Australia’s iconic pop sensation, Kylie Minogue, recently dropped her highly anticipated 16th studio album, “Tension,” igniting a wave of excitement among her dedicated fanbase worldwide. Following her comeback smash single, “Padam Padam,” which marked her first UK top 10 hit in over a decade, fans flocked to streaming platforms to indulge in her latest musical offering.
For a comprehensive assessment of the album’s tracks, “The Pink Times” enlisted the expertise of three notable queer music connoisseurs: Owen Lambourn, Co-Host of “Kylie: Behind The Seams” podcast; Ed Pitts, Co-Host of the “Pivotal POP!” podcast; and Kyriakos Tsinivits, Editor of the music site Aussievision. Each expert meticulously ranked all 14 songs, and we at QNews have averaged their results to unveil the definitive rankings.
The Rankings: From Camp to Euphoric Bliss
In the world of “Tension,” the 14 tracks received varying degrees of affection from our discerning panel. Some standout mentions include “Love Train,” hailed by Kyriakos for its nostalgic nod to Kylie’s “Fever” era, and “Just Imagine,” which Owen praised as a mid-tempo pop ballad with live performance potential.
Ed Pitts found “10 Out of 10” to be more appealing within the context of the album, and “Story” emerged as a vivacious, campy favorite. “Green Light” brought real groove vibes with a sexy sax solo, while “You Still Get Me High” took us from an ’80s prom slow dance to a dance floor banger.
“Tension,” the titular track, earned Kyriakos’s admiration as “absolute pop perfection,” highlighting its catchy hooks and undeniable charm. “Hold On To Now” was touted as a new Kylie classic by Ed, blending quintessential Kylie with gritty Robyn production. “Hands” stood out as a sleek disco radio staple, and “Vegas High” promised pure Kylie Minogue dance DNA.
Claiming the coveted top spot was “Padam Padam,” a universally infectious track that marked Kylie’s triumphant comeback. With catchy beats and irresistible energy, it was no surprise that this song became a global summer anthem.
Tension: A Kylie Classic and Upcoming Tours
In the grand scheme of things, Ed Pitts believes that “Tension” can undoubtedly be hailed as a Kylie classic, rivaling even her celebrated “Light Years” and “Fever” era. He praised the album’s ability to leave listeners humming entire songs after just one listen, a testament to Kylie’s enduring musical prowess.
While “Padam Padam” secured the top position in these rankings, the ultimate victor here is Kylie herself. After the album’s launch, Kylie Minogue is set to embark on her Las Vegas residency at the Venetian Resort’s Voltaire venue, commencing on November 3. For those unable to make the journey to the States, fear not, as Kylie is expected to grace the UK, Australia, and other global destinations with the “Tension” tour in 2024, promising a euphoric experience for fans around the world.
Kylie Minogue’s “Tension” is a testament to her unwavering ability to captivate audiences, and with her upcoming tours, the world eagerly awaits the chance to immerse itself in the magic of her music once more.