Body Language in Bloomington, MN

If
Light Years
was the comeback, and
Fever
the confirmation, then
Body Language
can best be described as
Kylie
's "big step forward." Sure it's still simple
dance-pop
, but this time she (and a team of producers and writers -- including
Kurtis Mantronik
-- it must be said) has put together an album that works as a piece. It's stylish without being smarmy, retro without being ironic, and its energy never gets annoying. In other words: a near perfect
pop
record. Instead of opting for more of the light dance- and
disco
-
of the last two releases,
has sought to expand her horizons. Adding elements of
electroclash
, '80s
synth pop
, bouncy club beats -- even a dash of
Eminem
-style raps! -- she's found the formula that not only makes her vocal shortcomings irrelevant but gives her the edge on the rest of the divas on their newfound quest: maturity. While
Madonna
,
Xtina
, and
Britney
have attempted to achieve maturity through trashiness and not really all that shocking behavior (i.e., that MTV Awards kiss),
maintained a low profile, retained a sense of class, and put together what may well be the best album of her career. Simply,
is what happens when a
diva takes the high road and focuses on what's important instead of trying to shock herself into continued relevance. ~ Chris True