Review Summary: Another solid album from Kylie
While not as consistent as 'Aphrodite', 'Kiss Me Once' is still a solid album. Some tracks are better than others, often the case with any album. I like 'Into The Blue' but did find it to be quite typical of her sound, whereas the second single, 'I Was Gonna Cancel' (her collaborative effort with Pharrell) is far better and grabs you straight away. Some may beg to differ, as the single drew a mixed response from both critics and fans, but I love it and for me it's one of the major highlights.
It's true to say that 'Into The Blue' does sound similar to 'All The Lovers'. It's easy to see why it became the first release culled from the project, but as the first single it didn't really bring any surprises. The thumping bass on 'Million Miles' is packed with an infectious arrangement, making this seem like ideal single fodder, as is the case with 'Sexy Love', which really bares a contagious hook. 'Sexercize' has grown on me since I first purchased this album. I found it silly and a little too forced an effort on my first listen, but since then I've grown to really like it. Things are more mellow on the R&B-flavoured and dreamy 'Feels So Good'. 'If Only' packs a wallop, but somehow is less effective than some of the other tracks here, while the stomping 'Les Sex' is another highlight that I think would have made the perfect first single.
The title-track seems like an affectionate throw-back to her late 80s era, only with much more fire and flair and serves as a welcome inclusion. 'Beautiful', the duet with Enrique Iglesias, while being far from the best track is certainly not as bad as some make it out to be. Their actually is good vocal chemistry that shines through on here, but working far better is the hip final track 'Fine', another irresistible dance-pop confection which Kylie has such an uncanny knack for.
All in all, it's a worthwhile album and essential to any Kylie fan. Some may quibble about some of the American-style sounds that flow through the entire project, but this isn't really a distraction.
Ian Phillips
