinda meh on this song when I first heard it as a single, but it’s grown on me. I wonder what NYC clubs look like when this song comes on…
Hold on to Now — I love the falling pattern on ‘trippin the line’ ‘tryin to shine’. Love that you know there’s a drop coming in the beginning.
Things we do for Love — I really want to watch an interview with Kylie Minogue after listening to these first two songs. I know Kylie is an older star, and these songs felt like such young people themes, so I’m wondering if she’s a forever young Peter Pan type? Or does she know the role she plays for her audience? Or has she not evolved despite trying? Or maybe I’m just being agist and should stop forcing themes and sounds into a young and old bucket…
Tension — Love the line ‘can we do it all again’. Parts of the end of this “you say forever, I say whenever’ reminded me of Katy Perry
One more time — Not as into this one, I want to skip the rest of it
You Still get me High — I like the talking sound she starts with and the ‘slow down’ line. Chorus kinda reminds me of Doja Cats singing style. Meh on this one. This album feels too bubble gum for what I wanted :/ not sure where I got this expectation. Like spice girls
Hands — spice girls vibes??
Green light — more Doja cat, smooth beats just rolling and repetitive
Vegas high — I wonder if my expectations are higher for singers of dance music bc Dua Lipa and Tove Lo (and others but those come to mind) are such fantastic singers AND they collaborate with Electronic musicians/DJs instead of making their own beats??
10 out of 10 — meh
Story — I liked the verse and then was disappointed by the chorus
Love train — meh again
Just imagine — this sounds good to start! Curious about drop..so far the dampened cymbal / tambourine sounds cool…no drop?! Surprising
Somebody to love — sounds good, I like this one the most potentially???
