"X" is the tenth studio album by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was first released in Japan on November 21, 2007, by EMI Music Japan, followed by releases in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States in late 2007 and early 2008. The album’s production began in July 2006, as Minogue was recovering from breast cancer, and was completed after her Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour in 2007. The album features collaborations with several producers, including Bloodshy & Avant, Calvin Harris, Greg Kurstin, and Freemasons.
Musically, X is a dance-pop and electronica album with themes of sex, celebration, and empowerment. The album received praise for its production, though critics expressed mixed feelings about its consistency and lyrical content. Minogue received nominations for several awards, including a Brit Award for Best International Album and a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album. Commercially, the album debuted at number one on the Australian Albums Chart and reached number four on the UK Albums Chart. It was also successful in countries such as Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Five singles were released from X. The lead single, "2 Hearts," was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries, including Australia and the UK. Other singles included "Wow," "In My Arms," "All I See," and "The One," which were released across different regions. Minogue promoted X through various performances in the United States and Europe, as well as the KylieX2008 concert tour, which traveled across Oceania, South America, and Asia. The album has sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide.
The album's creation was shaped by Minogue's recovery from breast cancer. After being diagnosed in 2005, Minogue had to cancel the remainder of her Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour. Following her treatment, she returned to performing and began work on X in 2006. The recording process involved more than 40 songs, with Minogue working closely with various collaborators. She found inspiration in the studio during the production of the album, which took a year and a half to complete. The album was her first project where she consciously prepared for the recording process rather than simply following the usual cycle of recording, releasing, and touring.
During the recording, Minogue worked with many songwriters and producers, including Jake Shears and Babydaddy of Scissor Sisters, who contributed to the track "White Diamond." Although this song did not make it onto the final album, it was performed during the Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour. Minogue also collaborated with other notable figures like Danish producers Cutfather and Jonas Jeberg, who helped create tracks like "Like a Drug" and "Rippin' Up the Disco."
Musically, X blends elements of electropop, dance-pop, and rock. Critics noted the album's eclectic sound, which mixed Minogue's signature dance-pop style with more personal, introspective moments. The opening track, "2 Hearts," has been described as a glam electro-rock song, while tracks like "In My Arms" and "Wow" showcase a mix of electro and disco influences. "Like a Drug" has a more sinister, stomping electro vibe, and "Heart Beat Rock" features upbeat, frothy keyboard effects. The album also includes more introspective songs like "Stars," which reflects Minogue's thoughts on life after her cancer treatment.
Throughout X, Minogue’s vocal delivery is light, high-pitched, and often treated with electronic effects, which some critics found robotic. The album's lyrical themes focus heavily on sensuality and celebration, with references to love, sexuality, and recovery. Songs like "The One" and "Wow" highlight Minogue's playful and sensual persona, while tracks like "Stars" and "No More Rain" touch on her reflections after overcoming cancer. Minogue intentionally avoided focusing on her cancer experience in the album, preferring to keep the tone uplifting and celebratory.
Despite its mixed reception in terms of its lyrical content and overall coherence, X marked a new phase in Minogue's career, with the album blending her established pop sensibilities with a more experimental, electronic approach.
