Lights Camera Action (Kylie Minogue song)
| "Lights Camera Action" | ||||
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| Single by Kylie Minogue | ||||
| from the album Tension II | ||||
| Released | 27 September 2024 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:42 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Lewis Thompson | |||
| Kylie Minogue singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Lights Camera Action" on YouTube | ||||
"Lights Camera Action" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was released as the lead single from her seventeenth studio album, Tension II (2024), on 27 September 2024 by BMG and Minogue's company, Darenote. The song was written by Minogue, Norwegian singer-songwriter Ina Wroldsen and its producer Lewis Thompson. Musically, it is an upbeat electronic song with club music influences and an additional beat drop.
Upon release, "Lights Camera Action" received positive reviews from music critics for its high energy, the overall sound, and Minogue's carefree vibe, with publications comparing it to Minogue's work on Tension (2023), especially "Padam Padam". Sophie Muller directed the music video, which features Minogue in various guises and performing the track on a staged set in Budapest, Hungary.
Background and release
Following the critical and commercial success of Minogue's sixteenth studio album Tension, Variety announced that the album would be repackaged and released in 2024.[1] The following month, Minogue hinted at working on new music during interviews at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, where she won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance Recording for her single "Padam Padam".[2][3] During the same year, she collaborated on several tracks, including "Dance Alone" with Australian singer Sia, "Midnight Ride" with South African singer Orville Peck and American DJ Diplo, "My Oh My" with American singer Bebe Rexha and Swedish artist Tove Lo, and "Edge of Saturday Night" with American DJ The Blessed Madonna.[a]
On 19 September, Minogue teased an announcement on social media, and one day later, she revealed her seventeenth studio album Tension II, its release formats, her Tension Tour, and the album's lead single "Lights Camera Action".[8][9][10] On 21 September, she teased the track at a listening party alongside the rest of the material from Tension II.[11] Additionally, Minogue shared a short snippet of the track and its cover art; the artwork is a still from the single's music video, which was filmed in Budapest, Hungary.[12] On September 27, BMG and Minogue's company Darenote released the single in digital and streaming formats.[13][14] The same day, a digital EP featuring remixes by Confidence Man, Zach Witness, and Jaconda was released, including the original and extended mix.[13][14] On 3 October, Minogue announced the single's release on three physical formats, which would be shipped from 17 October.[15]
Composition
"It’s quite hypnotic. It’s lots of fun, and you will probably just be throwing in ‘Lights Camera Action’ to general parlance from now."[16]
—Minogue describing "Lights Camera Action".
"Lights Camera Action" was written by Minogue, Ina Wroldsen and its producer Lewis Thompson.[17] Minogue served as the song's vocal engineer, while Wroldsen provided additional background vocals and Thompson handled the programming and instrumentation.[17] Minogue teased the song with Vogue Singapore saying, "One of the writers that wrote 'Padam Padam' worked on this track so there’s definitely a link. When I heard the demo, I just thought it was a fun song and what’s important was this tension and hold that draws you in. It draws and then it drops and it’s a pretty solid drop."[18] Regarding the song's vibe, Minogue stated "It’s quite hypnotic. It’s lots of fun, and you will probably just be throwing in ‘Lights Camera Action’ to general parlance from now."[16] Furthermore, she stated to NME that the song follows “that similar kind of hypnotic quality” that was similar to her single “Padam Padam”, and felt the lyric “Lights camera action, that’s it” was a bit “catchphrase-y”.[19]
Musically, it is a club-inspired electronic track with "raving synths" and "hard strutting beats" that lasts two minutes and 42 seconds.[b] Billboard writer Jessica Lynch compared "Lights Camera Action" to the sounds of Tension, writing that Minogue dives "deeper into the electronic world, continuing the nightclub-inspired sound that made her last album Tension a global hit."[20] Lynch also described the track as "packed with high-energy beats fit for the dance floor."[20] Rolling Stone editor Conor Lochrie expressed a similar sentiment, comparing it to the sounds of Tension and believing it "captures the carefree spirit of the nightclub".[25] Similarly, Ky Stewart of Junkee felt the song was "another homage to Kylie's favourite place: the dance floor", while also noting that the track "carries the dance-electronic atmosphere from Tension but it stands strong on its own. Pushing Kylie deeper into the genre, ushering her into yet another era."[26] Classic Pop writer Dan Biggane described it as a "high energy club-inspired track" that follows Minogue's dance-oriented contribution to "Edge of Saturday Night".[24]
Critical reception
Upon release, "Lights Camera Action" received favourable reviews from music critics. Lynch of Billboard praised the song, saying it "serves as a celebration of all things glamorous".[20] Hit Channel also praised Minogue, saying she "offers a pulsating pop anthem that showcases Kylie's signature flair" and that the track is "dynamic."[27] Steward of Junkee was positive, saying its "filled with the fun, witty, and carefree lyrics we know and love Kylie for."[26] George Griffiths of Official Chart Company labelled the song an "addictive pop bop", whereas Clash editor Robin Murray described it as a "unapologetic dancefloor burner" after noting its energy.[28][29] Biggane of Classic Pop felt the track "captures the carefree spirit of the nightclub and continues the euphoric, electronic sound of previous album Tension."[24] Alim Kheraj of Attitude dubbed it "another instant queer club classic".[21]
Commercial performance
On 1 October 2024, the UK's Official Charts Company placed "Lights Camera Action" at number 35 on the Midweek Singles Chart.[30]
Music video
The music video to "Lights Camera Action" was filmed by British filmmaker and long-time collaborator Sophie Muller.[20] It was filmed in Budapest, Hungary, and features Minogue in various guises on a staged film set.[20] It begins with a black-and-white shot of Minogue in an office-like setting in front of a map, similar to the snippet clip she shared on social media before the song's release.[8][31] Additional scenes follow, including her posing in front of a photographer (played by Minogue), getting her makeup done with curlers in front of a mirror with additional personnel around her, a tracking shot of her singing the song, and her wearing a black-and-yellow dress with confetti, caution tape, and a stuntman in the background.[31] It concludes with Minogue in a cinema, watching a black-and-white shot of herself.[31] The music video premiered on Minogue's YouTube channel on 28 September.[31] Kheraj of Attitude felt the video "captures the high energy spirit of the song," while Alan Pedder of The Needle Drop described it as "dazzling".[21][32] Clash writer Murrah thought it was a "clever flip on spy film tropes".[29]
Track listing
- A. "Lights Camera Action" – 2:42
- B. "Lights Camera Action" (extended mix) – 3:55
- "Lights Camera Action" – 2:42
- "Lights Camera Action" (extended mix) – 3:55
- "Lights Camera Action" (Confidence Man remix) – 4:27
- "Lights Camera Action" (Zach Witness remix) – 4:02
- "Lights Camera Action" (Jaconda remix) – 2:50
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes at Apple Music.[17]
Personnel
- Kylie Minogue - composer, songwriter, vocal engineer
- Ina Wroldsen - background vocals, songwriter
- Lewis Thompson - composer, bass, drums, programmer, producer, synths
- Dick Beetham - engineer
- Guy Massey - engineer
- Adria Garcia - additional producer
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 27 September 2024 |
|
[13][14] | |
| Various | 3 October 2024 |
|
|
[35][33][34] |
| Italy | 4 October 2024 | Radio airplay | BMG | [36] |
| United States | 8 October 2024 | [37] |
Notes
References
- ^ Gilchrist, Todd (31 January 2024). "How Kylie Minogue's 'Padam Padam' Pumped New Energy Into the Aussie Pop Star's Career". Variety. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Kylie Minogue on Taking Home GRAMMY for Best Pop Dance Recording 2 Decades After First GRAMMY Win". Rolling Stone. YouTube. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Kylie Minogue On The Big Impact Of "Padam Padam," Wants To Explore Indie-Folk". Billboard. YouTube. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Dance Alone (Remixes) - Album by Sia & Kylie Minogue". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Midnight Ride - Single by Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue & Diplo". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "My Oh My (with Bebe Rexha & Tove Lo) - Single by Kylie Minogue". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Edge of Saturday Night (Extended) - Single by The Blessed Madonna and Kylie Minogue". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b "▪️◾️🔲◾️▪️". Instagram. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "LOVERS …. TENSION II … The sequel with NINE new tracks will be yours on October 18th! 🩶🩵🩶 Get ready for your close up ... Lead single coming September 27th … LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION 💡📸🎬 But wait! There's more ..." Instagram. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Kylie Minogue Announces Tension II". Shore Fire Media. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION. THAT's IT!!!! 💡📸🎬 First listening party for Tension II …. Wahoooo!! 😘😘". Instagram. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "I'm right around the corner now … literally! 💡📸🎬 drops THIS Friyay!!!". Instagram. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Lights Camera Action - EP by Kylie Minogue". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Lights Camera Action - Single by Kylie Minogue". Spotify. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Kylie Minogue [@kylieminogue] (3 October 2024). "💛🖤 Look what's arrived on the Kylie store 💛🖤 https://Kylie.lnk.to/Store" (Tweet). Retrieved 3 October 2024 – via Twitter.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b Singh, Tavleen (23 September 2024). "'Padam, Padam' – our hearts go as Kylie Minogue announces new album and tour Down Under". ABC News. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b c "Lights Camera Action - Song by Kylie Minogue". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Sim, Janice (24 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue on 'Tension II', her relationship with fashion and dance being a perennial music genre". Vogue Singapore. Singapore. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Ziwei, Puah (27 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue talks new single 'Lights Camera Action' and bringing back her "'90s experimental side" for 'Tension' world tour". NME. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Lynch, Jessica (27 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue Shines With New Single 'Lights Camera Action': Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b c Kheraj, Alim (27 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue debuts music video for hypnotic new single 'Lights Camera Action'". Attitude. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Gotto, Connor (27 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue debuts music video for hypnotic new single 'Lights Camera Action'". Retropop. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (27 September 2024). "Kylie unveils new single, "Lights Camera Action"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ a b c Biggane, Dan (27 September 2024). "Kylie releases new single and video for Lights Camera Action". Classic Pop. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Lorchie, Conor (27 September 2024). "Kylie Brings Us to the Nightclub in 'Lights Camera Action' Single". Rolling Stone. Australia. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b Stewart, Ky (27 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue 'Lights Camera Action' Review". Junkee. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Kylie Minogue Releases New Single "Lights Camera Action" from Upcoming Album Tension II". Hit Channel. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Griffiths, George (27 September 2024). "New Releases: Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Ezra Collective, JADE and more!". Official Chart Company. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b Murray, Robin (27 September 2024). "Kylie's Dazzles With New Single 'Lights Camera Action'". Clash. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Update 30 September 2024 - 6 October 2024". Official Charts. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Kylie Minogue - Lights Camera Action (Official Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Pedder, Alan (27 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue drops new single "Lights Camera Action" along with remix by Confidence Man". The Needle Drop. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Lights Camera Action 7" Vinyl". Kylie Official Store. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Lights Camera Action Cassette Single". Kylie Official Store. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Lights Camera Action CD Single". Kylie Official Store. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Lombardi, Simona (30 September 2024). "Kylie Minogue - Lights Camera Action (Radio Date: 04-10-2024)". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "@kylieminogue's "Lights Camera Action" has been serviced to US Pop and Hot AC radio and will impact the former on October 8 (via @BMG)". X. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.