Some albums arrive at the right time. With unplanned time at home this year, I found myself exploring the late 70s disco movement and buying Chic and Gloria Gaynor records. When I heard Kylie was releasing an album titled Disco, I decided it was the universe telling me to explore her catalogue. Apart from a few massive singles, she never really stayed on my radar. With Disco, I don’t think she will ever leave my radar again.
The more organic sound of Golden (2018) is proof positive that she is an artist with talent the extends beyond the dance floor. With that out of her system, Disco is a celebration of an artist needing to prove nothing. Reminiscent of Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia, the album benefits from pristine production and consistent material. It’s not a singles-heavy album. In fact, I’m not sure which songs have been singles so far. To my ears, they all have that potential.
Does Kylie re-create the magic of Studio 54? The sprinkle of disco dust on each song is done perfectly. It captures the spirit of an era when anything was possible. “Last Chance” might be begging for Nile Rodgers to add a little more guitar but “Where Does the DJ Go” glitters brightly and “Real Groove” is irresistible. With no disappointing songs, it’s an album you want to keep playing all night long. The more I explore the Kylie Minogue discography, the more I realize that this is her modus operandi. I’m glad I’m finally catching up.