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I have never paid much attention to Kylie Minogue, but over the weekend I gave her Great Hits a spin (and never looked back…), and then gave her 2007 effort, X, a listen. Granted, Britney’s Blackout is finitely better, but X was a good pop album in an otherwise stale year for pop music. The singles were decent. “2 Hearts” and “Wow” were actually exceptional songs. The other three singles, “In My Arms,” “All I See,” and “The One” were ultimately forgettable.
“Heart Beat Rock” was always my favorite track off X right after “2 Hearts” and “Wow” (and the unbelievable Death Metal Disco Scene remix of “Wow”). I have always said that “Heart Beat Rock” felt like it belonged on Robyn’s glorious selftitled 2005-2008 effort. It’s irregular, pulsating drum loop is instantly memorable and refreshing. Once Kylie hits the mic, you will see why compared the track to one belonging on Robyn.
After listening through X one last time, I find myself only wanting to go back to “Heart Beat Rock.” Listen to “Heart Beat Rock” here
Tags: Kylie Minogue
I think it’s a little pedestrian to make a comparison between Blackout and X based solely on the timing of their releases.
Blackout is a sleek, modern, pop album, with a little hint of hip-hop, with beats that literally pound the floor (which I love). It deserves a bass-heavy, extra loud, nightclub spinning. And it’s fantastic.
X never had those aspirations. X is a retro, 80s inspired dance album – which I would compare more to Gwen’s solo albums (combined), and yes, Robyn’s, than anything Britney did.
It’s also interesting that you say “The One” is ultimately forgettable, when mainstream music pubs called it the single that should have led the album, since 2 Hearts was given the nickname “2 Farts” all over Europe.
Yes, I’m a Kylie fan – and I think Heart Beat Rock blows – but I’m also a fan of this blog. I just think this is one of the most random, questionable reviews you’ve given.
great album but don’t agree with you.
wow & heart beat rock along with cosmic are awful!
in my arms, speakerphone and the one are best tracks!
How could you not mention “Nu-di-ty” ??? that was such a great song!!!
Surprised to see you didn’t like X, as your taste usually matches mine. That’s my favourite Kylie album (actually it made me start liking her) and probably my favourite album from 2007 too.
If you are just discovering “X”, you need to take another listen to “Speakerphone”. Madonna called it the best song on the album..and IMHO, it’s one of the top Bloodshy & Avant productions ever.
Its not fair to compare Blackout to X, just because they’re both pop albums.
You have to give “X” another listen. It is very good. Speakerphone, Sensitized (which uses a sample of Serge Gainsbourg’s Bonnie and Clyde amazingly), and Nudity are just some of the few tracks that you HAVE to listen to.
Plus the remaining recordings, that didn’t make the final album cut, are also worth the listen. Especially Heart Beat Rock (Benny Blanco Remix), Cherry Bomb, and Do It Again.
“The One” forgettable? It’s the best song she’s ever done!
you HAVE to check out the – benny blanco remix – very phat bass – car thumpin vibe
Forgettable? Hardly. The One was incredible (and the Freemasons mix was inspired). Sensitized was enthralling. 2 hearts was energetic and a fantastic change of pace. Wow was classic Euro-disco (redundant a bit?) Kylie. X should have been a HUGE album…
benny blanco remix with spank rock is pretty sweet
and honestly X was a great album
the one is perfect.
speakerphone is incredible.
and in my arms is way fun. especially the video.
The live “cheerleader” version is lot of fun too!
I’m joining the chorus in support of The One.
I loved the video too
Err….Luis,
“The One” is perhaps one of the finest songs Kylie Minogue has ever recorded. “Heart Beat Rock” is one of the most embarrassing.
A good try though. Now go on to Fever and Light Years for more essentials. I’m glad you listened to me at least!
I’m not exactly a Minogue fan, but X was okay; the Bloodshy & Avant tracks are killer, and 2 Hearts is awesome (as is Wow).
Heart Beat Rock isn’t good at all, but the Benny Blanco remix is GREAT. Love Spank Rock…
anyone else excited for her new york show?
I’ll be there Woody!
I’d have to agree with the some of comments above. I think the benny blanco remix is by far better then the original.
all i have to say is
speakerphone
speakerphone
speakerphone
speakerphone
speakerphone
speakerphone
speakerphone
X is one of my favorite album, but I’d have to disagree over the tracks. Heart Beat Rock is barely listenable… and 2 Hearts doesn’t really work in the album (works well live, though).
The best tracks, in my opinion, are Speakerphone, The One, and Wow. Cosmic, Nu-di-ty and Heart Beat Rock, the album could’ve done without.