Review of Kylie Minogue's New Album The Abbey Road Sessions

“Locomotion”.  “Can’t Get you Out of My Head”.  “I Should be So Lucky”.  If you remember these as Kylie Minogue hits from the 80’s and 90’s—you will be happy to hear that her new album is bringing back all of those old favorites and many more in a reworked style that may make even non-fans take notice.  I was recently asked to review Kylie Minogue’s new album, The Abbey Road Sessions.   I was a bit hesitant at first—I was not a true pop music lover during Minogue’s early days.  I thought I would be a tough critic, so I accepted the review.  What is my opinion of Kylie Minogue’s new album, The Abbey Road Sessions?

A little background of Kylie Minogue’s The Abbey Road Sessions.  Kylie Minogue’s career took off in the late 1980’s with the big hair, dance video style pop music world of that time.   25 years later, Minogue’s latest album features sixteen reworked music tracks, spanning Kylie’s career. Recorded in London’s Abbey Road Studios, the album takes advantage of a full orchestra joining Kylie’s band--and combines a mix of her well known hits with some newly released songs.

What was my opinion of Kylie Minogue’s The Abbey Road Sessions?  I wish I had actually heard, and appreciated, Kylie Minogue’s voice 25 years ago.  Yes, I knew a few of her songs and enjoyed them somewhat—but, I don’t think I ever heard her before this album.  Dropping all of the “pop-diva hype” and reworking the pieces, adding orchestral accompaniment, really allows her voice and her talent to shine. There is a richer, stronger—more meaningful—undertone to this album.  The Abbey Road Sessions focuses on the music and the talents of the musicians—the songs are slowed down from their dance floor versions.  I was surprised—and I loved it.  Even “Locomotion” and “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” were completely reinvented—focusing on the music and accentuating Minogue’s voice.  “Locomotion” seemed more at home in Minogue’s latest rendition; it was more reminiscent of the 1960’s original than Minogue’s 1980’s version.  Minogue seemed more at home with it as well.  The new single “Flower”, a song that Minogue wrote following her battle with breast cancer as a love song to the child that hopes to have someday, is one of my favorite songs on The Abbey Road Sessions.  I loved the jazzy/bluesy feel of the album so much more than Minogue’s pop sounds.  She wasn’t lost in the music around her—she was strengthened by it. 

My final thoughts on Kylie Minogue’s The Abbey Road Sessions?  I will be honest—I probably would not have listened to this album without the review opportunity. I would have missed out.  Whether you were a fan, or not, over the past 25 years, give the album a chance.  I think you will be surprised—and you also may hear Kylie Minogue for the first time after listening to her for years. 

You may opt to visit Kylie Minogue onTwitter or like Kylie Minogue on Facebook .  The Abbey Road Sessions album is availableon Amazon.comoriTunes or where music is sold. 

Disclosure:  I participated in this review as a member of the One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting an honest review, I may be eligible for incentives or prizes. As always, all opinions stated are my own.