No major losses so far. Everything you’ve mentioned so far don’t feel like her involvement in the albums was that strong and I think it translates to the music. I can’t fault her singles for her first two albums but as a whole albums I find these to be hit and miss.

I think they are both very important Kylie albums, remember how people saw kylie at that time and the music was just a perfect fit, they also help set up the career she has now, i think if the material on her debut hadnt worked, Kylies music career would have ended. For many and pwl included no on expected the huge success kylie would go on to achieve with her debut and enjoy yourself. It was also a huge learning time for kylie in the studio and also for getting familiar with touring and promoting and in many ways playing the games in the music industry.

Some good points there Fever.

 

I think as the list goes more towards the top you’ll potentially see a pattern for the albums that I’ve ranked the highest.

 

Maybe if I was actually born during the first two albums as well I might have had them higher? I don’t know if that’s a fair comment or not but if I experienced them first hand during that time I’d have nostalgia attached to them what makes me think more fondly? Like my memories of Kylie were post 2000) but I do think they’re important albums to her legacy and they shaped her. It’s kinda become a pattern that if I do a discography rate of an artist that their debut is amongst the lowest.

 

I’ll just add as well these rankings were purely off the first listen I had to each album. In time these may well change but all my thoughts here are what we’re the first initial thoughts of hearing them ^_^

Thanks for sharing this first listen of Kylie's massive discography, jlj! It's so fascinating to see how someone with fresh ears reacts to the catalogue of my favourite artist.

 

I have NEVER attempted to rank Kylie's albums, because once I get past the lukewarm placements (LGTI, KM94, and Kylie Christmas), I cannot fully settle on any order of preference for the rest :wacko: . It's also really hard for me to "fairly" rank the SAW albums with the Parlophone and BMG albums, because they're so far apart in time and artistic development that they almost seem like they're by two different artists.

 

The bottom ranking is easier for me :P I would put Kylie Christmas dead last, because I'm not a festive person :lol:

 

Then, it's either KM94 or LGTI for me. I will say it's taken at least 10 years before I fully took in every track from these two albums, front to back. In general, these two albums are not as catchy as the albums before, or after. I would prolly rank KM94 under LGTI (!) I've never been a huge fan of Confide in Me (!!), while I love Word Is Out and Finer Feelings (single mix) much more as singles. Also, the KM94 album tracks do not give me the same highs as countless other album tracks in Kylie's catalogue. Her belting singing style is cool though.

 

Over time, I now appreciate that both LGTI and KM94 showed Kylie taking a left turn away from bubblegum hit factory pop. These eras likely paved the way for even more unexpected sharp turns on the thrilling Impossible Princess. I also find it very interesting that she turned towards Black music for both LGTI and KM94. The Black American musical influence is all over both albums, from the instrumental tracks (with New Jack Swing, Quiet Storm, and House styles) to the soulful singing that Kylie pushed towards, to the other featured singers (duet and background), to the choice of cover (GMJALMT). I consider LGTI and KM94 more like R&B albums with a touch of Dance, than Pop albums.

 

KMO found next to the ditch in your ranking...yikes! :o The only songs I don't like are the title track, and Beautiful. Everything else is in my regular Kylie rotation, with several all-time faves in there. :lol:

 

I also fully believe if her first two albums were re-recorded with fresh production and Kylie's current vocals (while still keeping the same lyrics, melodies, and chords), the strength of the songs would be undeniable, and push the albums much higher in rankings. In terms of musical notes and chords, the early SAW songs are actually more complex than most of her Parlophone and BMG material, while still containing hook after hook. I found this out when I got a Kylie piano book and tried to play her catalogue ;) Lyrically, there are also strong examples like Got to Be Certain, It's No Secret (what a tearjerker lyrically), Wouldn't Change a Thing, and My Secret Heart (another really sad one), that give more storytelling than much of her Parlophone tracks, IMO.

Edited November 18, 20204 yr by dabblie

First three Kylie albums are my favourites.

Last Dreamer out of curiosity do you have an overall fave from the first three? ^_^

Last Dreamer out of curiosity do you have an overall fave from the first three? ^_^

 

Yes, it's "Enjoy Yourself".

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10TH PLACE APHRODITE (Score 62/100)

 

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UK Peak #1 (1 week)

UK Sales 330k+

 

All The Lovers opens the album and remains a career high! A brilliant pop song. She sounds so good on it and it’s a real modern classic by her. I remember immediately really liking this on first listen way back in 2010! A deserved #1 that never quite was.

 

Get Outta My Way isn’t quite as strong. A bit generic sounding and quite of its time too. At the time it’s sort of the sound that was in but it’s not too strong for me on a re listen.

 

Put Your Hands Up is quite a good song however on first listen. I like the production on it and it’s a bit less dated sounding.

 

Closer has good production in-particular the opening. It’s reminiscent of the 80s in a sense. Lyrically it’s not great but not terrible either.

 

Everything Is Beautiful is catchy enough. It’s the non single at this point in the album what’s left the biggest impression on me. I like the production and how it’s kinda mellow all the way through but still a bit of a banger. One I’d listen to on its own.

 

Aphrodite opens with a similar sound in places to Some Kinda Rush by Booty Luv. I like the “can you feel me on your stereo” chants and the claps throughout. This is a bit of a moment. Full of personality throughout.

 

Illusion has a great 80s style production. This is another good track. I like the chilled esque vibe this has. Something you’d have playing who’s you’re sunbathing on a yacht or something.

 

Better Than Today isn’t of the better moments lyrically but the production really shines on it. The opening instrumental is so good. But lyrically it’s not the strongest that’s what drags it down for me.

 

Too Much is a bit of a bop. Sounds like something what would’ve fitted on Light Years doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. Just a good pop song.

 

Cupid Boy is a bit of a weird one. Parts of it I like before but her vocals are a bit too edited on it. And then the pre chorus is kinda not good either. A bit too overproduced and busy asa whole piece.

 

Looking For An Angel is definitely a highlight. I love her mellow tracks where the production compliments her voice and his definitely does that. It’s a lovely track. Simplistic but great.

 

Can’t Beat The Feeling has a real throwback sound to it. It’s a strong track it’s definitely catchy. I think this could’ve actually worked as a single. It’s a highlight. Parts of this sound alike to Get Lucky (I don’t know if it’s just my ears I can definitely sing the chorus to get lucky to the “we got an an energy” parts to this before the chorus hits.

 

Mighty Rivers (a bonus track) closes the album on my listen and it turns out to be one of the best hints on this whole album. Definitely should’ve been on the standard. It works well as a closer to the album and has one of the best production moments on this whole thing.

 

In general, I think this album is just kinda OK. It’s not ground breaking or career defining like some of her past work but it’s also creatively not a peak point in her career either. It’s not Kylie on autopilot either but it’s just a bit nice.

 

I think it’s great In places but It is quite filler like as well. It’s a album where I did kinda enjoy it but aside from All The Lovers I wasn’t thinking wow this is amazing. It’s kinda just nice. A step up from most of her Pete Waterman stuff but she can definitely do better! It’s not her most cohesive album either it doesn’t flow the best from track to track.

9TH PLACE BODY LANGUAGE (Score 66/100)

 

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UK Peak #6

Sales 400k+

 

Opening with the number one single (and at present her most recent UK chart topper to date Slow) the album opens with a sultry mid tempo number with one of the most interesting productive and vocal performances of her career. I always remember this video growing up too she looked so stunning a real vibe of a song and something what’s so interesting in her discography a solid album opener for sure.

 

Still Standing follows on and again the production on this is very interesting and not alike much else she had done before. That’s the best thing about it though the robotic overly edited vocals on this don’t do too much for me unfortunately.

 

Secret is another track with strong production that’s the definite solid thing about this album it’s produced well. but the song itself doesn’t immediately click I think the editing on her vocals in places is unnecessary but this is definitely better than Still Standing. I think this potentially could’ve worked as a single.

 

Promises is my favourite so far (out of the album tracks) it’s a slick track. It’s quite commercial sounding but I can imagine it would come alive a bit in a live performance.

 

Sweet Music again has strong production. But I’m not overly keen on the vocals on this one. It has parts of it what are quite catchy and I like the clapping sounds and the snyth what’s on it but the vocals are what I’d say I was least sold on.

 

Red Blooded Woman is always a track by her what I liked from a productive point of view. It works on this album so well. I can definitely see why it was chosen as a single. I think now I’m a bit older as well I like this song a lot more now I understand it a bit more. It’s a real underrated track by her. From a vocal perspective this is one of the best tracks on the album too there’s no real excessive editing here. This was another video where she looked so HOT in it as well.

 

Chocolate in terms of her singles wasn’t one of my favourites but on a listen of this in context of its album I really like it. It’s so sensual, the breathy esque vocals I actually really like it. I don’t really think it was that great a choice for a single but it’s Kylie stepping into new territory again and for that I give her credit.

 

Obsession follows and it’s perhaps the most pop moment we get on this and in my opinion a massive missed opportunity as a single! This could’ve done so good if pushed. It’s the catchiest thing on here so far and the instant stand out amongst the album tracks of what I’d actually go back too and play on its own.

 

I Feel 4 U opens with quite an interesting start. The rainforest esque sounds and that beat is a strong start. Until I hear the other voices on the track what kinda drag it down which is a shame as she actually sounds pretty good on this. I’m definitely a fan of the beat of this though.

 

Someday kind of just went completely over me. I wasn’t too keen on her vocals again on this. Not much of a review but it was like one big lul.

 

Loving Days was better! This is one of the tracks what compliments her voice and I like the pace being slowed down a little on this track. It’s amongst the strongest on the album for sure and it’s great to hear her in this more contemporary lane.

 

Closing track After Dark is quite good but I don’t know if it’s fitting for a closer. Kinda more like a mid album track. But it’s got a good production and I think it’s another one which compliments her voice. It’s got one of the better choruses ones this album and a strong middle 8 too.

 

It’s a cohesive album so far the tracks do kinda slot well and there’s a definite vibe running throughout the album. This is an album what lacks major highs for me but everything kinda sounds good there’s nothing terrible on here but nothing outstanding either. From a listening perspective it’s amongst her more cohesive albums from start to finish. And it is different to any of her other albums too like she could’ve easily just put out something like Fever but she did experiment. In some ways it did pay off as it is a more contemporary sound and the closest thing to R&B she’s ever done.

 

However it’s not an album that’s left much of a replay value and whilst it doesn’t have major lows or highs as a collective piece it’s a tad below the four albums which it followed. I’d also say it’s not one of her best albums vocally I don’t think the production which I love really compliments her voice that well on this as a whole.

Only just noticed this... I have to say that I think I generally agree with you so far. A few years back I'd have ranked Body Language quite highly but when I listened to it as part of the forum's discography rate I realised that it was actually pretty boring now. I'm not a huge fan of Aphrodite either, although the first two singles and Closer are pretty good.

 

Nothing in the ones below that get any revisits from me at all so I can't argue with any of them. SAW tracks all sound so dated now and they always had a habit of filling the album with trash outside of the songs they had pencilled in as singles.

Nice to see someone else agree on Aphrodite!

 

I had a feeling across my entire rate that my ranking of that might be the biggest shock. It’s a real fan favourite from reviews I’ve read from fans who’ve done their own rates of Kylie eras.

 

As for Body Language I feel it could really grow on me but this was all just off one listen. A definite bold move to follow up the very successful Fever era with something like that though.

Loving the in-depth reviews so far Jordan! I'd pretty much agree with most of the list so far (I'd probably shuffle a few around, but yeah the bottom few would all still be there lmao!)

 

Shocked at Aphrodite being so low though :o Absolutely one of my favourites by Kylie. At the time it really didn't click with me at all, but over time all of the album tracks have come to be pretty amazing. It's more the singles I take issue with now, oop :kink: (well, Better Than Today at least). Kiss Me Once deserves better too. :( It definitely has some duds, but they're far outweighed by the highlights, I think. That album gets far harder a time than it deserves.

 

Intrigued to see how the rest of the list unfolds :cool:

I think Aphrodite is quite cohesive and flows nicely, although maybe a bit lacking in as many killer standouts (and I think I may like the songs more than I would otherwise due to the connection I've had with them since summer 2010)

 

I'm loving these reviews, by the way! I like that you're giving your thoughts on each individual track and am enjoying reading that.

I think Aphrodite is quite cohesive and flows nicely, although maybe a bit lacking in as many killer standouts (and I think I may like the songs more than I would otherwise due to the connection I've had with them since summer 2010)

 

I'm loving these reviews, by the way! I like that you're giving your thoughts on each individual track and am enjoying reading that.

 

 

I agree with everything you said. I do think i might have the opposite Kylie tastes though as seeing albums like Aphrodite, kylie and enjoy yourself below body language shows we are on a different page as i find much of body language samey and boring in parts.

'Aphrodite'
Great album & this is where I disagree with U jij as I find this album one of Kylie's best & that's thanks mainly to the lead single 'All The Lovers' A slice of euphoric pop that still sounds effortlessly fresh today. However having this open the album was both genius & not so smart at the same time, as nothing else quite compares in greatness to this, don't get me wrong there are some fantastic moments on here, but nothing quite on this level. 'Get Outta My Way' is a great contrast with its more harder edged club/dance sound with a powerful chorus. 'Put Your Hands Up' is also another strong number with some stunning elegant production. This should have been the 3rd single, with a music video & a proper push this could have easily been a hit.

Other highlights include the fabulous 'Aphrodite' which again SHOULD have been a single, 'Closer' has a cool eerie darker sound, 'Too Much' has a great pace to it, before it explodes, 'Cupid Boy' offers some variety with some awesome rock-synths, 'Everything Is Beautiful' has a beautiful chilled out vibe to it & 'Can't Beat the Feeling' is a brilliant closer with some great dance beats to it. The only weaker moments for me on here are 'Better Than Today' which has a great drum beat start, but the chorus is a little lacklustre, 'Looking For An Angel' is nice, but doesn't really go anywhere & 'Illusion' is fine with some cool thumping beats, but kinda forgettable & easily gets overshadowed by some of the albums more stronger & showier moments.


Body Language
Actually find this one of Kylie's most interesting offerings to date. At the time there wasn't much love for this as many felt Kylie became Americanized & didn't want this kinda sound from her, most were expecting a 'Fever Pt2' kinda album. I remember at the time I weren't all that keen on this, but throughout the years I've grown to appreciate this more for Kylie to constantly re-inventing herself & taking risks. As a body of work this album is rather good (mostly).

The lead single & opener 'Slow' is easily the best thing on here, a cool minialistic dance track that stands as one of the best things she's ever recorded. Even if it doesn't quite set the tone for the album & maybe if the rest of the album followed this kinda sophisticated synth sound, then maybe it would have been better received (maybe). 'Still Standing' is a great confident little number with some groovy electro-dance production. 'Secret (Take You Home)', another strong offering that keeps the classy beats running, 'Promises' & 'Sweet Music' are also fun polished offering's with fun funky beats. 'Red Blooded Woman' marks quite a stark contrast to the lead single, with its more R&B lite leanings, yet still has a catchy chorus. 'Chocolate' has found more love more recently & yeah this has kinda grown on me with its smooth synth strings & sensual vocals, I dunno whether this quite worked as a single though, but still a strong offering.

It's after this track is where the quality begins to slide with 'Obsession' being quite forgettable, 'I Feel For You' a bit too out-there to fully enjoy & 'Someday' being quite lacklustre. However thankfully the quality picks up with the epic 'Loving Days' with its beautiful full-string orchestra, & stunning production & vocals. Then 'After Dark' was an okay closing number, but doesn't live up to the better moments of this album namely tracks 1-7.

Aphrodite so low in the ranking is a surprise, especially from a first listen! I remember liking Aphro instantly, versus something like Body Language, which took me a while to love. I remember praising Aphro for how cohesive it was, after the X album. And it is one of the most recognizable, "Kylie dance-pop brand" albums, even to non-fans, so a low ranking is surprising.

 

BUT, I had already been rocked to my very foundations by your KMO ranking. Nothing following that could've shocked me more ;) Also, currently Aphro is one of those albums I have no desire to revisit. Sometimes, I find the electro EDM production dated in its own way, somewhat similar to how the early SAW albums are timestamped with their 80s production. I'm also one of the minority who doesn't rank All the Lovers as a 10/10 or 9/10. Gimme Get Outta My Way any day!

 

Meanwhile, I don't think Body Language has ever fallen below my Top 5 :P From Slow, playing all the way to Obsession, I bop :funky:

 

I'm looking forward to seeing the Deconstruction albums vs the BMG albums in your rankings :dance: Also, let's see how high you've placed Rhythm of Love!

Edited November 19, 20204 yr by dabblie

8TH PLACE: GOLDEN (Score 68/100)

 

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UK Peak #1

UK Sales 100k+

 

So Golden opens with Dancing. Her to date last appearance in the UK top 40 singles chart. I must admit at the time I wasn’t that keen on this but hearing it again it’s kinda better than I first thought. I think this had cross over appeal and despite its lower peak was way bigger in general as a lead than what Into The Blue was.

 

Stop Me From Falling is a real gem. I preferred this to Dancing. I think she sounds really great on this one. I like the production on this too. Yeah I really like this one 😍.

 

Golden again is rather strong. I like the clap type sounds in the background and the production is pretty strong. Lyrically it’s rather catchy as well.

 

A Lifetime to Repair is again rather catchy the chorus especially really pops on this! I like the production and I have to say vocally she also sounds pretty good here.

 

Sincerely Yours follows and is the first moment on the album where the pace changes and we get something more sombre. This allows her voice to really shine through. Not the most interesting of tracks but pleasant enough.

 

One Last Kiss follows and is kinda just there. A bit blah but not awfully bad. The least remarkable track at this point of the album though and not one with much replay value.

 

Live A Little again is a bit on the unremarkable / filler side. It’s actually the most out of place sounding song on the album I’d say.

 

Shelby 68 is a bit better. More in theme with the opening parts of the album and I think it’s a great way of showing her more mature side and showing off her vocals too. I like the middle 8 on this too!

 

Radio On is a more sombre moment and at this point of the album the best ballad on this album. Again she sounds great on this but it’s lyrically quite reminiscent of the past and it’s rather strong lyrically. Seeing Amy Wadge on the credits wasn’t too shocking as it does sound very her.

 

Love brings back the pace to being more upbeat and the chorus is rather uplifting on this. Again it’s quite reminiscent but it’s catchy and I like the uplifting feel this has to it.

 

Raining Glitter is one of the most commercial songs on this. I could’ve actually seen this working as a single. It’s very essential Kylie but it still has elements of country what fit this albums theme. I’m a fan of this one.

 

Musics Too Sad Without You. So this Features Jack Savoretti and they sound really good together. One of her best collaborations actually this is pretty strong. I wish it got a bigger push as a single. I love the backing vocals on this. A perfect way of closing the standard edition of the album but this is very strong amongst the best on this album.

 

(Bonus Tracks)

 

Lost Without You this is pretty strong actually I don’t see why it was a bonus track it’s better than some of the standard! The chorus especially sounds great and I like the production on this as well. She sounds really good on the chorus of this.

 

Every Little Part Of Me I really like this on first listen. But it’s not very fitting of theme. It’s production sounds more club than country to my ears but it’s a good song non the less. But not very Golden era.

 

Rollin definitely sounds more Golden era! It’s not amongst the best on the album but it did put a smile on my face.

 

Low Blow closes the album and I wish it was better but it’s not a great way of closing the album. I can see why it was a bonus track.

 

 

 

 

 

I have to say this album is actually rather cohesive and I like the overall theme that there is. It’s very much Kylie with a slight twist. The country esque production and image actually works and it doesn’t feel too try hard. A great little way of experimenting whilst still staying true to her sound what’s popular with her fans so she isn’t alienating her fanbase.

 

Vocally she sounds really strong as well. Probably her best vocal album in some time (either single Fever or Impossible Princess) this style of music really complimented her vocals.

 

There’s a few moments where it kinda slips a bit and plods on but I think the good outweighs the not so good and i do give her credit for creating a full on era with a theme and for writing on each and every song on this too something she hadn’t done Since Impossible Princess before this!

'Music's Too Sad Without You' and 'best on the album' in the same sentence

Good to see you are a musics to sad fan, i agree its a shame it didnt get more of a psug, it went itunes top 10 and had a good run on the chart and it has managed to build up some nice sales despite never charting, if it was pushed more it could have charted for kylie and jack. Golden as an album is placed more or less where i would place it in my own count down.

Another great review there. Personally I'd have 'Golden' higher on my list, but everybody has their own opinions. This was a true return to form for Kylie who was on quite shaky ground after the 'KMO' era (which in turn wasn't a great time for Kylie) as old wounds were opened after some questionable choices & live performances (namely 'IWGC' at the ARIA awards).
Leaving Roc Nation was probably the best decision she's ever made. I find with this album she gave us what we wanted (in a way) with taking a huge risk & take on a different sound & what's more different than Country/Pop. I know this wasn't what every Kylie fan wanted, but it did set her career back on track with a very solid body of work. To think if this didn't perform well then we wouldn't have 'Disco'.

Like I already said this album is fantastic & it was nice seeing Kylie refreshed again (something that was clearly lacking on KMO). "Dancing" was an instant Kylie classic that really set the tone for what's to come. 'Stop Me From Falling' another killer single choice with an amazing chorus, other highlights include the title track with its stunning verses & chorus, 'A Lifetime To Repair' complete with banjo and finger clicking, 'Sincerely Yours' is sweet & stunning, 'Live A Little' is just fantastic, both 'Shelby 68' & 'Radio On' are stunning & tender ballads, 'Raining Glitter' offers some nice variety with the more pop/disco sound, 'Music's Too Sad Without You' is a gorgeous duet with Jack Savoretti that closes the album beautfifully. Then of course the best bonus track ever 'Lost Without You' which just bursts with such power & electricity.

The only sore points I find are the kinda basic 'One Last Kiss', 'Love' doesn't really do much for me (very filler) & the last 2 tracks 'Rollin; & 'Low Blow' weren't really needed, should have just been b-sides (one of them was). As for 'Every Little Part Of Me' its fine but falls kinda in the middle & doesn't stand out.