Kylie Minogue | Tension II Review
by Bea Willis
Thirty-seven years into an illustrious career, Kylie Minogue continues her journey as a dance-floor-ready pop icon, with countless accolades, including a Grammy Award and multiple BRIT Awards, solidifying her status as a pop music legend. Tension II, the highly anticipated sequel to her chart-topping album Tension, takes Kylie even deeper into electronic dance territory, packed with vibrant beats for the dancefloor. For those familiar with her work, this album continues the journey she started with Tension and explores deeper, bass-heavy grooves that are undeniably suited for club play. Kylie’s ability to reinvent herself across eras is one of her most enduring talents, and with Tension II, she delivers an extension of Tension—a continuation that adds nuance but doesn’t stray far from the original’s essence, offering another glimpse into her shimmering pop escapism.
Personally, I couldn’t help but be reminded of when I first heard “Padam Padam” and the excitement it sparked—the kind of track that instantly demands your body to move. That joy and rush were what I hoped to find in Tension II. While some moments here capture that magic, the album ultimately takes a slightly different direction, more about extended grooves than striking melodic hooks.
The album starts with “Lights, Camera, Action,” an appropriately kinetic opener buzzing with Kylie’s clubland charisma. It’s a song that captures the thrill of stepping onto the dance floor—the lights blur, the bass pounds, and suddenly, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Kylie’s voice rides the beat effortlessly, and I found myself transported into the heartbeat of a euphoric night out.
“Taboo” and “Kiss Bang Bang” both lean heavily into a throwback Eurodisco vibe, and it’s here that Kylie has the most fun with her influences. “Taboo” playfully tugs at the sonic threads of Boney M., while “Kiss Bang Bang” hints at Madison Avenue’s late-90s sass. Both tracks offer a delightful nostalgia trip, wrapped up in a contemporary sheen that makes them perfect for today’s dance floors.
“Good as Gone” is a highlight, with a frothy Balearic house vibe that instantly conjures images of warm sunsets and open skies. It’s airy, rhythmic, and perfectly placed to break up the album’s more intense moments. I couldn’t help but smile as the track played—there’s a lightness to it that feels so needed, a reminder that dance music can be gentle too.
Among the deeper cuts, “Someone for Me” and “Shoulda Left Ya” stood out for the emotional weight Kylie brings to them. In contrast to the breezy dance numbers, these tracks reveal a more reflective side. They pulled me in with their lyrical vulnerability—moments where you can hear the ache behind the polished production. “Shoulda Left Ya” is a track where her vocal delivery carries an unexpected gravitas, making it linger long after the beat fades.
The Blessed Madonna, Lewis Thompson, and Steve Mac are just a few of the heavyweight producers enlisted for Tension II, and their impact is felt throughout. The production is sleek, shimmering, and undeniably polished—the sound that feels at home in darkened clubs and summer festivals. However, there’s also an intentional leaning into more bass-heavy, textured grooves than Tension, lending Tension II a distinctly modern, almost underground feel.
The instrumentation is rich with synth layers, rhythmic basslines, and tight four-on-the-floor beats. Tracks like “Midnight Ride” and “Dance Alone” bring out a mix of Balearic house and nu-disco elements, painting a vivid soundscape that’s both forward-looking and comfortingly familiar. On “Midnight Ride,” Kylie even slips back into the countrypolitan aesthetic she explored on Golden, particularly when paired with Orville Peck and Diplo’s contributions. It’s a genre-bending moment that feels uniquely hers.
Vocally, Kylie remains as captivating as ever. She brings a sense of ease and command to the dance tracks, effortlessly modulating her voice to match the mood—bright and celebratory on tracks like “Hello,” yet intimate and reflective on “Shoulda Left Ya.” It’s this vocal adaptability that keeps the album cohesive, even as it shifts between different influences and styles.
Listening to Tension II, I felt like Kylie was inviting us to keep dancing—to celebrate, to embrace the joy of movement, and to let go, if only for a moment. It’s an album built for escape, one that prioritizes the rush of the dancefloor above all else. Yet, amidst the beats and grooves, there’s also a sense of longing—tracks like “Someone for Me” hint at deeper emotions that can sometimes surface, even during our most carefree moments.
In today’s pop landscape, where reinvention is often demanded, Kylie remains a beacon of how to do it right. Collaborating with the likes of The Blessed Madonna, Orville Peck, Bebe Rexha, and Sia, she positions herself at the intersection of nostalgia and innovation. It’s a savvy move, aligning her with both established names and newer pop voices, ensuring her music stays both relevant and timeless.
However, Tension II also feels like a victory lap—less about breaking new ground and more about celebrating the ground already covered. It’s a moment for Kylie to revel in her own pop mastery, to revisit the sonic explorations that have defined her, and to invite us all back to the dancefloor one more time.
Tension II is a joyous, dynamic collection of dance tracks that captures the energy of Kylie’s iconic sound while adding new twists to keep things fresh. The album’s strengths lie in its production quality, its playful embrace of dance genres, and Kylie’s timeless vocal delivery. However, it does lack some of the charm and immediacy that made Tension so impactful. The short track lengths often leave you wanting more, as if the songs are sketches rather than fully realized moments.
Personally, I felt torn between the thrill of the beats and the desire for something deeper. It’s an album that invites you to let loose, but also makes you long for the emotional resonance Kylie has brought to other projects. Still, there’s no denying the power of tracks like “Lights, Camera, Action” and “Good as Gone” to sweep you off your feet and onto the dancefloor.
As Kylie herself has said, she’s not ready for this era to be over just yet—and neither am I. Tension II is an album that reminds us why Kylie Minogue has remained such a beloved force in pop music for nearly four decades. It’s her world, and we’re just lucky enough to dance in it. Here’s to whatever musical adventure she embarks on next—I’ll be ready, shoes laced, and ready to move.
Artist: Kylie Minogue
Album: Tension II
Label: BMG
Release Date: October 18, 2024
About the author

Bea Willis
With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.
Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.
In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.
Be the first to comment on "Kylie Minogue | Tension II Review"