I was in college back in 1987 when Kylie Minogue had her first hit with “Locomotion,” which I remember dancing to on nights out. But after that, though I occasionally heard songs on the radio, I confess her music mostly fell of my radar. (I mostly listen to indie and singer-songwriter type music, with some classic rock, world music, classical, folk, jazz & blues in the mix.)
So, when I was offered a review copy of Kylie’s new album, The Abbey Road Sessions, I somewhat hesitantly accepted. But what piqued my curiosity was the intriguing concept – The Abbey Road sessions features 16 of her songs, collected throughout her long career, completely reworked, and performed with a full orchestra and Kylie’s band at London’s Abbey Road Studios.
The high-energy pop production has been scaled down (and the songs mostly slowed down) in favor of fresh orchestral and acoustic arrangements, sometimes hushed, some with soaring highs, and many with a jazz or blues flavor. All but one of Kylie’s danceable pop hits are presented as ballads here. They’re still mostly pop – but it’s a more adult, sophisticated variety of pop, often sweet, and occasionally dark or seductive.
The album’s first single, the previously-unreleased “Flower,” Written during the time of her breast cancer treatments, when her future ability to have a child was in question, “Flower” is a wistful, tender love letter to a hoped-for future child:
Distant child, my flower
Are you blowing in the breeze?
Can you feel me?
As I breathe life into you
In a while my flower
Somewhere in a desert haze
I know one day you’ll amaze me
“The Locomotion,” written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, was a hit for Little Eva back in 1962, 25 years before Kylie’s success with it in 1987. Twenty-five years later, Kylie reaches back to the 1960s for inspiration, and gives the song a fun Motown-esque makeover. It’s the only non-ballad on the new album, and like the original may inspire you to put on your dancing shoes.
“Love at First Sight,” a little more up-tempo than some of the other songs, is given a contemporary country twist. “Hand on Your Heart” is country-influenced as well. “I Believe in You” is a sweet love song. “Slow” is transformed into a sultry, seductive torch song; it has the feel of being sung in a smoky jazz club. “On a Night Like This” morphs into a momentous big-band number.
As was the original, Kylie’s new take on “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” is a duet with Nick Cave. This time around, it’s given a traditional folk-style acoustic arrangement, which works well to highlight the story and emotion of this dark ballad about a man who takes the life of his trusting young lover.
While most of the songs on this album worked well in their new tone, a little more punch and sizzle – still quite possible acoustically or with an orchestra – would have better kept my attention. But if you’re looking for a moody album with a contemporary pop vibe – maybe just the thing for fall nights and the holidays – this might be the one.
The Abbey Road Sessions caps a year-long celebration of Kylie’s 25 years in music, which has also included a hit single, “Timebomb,” a global tour, and the release of a greatest hits album.
It took some audacity for Kylie Minogue to reinterpret her songs in so radical a manner; this is a long way from anything her fans have heard, or expected from her before. But it mostly works – the album shows her versatility, and that there are exciting possibilities for her future as a performer. It will be fascinating to see what the next 25 years brings.
Released by ASTRALWERKS, The Abbey Road Sessions Roads is available from Amazon in both regular edition (CD or mp3) and a deluxe, limited edition with a 24-page book.
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