Kylie Minogue, Tension II Review

by Amity Hereweard

Kylie Minogue’s Tension II is an electrifying dancefloor-ready sequel to her 2023 chart-topping album Tension. From the get-go, the album positions itself as an energetic, dynamic counterpart to its predecessor, diving deeper into the pop electronic realm and reaffirming her reign in the dance-pop kingdom. While Tension captured the zeitgeist with viral anthems like “Padam Padam,” Tension II aims to solidify Minogue’s project, brings us 13 tracks, including collaborations with The Blessed Madonna, Bebe Rexha, Tove Lo, Orville Peck, and Sia.

Minogue’s sonic journey is one of consistently evolving over her nearly four-decade career, she has proven time and time again that she’s a master of subverting expectations while staying true to her pop roots. In Tension II, Minogue takes familiar electronic and disco elements and refines them into a more modern, bass-heavy sound, giving the record a today’s sound vibrancy. The opening track, “Lights, Camera, Action,” immediately gets the body moving with an infectious, club-ready beat that is a direct invitation to the dance floor. The playful synths and punchy rhythms echo the 70s and 80s disco influences she perfected on DISCO, but with a leaner, sharper edge of production.

The standout track “Edge of Saturday Night” with The Blessed Madonna blends Eurodisco and modern house, but the groove is updated for today’s nightlife. The production across the album feels larger-than-life, thanks to the impressive roster of producers and writers, including Lewis Thompson and Steve Mac. Minogue doesn’t just rely on high-energy tracks, though. “Someone For Me” and “Shoulda Left Ya” demonstrate her vocal gravitas, adding emotional weight amidst the pulsating beats.

The collaborations on Tension II are hit or miss. The much-anticipated track “My Oh My” with Bebe Rexha and Tove Lo carries a catchy hook but really sounds formulaic overall, echoing the success of “Padam Padam” without quite capturing the same magic. Similarly, “Hello” feels like a shadow of its predecessor, treading familiar sonic ground but lacking the original’s punch.

Minogue’s hallmark ability to craft dancefloor anthems is undeniable throughout Tension II, yet the album occasionally feels as if it’s coasting on the momentum of Tension. While some tracks stand out—like the irresistibly funky “Kiss Bang Bang” and the sultry “Midnight Ride”—others, such as “Diamonds” and “Dance Alone,” feel underdeveloped, never quite reaching their full potential before fading out.

Tension II is a dance-pop record designed for the clubs, filled with reliable infectious beats. However, it struggles to maintain the depth and cohesion that made Tension so universally beloved. At its best, it’s an exhilarating celebration of Kylie’s ability to blend the old with the new. At its weakest, it feels like a well-produced but soulless extension of its predecessor. It’s fun, it’s fresh, but it’s not the groundbreaking moment some may have hoped for. Nonetheless, Minogue continues to show that she is a pop force to be reckoned with, even if Tension II isn’t the next step in her sonic evolution—it’s still fun to dance to.