★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
The season finale of 2020 is fast approaching.
For her impressive fifteenth studio album, Kylie Minogue hangs up her cowboy hat and rhinestone boots for Disco, a technicolor explosion of spirited vibes and 70s psychedelic aesthetic.
As she did with 2018s country-influenced Golden, the artist effortlessly commands unexplored genre territory as she guides listeners to the dancefloor to shake off any feelings of doubt and despair.
The end result is a temporary escape from reality, to an interstellar dance party where love and exploration reign supreme.
Preceded by "Say Something" and "Magic", both critically-acclaimed, Minogue wraps herself in luscious synths and electro-pop stylings as she sings of hope, strength, and having a grand time. Earning his first engineering credit, co-writing each track, and constructing it all while in isolation, the collection is Minogue's strongest and most cohesive offering of her career.
Artists such as Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa have already dabbled in the disco genre for their 2020 releases. With Minogue though -- hopefully this comment won't be taken the wrong way -- age and lived experience clearly make a difference. Instead of taking itself too seriously, the artist injects fun and optimism into the finished product. It's the brightness we all need in these grim moments.
"Say Something", the first taste of the new album, played like a synth-pop affair supported by prominent funk guitar as opposed to full-fledged disco jam. Minogue sings of tirelessly searching for that special someone. The search feels like a journey of a few thousand miles amid stay-at-home measures. So, she instead sends a transmission from Earth to the stars above. Following a distorted response from Minogue's new "space creature" friend, "Supernova" finds the artist rocketing into space on the search for that romantic companion. Embodying the robotic quirkiness of Lady Gaga's "911", Minogue similarly finds strength in the perfect balance of theatrics and passion. "Shining like a supernova, brightest of the stars, from another galaxy like Jupiter and Mars," she sings.
Second single "Magic" is the effective, rightful choice for album opener. It's a teaser of what's to come as Minogue lands on a strange new planet, preparing listeners by singing "anything could happen". The exuberance and joy radiating from the handclaps and brass horns transport listeners back to the 70s as Minogue prepares to open her heart and take a chance with a new lover... even if for just one night.
Missed opportunities serve as the premise of "Last Chance", supposedly inspired by the music of ABBA and the Bee Gees. As Minogue lock eyes from across the dancefloor with her transmission recipient, the artist encourages him to make a move or they risk losing a chance to act on their temptations and urges. It's a sensual ode to flirtation that fits nicely alongside its disco-heavy companions. After dancing till they drop, Minogue takes it slow to profess her premature love for the new suitor on "Unstoppable", hoping they can make beautiful music of their own to dance to in the future. "Can't stop that rhythm get in your feet, can't help my body move with your heat, your heart plays my drum and true love's the beat," she sings on the second verse.
Clearly, one night was not enough to satisfy her needs. She tempts and persuades the new lover to run away with her on "Miss A Thing". "Cause I don't wanna fight what feels right, baby, I, baby, I just don't wanna miss a thing," she sings to him. To Minogue, finding comfort outside one's comfort zone is an aphrodisiac worth taking risks to enjoy.
Unfortunately, her persuasion is without success. Her alien stays behind. Minogue is beamed back down to Earth, wondering if it had all been a dream.
Released as a promotional single, "I Love It" teeters on modern and throwback. Minogue's smooth vocals on the verses embody the energy of a 70s technicolor queen as she sings of dancing together eternally with her new man. "I was like a lonely star at night, waiting for someone to share the light, love like this no one can take away," she sings. The artists cannot even get through her normal week without visions of her spaceman. On "Monday Blues", she eagerly anticipates the weekend, just so she can be tangled in his tentacles. While the playfulness is amped up, at times to nauseating levels, an overall sense of anticipation pours from Minogue's cheerful vocals, overshadowing any slight missteps.
And while she might not physically be next to her lover, she can certainly find the happy medium in her dreams. "Dance Floor Darling" is wrapped in warmth as Minogue appears locked in a specific memory with the significant other. No regrets, no worries, just an exhaustive and fulfilling night of dancing and happiness. Minogue compares the effort to a wedding reception. You've gotten the important, serious business out of the way. Now, it's time to party. The increased progression and vocoder towards the end is the cherry on top. But dreams and parties do end. The age old question: when the party is over, "Where Does the DJ Go?". Coming to fruition just as the world was entering its initial COVID lockdown, Minogue maintains her strength and hope. "Now I'm leaving behind, all the stress in my mind, singing I will survive, just wanna move, so much closer to you, the world's trying to break me, I need you to save me," Minogue chants. We will get through the darkness together, with the help of a trusty conductor.
"Real Groove" is understandably drawing Daft Punk comparisons with its vocoder manipulations, but a quicker pace and endearing message of rekindling love boost it to more than just an homage. Minogue is probed with an image of her alien savoir now with someone new on the dancefloor. She recalls the good times, content with knowing no one will ever make a better couple than they did.
The album closes out with "Celebrate You", a grounding of sorts following the intergalactic journey for love and companionship. Minogue sings to a drunk auntie, ensuring she is aware of her worth. Warm feelings of family and connection overcome the listener as they contemplate what's most important in their lives. We all have that special someone who is always looking out for us.
Opting for the deluxe edition unlocks four additional tracks. "Til You Love Somebody" bottles the butterflies in one's stomach as a new romance begins to blossom. The uncertainty, the anxiety, the hope packaged with Minogue's endearing vocals. "Fine Wine" is the sassy drinking anthem its title might suggest. Nothing thrilling, nothing terrible, more of a window-down interlude. "Hey Lonely" radiates charm as the artist opens her heart to someone who doesn't put their guard down too easily. Take the chance, what's the worst that could happen? Finally, "Spotlight" gets the recluse lover out on the dancefloor to rid themselves of any fear or doubt. It's an exhilarating break through, someone finally living their life to the fullest.
Disco feels no shame in capitalizing on a genre which quickly rose to prominence, and just as quickly lost its popularity. Minogue is a chameleon of an artist, effortlessly weaving though electro-pop, swing, dance, electronic, and country genres over the decades while still showcasing her own voice and style within every project. What the artist's fifteenth release has in common with all of its predecessors is heart and conviction to the inspiration. Yes, some of the contents emphasize the camp and gloss of an era that faces ridicule even to this day, but Minogue and her talented producers are able to take disco's strengths and mold them for a time when most just need to dance away their current state of reality. Minogue is a capable artist on her own, however, the album shines bright thanks to its perfect timing of release. Whether the visions were real or imaginary, getting lost and shutting out the world for a few minutes might be the recharge we all need. It clearly helped Minogue.
Tracks to Hear: "Magic", "Real Groove", "Supernova", "I Love It" and "Where Does the DJ Go?"
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