24 // Heart Beat Rock // Average: 3.54

 

 

Highest Score: 7 (SamJudd) Lowest Score: -1 (Sceryl Streep, Hide&Seek)

 

In last place is 'Heart Beat Rock' with a rotten score of 3.54. The song was produced by Calvin Harris after he returned to the project, having had a great hand in the creation of 'In My Arms' earlier. Comparisons were drawn with the style of Gwen Stefani and Nelly Furtado, but most agreed that it just didn't work for Kylie. I personally have mixed opinions on 'Heart Beat Rock': I actually quite enjoy Calvin's production and there are some parts to the song I like, but the chorus and its hook are rather annoying and too whiny.

 

23 // Nu-di-ty // Average: 4.92

 

 

Highest Score: 10 (Regina, Euphorique) Lowest Score: -1 (Red Blooded Man, pippa)

 

Without a doubt the most polarizing song from the X era, as proven by the two 10s and two -1s it received, 'Nu Di Ty' is quite experimental. The sexually-charged lyrics are delivered with a heavily-chopped vocal and backed with a wacky electro production courtesy of Bloodshy & Avant. Critics weren't too receptive of it and fans tend to agree however, over time, when it's been considered that Kylie's music has generally become increasingly safe, 'Nu Di Ty' has gained a strong following by some of her fanbase. I find myself having an up/down relationship with this song: at times I'm quite fond of it and at others I question its placing on the album in place of those that were left off.

VOID AND NULL

I gave 'Heart Beat Rock' a 6 and 'Nu Di Ty' a 5 - at the least, I think I should have switched those scores.

I love Nu-Di-Ty, always been one of my favs

22 // Cosmic // Average: 5

 

 

Highest Score: 9 (SmileyKylie) Lowest Score: 1 (Hide&Seek)

 

One of the first songs Kylie began creating lyrics for, 'Cosmic' is the final song on the X tracking list. It presents a more stripped back and introspective side to the album and Kylie gives a very personal delivery. Producer and co-writer 'Eg White' would go on to work with Adele on material for her debut album and the similarities are there. I find I overlook this song in favour of the absolute bangers the era holds, but it's actually a really heartfelt song when given the chance.

 

21 // Love is the Drug // Average: 5.36

 

 

Highest Score: 9 (liamk97) Lowest Score: 1 (Hide&Seek, Red Blooded Man)

 

Not intended for the X album but recorded during its sessions, 'Love is the Drug' is Kylie's cover of the Roxy Music #2 hit. It was recorded for Radio 1: Established 1967, a compilation that celebrated 40 years of the radio station, on which each artist was given a year and could choose to cover any song within that year. This cover was produced by Calvin Harris and together they give it a quirky reinvention with 'anti-drops', cowbells, trumpets(?) and a signature Kylie purring vocal. I think it's an excellent cover and would work really well alongside the other songs from the album

Cosmic is a song that bodes better when listened outside the confides of the album.

 

Osccat Isaac's version of LITD >>>>>>> Kylie's though I love both.

20 // I Don't Know What It Is // Average: 5.5

 

 

Highest Score: 9 (liamk97) Lowest Score: 1 (Hide&Seek, Red Blooded Man)

 

An early creation with long-standing co-writers Biffco, 'I Don't Know What It Is' was left off the standard tracking list but was made a B-side to the Australian and European CDs of '2 Hearts' and later appeared as a Japanese bonus track. It's one of my favourites from the bonus material; an empowering, jolly song about triumphantly making it through a breakup.

 

19 // All I See // Average: 6.35

 

 

Highest Score: 11 (...ready for it) Lowest Score: 0 (Sceryl Streep)

 

The first single to drop out, 'All I See' was released a single in North America, specifically the United States where it was lead single. It's an R&B influenced song from the same producers, Cutfather and Jonas Jeberg, of 'Like a Drug', with a strutting beat and the occasional harp. Reviews were quite mixed upon album release but clearly the team thought it would suit the urban-dominated US music scene, with a version with added verses from rapper Mims (who had a Billboard #1 with 'This is Why I'm Hot' shortly before) sent to radio. Unfortunately, despite the solid attempts, 'All I See' failed to give Kylie her big US break.

18 // Sensitized // Average: 6.38

 

 

Highest Score: 9 (Sceryl Screep, Regina, liamk97) Lowest Score: 1 (Hide&Seek)

 

Presumably the oldest song on the album, the foundations for 'Sensitized' lie back in 2003 when it was intended for the Body Language album. It's based around the same beat of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot's

- the latter being the main influence to Kylie's image for Body Language. The title is a solid representation of how the song makes me feel; it's magical and sexy, giving Kylie the platform to really show off her seductive vocal.

 

17 // 2 Hearts // Average: 6.38

 

 

Highest Score: 11 (Regina) Lowest Score: 1 (Hide&Seek)

 

Edging ahead of the above thanks to its 11/10, '2 Hearts' was the diverse lead single. Originally recorded by electropop group Kish Mauve, they gave the song to Kylie who loved it on first listen. There's a slightly edgier tone compared to typical Kylie songs, with hints of glam rock and a glorious stompy piano beat. The Goldfrapp-esque vocals suit Kylie to a tee, juxtaposing nicely with the explosive choruses. I'm firmly in the love camp: this was a triumphant return to music and it holds the same determined, unstoppable spirit that Kylie had.

NULL. VOID. INCORRECT. BURN. REDO. END.

I know. :( Really saddened at both of those going out. I guess I expected it for '2 Hearts' but I didn't realise 'Sensitized' had its haters.

16 // No More Rain // Average: 7.08

 

 

Highest Score: 10 (Sceryl Screep) Lowest Score: 4 (Euphorique)

 

Another track from Kylie's earliest writing sessions, 'No More Rain' provides a more intimate, emotional angle to the album. Influenced by Kylie's experiences during her cancer treatment, the song reveals how she found light in the darkest of times and successfully made it through. The original plan was for Bloodshy & Avant to sort the production for the song but it was decided their style didn't suit the lyrics, so Greg Kurstin took over instead. 'No More Rain' is such a burst of positivity; the production really gives the sense of being refreshed and reborn.

 

15 // Speakerphone // Average: 7.15

 

 

Highest Score: 11 (Sceryl Screep, Euphorique) Lowest Score: 1 (Hide&Seek, slowdown73)

 

Whilst Bloodshy & Avant's production didn't have the emotion depth to suit 'No More Rain', their robotic style did work more successfully with 'Speakerphone'. The lyrics are suggestive of the way music can take over the body and make you want to dance, with the choppy, short-phrased cries of "Lights (Flashin') / Sound (Clashin') / Minds (Blowin') / Body (Rockin')" giving the impression of strobe lights. It's an unusual arrangement for a Kylie song that gets more and more addictive, with shimmery electronic whirs planted along the way that add to the intrigue.

Interesting results so far! :o

8 songs that made the album are out compared to just two that didn't, so far! :o

14 // King or Queen // Average: 7.27

 

 

Highest Score: 10 (...ready for it) Lowest Score: 4 (Spiceboy)

 

The first of three songs to receive a 7.27 average! A Greg Kurstin production, 'King or Queen' was one of the B-sides to '2 Hearts'. It's a bit of a low-key bop, one that gradually grows on you until you find yourself quite addicted!

 

13 // Lose Control // Average: 7.27

 

 

Highest Score: 10 (Red Blooded Man) Lowest Score: 2 (Hide&Seek)

 

Like '2 Hearts', 'Lose Control' was a Kish Mauve creation that was given to Kylie. This one failed to make the album and wasn't released in any other form (be it as a bonus track or a B-side), although has proven to be a popular track from the X sessions.