Kylie Minogue's Kylie

The debut album by Kylie Minogue, produced by SAW, caused controversy and a perfect mainstream storm. This book explores how commercial pop albums are remembered in the popular music press and academic research, questioning how to deal with 'mainstream pop without denigrating it or validating it according to the terms of a 'high art canon'. It also sheds light on how notions of 'mainstream and 'other' play out in a local context, specifically Australia and New Zealand music on a global stage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Kylie Minogue's self-titled debut album, released in 1989, marked a significant milestone in her career. It not only achieved commercial success but also stirred up controversy and created a perfect mainstream storm. At the time, Minogue was a soap and children's television star who ventured into the music industry with the help of hit writer/producers SAW. Their shamelessly commercial approach caught the attention of the "real music industry," which was initially skeptical of her crossover.

This book delves into the complex remembrance of commercial pop albums in both the popular music press and academic research. It explores the question of how to approach "mainstream pop" without undermining the music's quality or validating it solely based on the standards of a "high art canon." The text sheds light on the ways in which notions of "mainstream" and "other" play out in a local context, specifically in the music scenes of Australia and New Zealand on a global stage.

Throughout the album, Minogue experimented with various musical styles, blending pop, rock, and dance elements. Her upbeat and catchy songs, coupled with her provocative lyrics and image, captivated audiences worldwide. However, her success also sparked criticism from some quarters who accused her of selling out to the mainstream and sacrificing artistic integrity.

The book examines the ways in which the popular music press and academic research have approached the memory of commercial pop albums. It explores the biases and assumptions that often shape their interpretations, as well as the ways in which these narratives can perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize certain artists. It also examines the ways in which fans and music enthusiasts engage with these albums and the significance of their memories in shaping the broader cultural landscape.

One of the key themes of the book is the tension between commercial success and artistic merit. It explores the ways in which artists navigate the demands of the music industry and the expectations of their fans while still striving to create meaningful and innovative music. The book also examines the role of marketing and promotion in shaping the public perception of music and the ways in which these strategies can influence the success or failure of an album.

Another important theme of the book is the impact of globalization on the music industry. It explores how the rise of digital distribution and the global reach of social media have transformed the way that music is consumed and marketed. It also examines the ways in which artists can adapt to these changes and leverage them to their advantage.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the memory of commercial pop albums. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which popular music is remembered, interpreted, and consumed, and it sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the music industry. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and society.

Introduction:
Kylie Minogue's self-titled debut album, released in 1989, marked a significant milestone in her career. It not only achieved commercial success but also stirred up controversy and created a perfect mainstream storm. At the time, Minogue was a soap and children's television star who ventured into the music industry with the help of hit writer/producers SAW. Their shamelessly commercial approach caught the attention of the "real music industry," which was initially skeptical of her crossover.

This book delves into the complex remembrance of commercial pop albums in both the popular music press and academic research. It explores the question of how to approach "mainstream pop" without undermining the music's quality or validating it solely based on the standards of a "high art canon." The text sheds light on the ways in which notions of "mainstream" and "other" play out in a local context, specifically in the music scenes of Australia and New Zealand on a global stage.

Throughout the album, Minogue experimented with various musical styles, blending pop, rock, and dance elements. Her upbeat and catchy songs, coupled with her provocative lyrics and image, captivated audiences worldwide. However, her success also sparked criticism from some quarters who accused her of selling out to the mainstream and sacrificing artistic integrity.

The book examines the ways in which the popular music press and academic research have approached the memory of commercial pop albums. It explores the biases and assumptions that often shape their interpretations, as well as the ways in which these narratives can perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize certain artists. It also examines the ways in which fans and music enthusiasts engage with these albums and the significance of their memories in shaping the broader cultural landscape.

One of the key themes of the book is the tension between commercial success and artistic merit. It explores the ways in which artists navigate the demands of the music industry and the expectations of their fans while still striving to create meaningful and innovative music. The book also examines the role of marketing and promotion in shaping the public perception of music and the ways in which these strategies can influence the success or failure of an album.

Another important theme of the book is the impact of globalization on the music industry. It explores how the rise
rise of digital distribution and the global reach of social media have transformed the way that music is consumed and marketed. It also examines the ways in which artists can adapt to these changes and leverage them to their advantage.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the memory of commercial pop albums. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which popular music is remembered, interpreted, and consumed, and it sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the music industry. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and society.

Weight: 156g
Dimension: 127 x 196 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501382970