Review: ‘Tension’ By Kylie Minogue

Liv Thomson

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Pop sensation Kylie Minogue is back with a new studio album, Tension, released in the UK on September 22, 2023. It is the 16th in her untouchable discography. 

Building the Tension

Within one week of its release, Tension had charted at Number 1 in both the UK and Australia.

Lead single ‘Padam Padam’ quickly became a bona fide Pride anthem and a smash summer hit, as well as a viral TikTok trend.

The second single, title track ‘Tension’, hit UK charts on August 31st. Its pumping electronic bass sound and catchy chorus gives listeners a taste as to what to expect from the rest of the album.

@iamcontron

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♬ Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue

This album is the singer’s first since ‘DISCO’ in 2020, which saw the Australian diva foray into “concept” music, quite unlike her treasured signature brand of EDM synth-pop. Though Kylie never viewed ‘DISCO’ as a concept album, and while it was well-received at the time, it notably does not evoke that “this is Kylie” feeling.

Breaking the Tension

Tension, however, absolutely does. There’s no doubt that it embodies everything that Kylie herself is: fun, energetic, and so at home in her music that it’s hard not to be drawn in by it. You can hear the smile in her voice. Right from the beginning, you can’t help but surrender to the escape she is offering you. Her sexiest album since ‘X’ in 2007, Tension takes the listener on a whirlwind journey of sex, love, hope, and belief, all experienced through the lens of electronic synth-pop that’s sweet enough to eat.

“It’s her unwavering prosperity for self-belief that lies at the centre of this track”

The album’s first four tracks are arguably the album’s strongest. ‘Hold on To Now’ and ‘Things We Do for Love’ are daringly hopeful and completely joyous, with the latter leaving the listener feeling like they’re in the final, thrilling stretch of a marathon, running to the beat.

‘Vegas High’ is likely a nod to Kylie’s upcoming residency at Volatire, which admittedly makes it feel a little calculated, though the fun can be found within it. ‘Story’ is a compelling performance, the high notes belted with all the confidence of a music legend. The song hints at the pop diva’s personal struggles, but it’s her unwavering propensity for self-belief that lies at the centre of this track.

Ain’t Nothing Better

What is remarkable overall is the album’s cohesiveness. Key themes of magic, cinema, and stars permeate the story of Tension from start to finish. There is never one element stronger than another. Rather, they all work together to form the final product.

And, of course, the key ingredient tying the whole album together? Love. It wouldn’t be a Kylie record without it.

https://twitter.com/popbuzz/status/1710010717837943116

Reading too deeply into the lyrics may make them cringe-inducing at times. Occasionally, they fall on the wrong side of camp, verging on theatrical ridiculousness. This is true of tracks like ‘Love Train’ and ’10 out of 10′, where the 80s-pop hooks lack the rapturous feel of the previous tracks.

“Its celebratory feel affords the listener one final dance”

However, this is hardly noticeable. The persistent magnetism of this album is its enduring capacity for energy. In this respect, it more than excels. Love is this album’s beating heart, and its effect is palpable.

‘Somebody to Love’ is the record’s final triumph, maintaining the album’s blend of romantic optimism right to the very end. Its celebratory feel affords the listener one final dance (and yes, you will find yourself wanting to).

Call Me Ky-lie-lie-lie

After 16 albums, Kylie still commands an utterly beguiling presence. She remains dynamic in a way that most other long-term artists are unable to sustain.

‘Kylie’, as a concept in and of herself, represents change, and the unfettered ability to grow and reflect the music of the modern day. She can do all of this — be everything, for everyone — while still being fundamentally Kylie. It is why she remains so relevant today, even after 40+ years in the industry.

It is probably also why her fanbase still comprises large swathes of the younger generation. You would be hard-pressed to find a teenager who didn’t know who Kylie Minogue was.

For all her theatre and Barbie-esque beauty, it’s Kylie’s humanity that sets her apart. Since her “girl next door” days as Charlene in Australian soap Neighbours, Kylie has always possessed an innate expertise in connecting with her audience in a way that is meaningful and true. It is perhaps for this reason, most of all, that she is regarded as one of the most ineffably powerful pop artists in history.

Listen to Tension now on all streaming platforms.

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Featured image courtesy of marcen27 on Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.