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