Kylie - Tension

****1/2

Kylie steps it up to the extreme

Has it really been thirty five years since the bubble gum Pop sensation, Miss Kylie Minogue’s first album. And only three years since her last studio album 'Disco' (2020). 'Tension' is Kylie’s sixteenth studio album release, which sees the Pop princess return to the concept of 1980’s Pop. Written and produced in collaboration with various writers and produces including Richard Biff Stannard (Producer of East 17 and 2wo Third3) Kylie and her team certainly show they know how to capture the high energy, Pop, Dance mix perfectly.  

The first single 'Padam, Padam' a hypnotic Electro Pop Dance, internet sensation, that hit the UK top ten without initially being play listed on the major stations.Catapulted Kylie back into the hearts and minds of her massive fan base. In doing so it makes Kylie the fourth female solo artist to have top ten singles in five decades, the other three being Lulu, Diana Ross and Cher. So, it’s no surprise that it opens the album and hints of the varied Pop tunes that follow.  

The second release and title track, 'Tension' wasn’t the instant hit, but turns out to be a grower. Scoring another top twenty UK hit with its house music and sexual contentions. Sandwiched between the two is the third single 'Hold on to Now', which again alludes to a synth driven, honest song writing, reminiscent Swedish Pop star Robyn. By the time you hit 'Tension' your four tracks in and nearly halfway and it’s not difficult to note that this is arguable Kylie at her best. 

A personal favourite '10 out of 10' is a pure 80’s night club flashback, with its repetitive hard handbag chants and Kylie's vocal confidently sliding through. Whilst others have picked 'Green Light' or 'You still get me High' as their favourites, both strong Pop songs that would sit comfortably in a 80’s hits compilation. 'Vegas High' hints at Kylie's next venture, to me is the only contrived track on the album, although like all the tracks on the album its supper catchy.  

The Vinyl release in various colours is a eleven track euphonic throwback collection, with the CD deluxe edition adding a further three tracks. Mario even gets a mention on 'Love Train' along with the tuneful “whoo who” train sounds. 'Somebody to Love' hits new highs and I struggle to see why this is a bonus track, it could easily slot into the general release. Promotion for the album included headlining the Radio 2 Big Weekend, along with a Sold Out!!! audience with concert at the Royal Albert Hall in December. It also saw a pop-up shop at the old Tower Records store in Piccadilly Circus, which saw fans queue for two hours plus to get their hands on various limited-edition merchandise. Of course, we can’t get a way without mentioning her not so secret Las Vegas residency.  

Kylie 'Tension' the extended mixes is released on splatted vinyl on the 08th of December, 2023 and Kylie remastered 35th Anniversary is released 24th November, 2023 on neon pink and aquamarine clear vinyl. 'Tensions' first three singles are released on 7” vinyl on the 08th December, 2023  You can buy all these from Townsend Music on this link: https://Music.Kylie.com/product/124444

 Review by Peter Stevenson

Check Out! the Video for 'Padam, Padam' Below...