Kylie Minogue (Hol)

After phenomenal chart success in the late-80s and early-90s with the PWL hit factory, Kylie desired greater artistic freedom and critical credibility. Her move to dance music label deConstruction, and it's commendable hands- off attitude, marked this profound shift in thinking and enabled the singer to make the album she really wanted. Indeed, Kylie Minogue is a sophisticated collection of stylish songs that elegantly reference new jack swing, R&B ballads, ambient pop and piano house. String- drenched epic "Confide In Me" (produced by acclaimed dance duo Brothers in Rhythm) confidently sets the tone whilst "Surrender," a seductive sunset slow jam, unwittingly anticipates the voguish Balearic pop of the past decade. Jazzy pop- R&B groovers keep things moving but it's the masterful "Put Yourself In My Place" - in all it's understated melancholy -that stops listeners in their tracks. Widely regarded as her finest down tempo moment, the monster single recalled late 80s American R&B but, having never received a proper vinyl release, it's inclusion here is worth the price of admission alone.