Kylie's latest release comes after criticism that her last offering, 'X', didn't quite cut the mustard. Mingoue's fiercely loyal gay fan base made public their disappointment, climaxing with pro-Kylie UK gay mag 'Attitude', suggesting that the pop Princess had perhaps lost her way.
I am indeed guilty of adding my voice to that chorus of discontent (read my original blog post here), with my biggest criticism being that 'X' lacked a cohesive structure, evident in earlier releases. Instead, it seemed to be a mis-match of songs from 'it' producers and song writers of the day, with the misguided view that 'many cooks maketh a Kylie masterpiece'.
Two years on then, and the pressure for Kylie to get it right is understandably huge. 'Aphrodite' is Minogue's 11th studio album and it appears from the word go, she has listened to her critics and addressed the failings of her last project. Stuart Price (a la Madonna 'Confessions') was hired as executive producer to give the album that common thread that was so lacking on 'X'. So far so good, and on the first few listens of 'Aphrodite' it seems that this strategy has paid dividends.
Lead single 'All The Lover's' kicks off proceedings. This joyful number was produced by Jim Eliot with additional production by Price. The highlight of the track comes after the second chorus when we break down into Kylie's vocal before reaching a euphoric middle eight climax. 'All The Lovers' is the perfect choice for lead single, it showcases what the rest of the album has to offer without giving too much away.
Next up is second single, 'Get Out of my Way'. A dance-floor anthem if I have ever heard one, with typically coquette lyrics from La Minogue. 'Put Your Hands Up' follows in a similar vein. Potential single material here again with that 'call to the floor' quality, albeit on safe territory.
'Closer' is the first main departure of the album. The electro/harpsichord intro gives the track a quirky yet familiar feel, which works surprisingly well in the context of the rest of the collection. 'Everything is Beautiful' shifts the mood again and this time we slip down a gear. Penned by Tim Rice-Oxley from Keane fame, 'Everything is Beautiful' is possibly one of the albums more mature moments.
The title track 'Aphrodite' rocks. If not for the immortal line 'Can you feel me on the stereo', then for the fierce 'don't mess with me' chorus. This song surely rivals anything Gaga is currently doing and as such deserves a single release. The same can't be said about 'Illusion' which somewhat fades into insignificance after the mighty 'Aphrodite'.
'Better Than Today' is another potential single, sounding more Scissor Sisters than the next track 'Too Much', the long anticipated Minogue/Jake Shears/Calvin Harris collaboration. 'Too Much' is already a fan favourite and clearly has potential as a monster dance hit, as does 'Cupid Boy' which probably out of the two, offers the biggest thrill, despite perhaps not being as radio friendly as 'Too Much'.
'Looking For An Angel' is one of the albums weaker moments, simply because it doesn't match up to the feel of what has come before. Finally we have 'Can't Beat The Feeling'. Big synth intro - check. Ecstasy inducing lyrics - check. Minogue school of philosophy ('there doesn't have to be a reason, there doesn't have to be a why') - check. Vocoder laden middle eight - check. The result is one of those pure moments of joy that only Kylie excels at. 'Can't Beat The Feeling' may not be single material, but like 'Enjoy Yourself, 'Rhythm of Love' and 'Light Years' before it, its one of those quintessential album tracks that just make you smile.
And what about the bonus tracks? The itunes 'Experience Edition' comes with 'Mighty Rivers'. Whilst it may be 'Mighty' by name, it certainly doesn't pack the punch experienced elsewhere, however it is pleasant enough with it's quasi 80's oriental feel. Amazon offer 'Go Hard or Go Home' and this piece of pop trickery fares better. It takes the listener on a 2010 pop journey, from it's acoustic intro, via shaky territory that is R&B lite, through to a pure dance chorus. Finally, we have 'Heartstrings' the Japanese version bonus track. This is by far the strongest of the three - a solid mature pop song in the same vein as 'Everything is Beautiful'.
In conclusion, 'Aphrodite' is the return to form that fans were expecting (cue huge sigh of relief). It's certainly Kylie's most coherent and consistent offer since 'Fever', and whilst that is great in terms of an overall listening experience, it is vital that Parlophone select those singles that demonstrates the multi -faceted dimension of this collection (Aphrodite and Better Than Today), rather than sticking to the tried and tested 'safe' dance anthems.
Tracklisting
All The Lovers
Get Out Of My Way
Put Your Hands Up
Closer
Closer
Everything Is Beautiful
Aphrodite
Illusion
Better Than Today
Too Much
Cupid Boy
Looking For An Angel
Can't Beat The Feeling
Bonus Tracks
Mighty Rivers (i-tunes Experience Edition)
Go Hard or Go Home (Amazon bonus track)
Heartstrings (Japansese bonus track)
