Finally even the suits realize that no one wants ersatz hip-hop or Americanized AOR from Australia’s ultimate pop tart. Club crossover boffins Stuart Price and Calvin Harris bring the European boom-boom and post-Gaga hooks on every synth-soaked track, not just the ones cowritten by Scissor Sisters and Keane. Everywhere, the euphoria of her first-ever U.S. tour last year still lingers: Whether ahh-ahh-ing through “Illusion” in a heavenly overdubbed choir or calling out to a “Cupid Boy” while riding a menacing dance-rock bass line, Minogue delivers bliss like no other (wo)man or machine.
