By Gizem Yetim

Special to The Chronicle

Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue is back with her 12th studio album “Kiss Me Once,” released by Parlophone records on March 14. This is her first and only album under the management of Jay Z’s Roc Nation.

Many music critics had positive reviews for the Australian artist, while others thought the album was a bit dated and a little try-hard. Despite the debates, Minogue’s new album entered at No. 1 on the Australian Albums Chart and has had overall global success.

I enjoyed the album but found that the music caught my attention more than the actual lyrics. The music was very successful with its techno-beat, electronic vibe. This album can be played at any party, summer outing or anywhere that you think of having fun.

A majority of the songs are upbeat which is why this is a great party album. With its party vibe, there aren’t many slow songs found on this album. However, the three slow songs are very emotional pieces.

Three of the songs on the album are singles that were released along with music videos. The first one, titled “Into the Blue,” was written by Kelly Sheehan, Mike Del Rio and Jacob Kasher. The lyrics talk about a girl who wants to love a guy but feels she is too far away emotionally.

The second single, “Beautiful,” is a wonderful duet with Enrique Iglesias and one of the slower and more romantic songs on the album. The song talks about how despite their relationship problems, they were unable to let each other go. Which is very “Beautiful.” The lyrics read, “You, you are so beautiful/ And now I/ I just want you to know/ That after all this time/ You’re still the one.”

Minogue’s third single, “I Was Gonna Cancel,” was written and produced by Pharrell Williams. This song was influenced by electro-funk music and is a fun, upbeat tune. Minogue talked about how “[she] was in such a bad mood the day [she] wrote this song with Pharrell and it turned into a pick [yourself] up kind of song.” This feel-good song is great and it’s very easy to see what hand Pharell played in producing it. “I was gonna cancel then I looked into the sky/ Knew the badness won’t prevent the sun to shine.”

My favorite song from the album is “Fine” because of the positive attitude conveyed in the lyrics, “Fine, you’re gonna be fine/ You don’t have to worry don’t you turn and run, run, run/ Turn your face into the sun, sun, sun.” It’s one song on the album that has most meaning to it. Many of the other songs on the album are references to either physical attraction or drugs. “Fine” is a powerful song on the album, giving an “even if you feel down, don’t give up,” kind of message.

My least favorite song on the album is “Sexercize.” I actually like the idea of making the connection between sex and exercise, but I couldn’t connect with the music of the song. Despite this, it is still a good song to listen to.

Kylie Minogue is comfortable letting out her feelings and she is courageous when it comes to her music and music videos.

The standard edition of the album includes 11 tracks. If you get the extended version you can listen to the two special tracks, “Mr. President” and “Sleeping with the Enemy.”

If you want to have a good time and forget about your worries, Kylie Minogue’s “Kiss Me Once” is a good way to go. Enjoy!