Album Reviews

Kylie Minogue

`Aphrodite'

(Warner Music Korea)

Kylie Minogue returns with her 11th album, recalling the pop and high-pitched vocals that characterize the multi-talented Australian diva. Though the record starts off fairly static with her chosen singles (albeit, that helped thrust the release's debut into the no. 1 spot in the U.K. charts), the album as a whole carries Minogue's sincerity.

Produced by Stuart Price (who has worked with Madonna), the record and its lack of pretension for what Minogue does ― has done ― in her life shines through, particularly with the passionate ``Better than Today'' and ``Can't Beat the Feeling.'' The 42-year-old Minogue shows that she is still both endearing and fun.

― Ines Min

Sarah McLachlan

`Laws of Illusion'

(Sony Music Korea)

The seventh album by Canadian vocalist Sarah McLachlan showcases the range of the singer, but a lack of brilliance fails to catapult the album into anything memorable.

Known for her sweet love songs ― and contributions to original soundtracks ― it's undeniable that McLachlan is a giant in the industry. Nevertheless, both cheesy (``Loving you in wondrous and pure/I shout it from the rooftops'') and transparent attempts at modernity (``A little touch a little taste the pheromones embrace'') in the lyrics mar her vocal talent, while uninspired melodies lose the attention of listeners. The record, unfortunately, fails to do much other than lull one to sleep while urging lonely singles to find a spouse, stat. Because, you know, love is all you need.