Kylie Minogue is set to release her upcoming festive album, Kylie Christmas, a collection that promises a unique blend of original tracks and classic holiday tunes, featuring an eclectic mix of guest artists. The album is scheduled for release in Australia on November 13 through Festival/Warner. This release marks a significant moment for Minogue, offering fans a fresh take on seasonal music with collaborations spanning different genres and eras.
A Yuletide Collaboration of Stars
Kylie Christmas boasts an impressive roster of guest performers. A standout feature is a rendition of the 80s new wave classic “Christmas Wrapping,” originally by The Waitresses. This version sees Kylie joined by the iconic Iggy Pop. The song, written by Chris Butler, reportedly carries a theme of enduring the festive season’s “madness,” offering a nuanced perspective on Christmas cheer. Another notable collaboration is with James Corden on Yazoo’s “Only You.” While originally an 80s hit for the British act, the song gained further traction with a successful a cappella version by The Flying Pickets, reaching Christmas #1 in 1983.
Adding a touch of timeless appeal, the album includes a posthumous duet with Frank Sinatra on “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” a song penned in 1934 and famously recorded by Sinatra in 1948. Interestingly, a duet version of this song by Sinatra and Cyndi Lauper was previously released in 1992 for the A Very Special Christmas 2 compilation, which aimed to raise funds for the Special Olympics. For fans of the Minogue sisters, a new track titled “100 Degrees,” co-written with and featuring Dannii Minogue, is set to be a club hit and will appear on the deluxe edition of the album.
Original Tracks and Production Prowess
Beyond the duets, Kylie Christmas introduces three brand-new songs: “White December,” “Christmas Isn’t Christmas ‘Til You Get Here,” and “Every Day’s Like Christmas.” The deluxe edition further expands the offering with three additional original tracks: “Oh Santa,” “100 Degrees,” and “Cried Out Christmas.” The album is accompanied by a DVD that includes footage of Minogue in the studio, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the record.
The production of most of the album was overseen by Minogue’s long-standing music director, Steve Anderson. A former member of Scratch Acid and Brothers in Rhythm, Anderson has been collaborating with Kylie since 1995. The track “White December” and “Cried Out Christmas” were produced by Matt Prime, known for his work with artists like Sam Smith and Jake Bugg. The highly successful Norwegian production and songwriting duo Stargate, renowned for their collaborations with Rihanna, contributed to the production of “Everyday’s Like Christmas.”
Live Performances and Other Ventures
Complementing the album release, Minogue is scheduled to perform a special Christmas show at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on December 11, marking her first headlining performance at the iconic venue. In addition to her musical endeavors, Minogue has also been involved in acting, recently filming with actor Vinnie Jones for the new Walt Disney production of Galavant. It was on the set of this production that the 47-year-old artist met her current partner, British actor Joshua Sasse, who is 20 years her junior. Kylie Christmas promises to be a festive treat, blending established hits with new material and showcasing Minogue’s enduring appeal in the music industry.