"Flower" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Kylie Minogue | ||||
from the album The Abbey Road Sessions | ||||
Released | 25 September 2012 | |||
Recorded | Abbey Road Studios, London, England | |||
Genre | Orchestral pop [1] | |||
Length | 3:30 | |||
Label | Parlophone | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Kylie Minogue singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Flower" on YouTube |
"Flower" is a song by Australian singer and songwriter Kylie Minogue. The song was originally written by Minogue and Steve Anderson of Brothers in Rhythm for Minogue's tenth studio album X (2007), but it did not make the final cut. [2] However, it was performed in the set list for the KylieX2008 tour. [3]
In 2011, the song was recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios for the orchestral compilation album The Abbey Road Sessions . The song was released as the first single from the album on 25 September 2012 by Parlophone Records. [4] The studio version of the song premiered on BBC Radio 2 on 24 September 2012. [5] The song received positive reviews from music critics, with critics enjoying the lyrical message and the production. A music video was shot for the single which premiered on Minogue's website.
"Flower" was written by Minogue and Steve Anderson from Brothers in Rhythm for her tenth studio album X (2007). However it didn't make the final cut. Minogue wrote the song in 2007, along with many other songs while she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. [2] Minogue described the song as "a love song to the child I may or may not ever have." [6] Musically, "Flower" is a pop ballad [1] [7] song, which features instrumentation of pianos, violins, drums and an acoustic guitar. The Quietus had declared the song a "dreamy ballad". [8]
Many music critics had felt that the lyrical content deals with Minogue wanting to start a family and start motherhood but being unable to, as critics felt the lyric "Distant child, my flower. Are you blowing in the breeze? Can you feel me as I breathe life into you? I know one day you'll amaze me" was a strong meaning to motherhood. [9]
"Flower" received generally positive reviews from music critics. PerezHilton.com complimented it as a "pretty track". [10] Vibe had also complimented the songs "stunning lullaby". [11] Sarah Deen from Metro.co.uk was very positive towards the song, saying "The song [Flower] definitely falls into the Kylie Minogue love songs category, with its wistful lyrics comparing a loved one to a gentle breeze." [1] Herald Sun had called the song a "romantic ballad". [12] Bradley Stern from Muumuse said "It’s gorgeous, and as I’ve said before, Kylie’s most vulnerable moment in years." [13] He also noted that due to its low-promoted release, he said the song is "all strictly for the fans of course, but beautiful nonetheless." [13] Jared from AllureofSound was very positive, awarding it 5 out of 5 stars and said "[Flower] is without a doubt one of Kylie’s greatest moments. The gorgeous vocal delivery on the track is perfectly complemented by the lush production." [14]
However, Hitfix were more scathing towards the song, calling it "awful". Katie Hasty from HitFix was reviewing both "Flower" and her soundtrack song "Who We Are" and continued saying "Flower" only seems to refer exclusively to the late-1990s [...] Part of my attraction to her work in Holy Motors is the mix of lush arrangements and that girlish, sultry voice of hers. Maybe it's a good sign for her orchestral Abbey Road Sessions. But then again, previously unreleased "Flower" is on there, too. Quick, key change!" [7]
In the United Kingdom, "Flower" was ruled ineligible to chart on the UK singles chart. This is because the song was served as a free download when the public pre-ordered The Abbey Road Sessions , and the inclusion criteria insists that song's can eligible to chart if its served as a digital download and CD single. [15] However, when The Abbey Road Sessions was released, the song charted at number ninety-six on 4 November 2012. The song peaked at number thirty-one and thirty seven on the Ultratip Belgium Singles Chart (both Flanders and Wallonia). The song debuted at fifty-one on the Netherlands' singles chart.
Directed by Kylie Minogue herself, she stated "I wanted to direct the video as I have always known how I wanted to illustrate the song." [16] The music video was shot in Cornwall, England on 12 August 2012 and filmed in black and white. It featured Minogue lying on a chair with only a long white sheet covering her while looking through a mirror, Walking along a beach, wandering through woods and fields, walking along a tree trunk, playing on a swing, lying and sitting in a meadow of flowers and lying in a pool. Minogue wore a long, sheer white dress for the music video.
It was released on 25 September 2012 on YouTube as part of Minogue's 'K25' celebrations where her Twitter followers had to unlock the video by tweeting the hashtag '#KylieFlower' 25,000 times. In three days, the video got more than 1 million views on YouTube. [17]
Bild noticed the similarities to the music video of "Where the Wild Roses Grow". [18]
"Flower" was originally heard and performed in the set list for the KylieX2008 Tour, followed by a ballad version of the song, "I Believe in You", and then featured on the live DVD. In September 2012, Minogue performed the song on BBC Proms in the Park. [19]
These are the formats and track listings of major single releases of "Flower".
CD single [20]
7" picture disc
Chart (2012) | Peak position |
---|---|
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [21] | 21 |
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia) [22] | 37 |
CIS Airplay (TopHit) [23] | 127 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [24] | 51 |
UK Singles (OCC) [25] | 96 |
Country | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Worldwide | 25 September 2012 | Digital download | Parlophone |
Italy [26] | 28 September 2012 | Contemporary hit radio | Warner Music |
United Kingdom | 12 November 2012 | CD | Parlophone |
7" vinyl |
"Can't Get You Out of My Head" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her eighth studio album, Fever (2001). Parlophone Records released the song as the album's lead single on 8 September 2001. "Can't Get You Out of My Head", which was written and produced by Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis, is a dance-pop, techno-pop and nu-disco song that is known for its "la la la" hook. Its lyrics are about obsession with a love interest. Music critics praised the song's production and Minogue's vocals and labelled it a highlight of Fever.
"Come into My World" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her eighth studio album Fever (2001). Written and produced by Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis, it is a dance-pop song in which the singer pleads to her lover to come into her "world". "Come into My World" was released as the fourth and final single from Fever on 21 October 2002, by Festival Mushroom, Parlophone and Capitol Records.
"Love at First Sight" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her eighth studio album Fever (2001). It was written and produced by Richard "Biff" Stannard and Julian Gallagher, with additional writing by Minogue, Ash Howes, and Martin Harrington. The song was released as the third single from Fever on 21 May 2002 by Festival Mushroom, Parlophone and Capitol Records. Musically, "Love at First Sight" is a dance-pop and nu-disco song which, lyrically, describes the singer falling and believing in love at first sight.
"On a Night Like This" is a song by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue. It was released on 11 September 2000 by Parlophone and Mushroom Records as the second single for her seventh studio album, Light Years (2000), and was distributed in various formats. The track was originally recorded by Swedish singer Pandora and written by Steve Torch, Brian Rawling, Graham Stack, and Mark Taylor, while production was handled by the latter two, it was handed to Minogue to record. Musically, "On a Night Like This" is a Europop, dance-pop and house song that also incorporates elements of disco. Its lyrical content delves into experiencing unique, possibly sexual experiences during the night.
"I Believe in You" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her ninth greatest hits compilation, Ultimate Kylie (2004). It was written by Minogue alongside its producers Jake Shears and Babydaddy. It was released as the lead single from Ultimate Kylie on 29 November 2004, by Parlophone. "I Believe in You" is a pop and Euro disco song in which Minogue proclaims there are many things in which she does not believe, but that she does believe in her lover.
"Slow" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her ninth studio album Body Language (2003). It was written by Minogue, Dan Carey, Emilíana Torrini, and produced by Carey, Torrini, and Sunnyroads. The song is an electropop and synth-pop track on which Minogue invites a man to "slow down" and dance with her. It was released as the lead single from Body Language on 31 October 2003, by Festival Mushroom Records and Parlophone.
"Hand on Your Heart" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue from her second studio album, Enjoy Yourself (1989), and released as its lead single on 24 April 1989. Much like her previous releases up to Let's Get to It (1991), the song was written and produced by English songwriting and record production trio Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). Referenced tracks during composition included "This Old Heart of Mine" by the Isley Brothers and "That's the Way Love Is" by Ten City.
"Better the Devil You Know" is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Kylie Minogue, taken from her third studio album Rhythm of Love (1990). The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman and was released as the album's lead single on 30 April 1990 by PWL and Mushroom Records. "Better the Devil You Know" is known as the song that re-invented Minogue with more sex appeal, as her previous albums were presented with her "girl next door" persona. Her music onwards presented a more independent approach.
"Chocolate" is a song by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, taken from her ninth studio album Body Language (2003). It was written and produced by Johnny Douglas, with additional writing by Karen Poole. The song is a ballad that uses a chocolate simile to describe Minogue's obsession with love. It is a quiet storm song that contains elements of disco and funk and employs breathy and whispery vocals. It was released as the third and final single from the album on 28 June 2004 by Festival Mushroom Records and Parlophone.
Stephen John Anderson is a British musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his work with Kylie Minogue on her tours and albums, and as part of the production group Brothers in Rhythm. He has also worked on songs and albums for many recording artists such as Britney Spears, Westlife, Christophe Willem, Judie Tzuke and Susan Boyle.
"All I See" is a song recorded by Australian Kylie Minogue for her tenth studio album X (2007). It was written by Jonas Jeberg, Mich Hedin Hansen, Edwin "Lil' Eddie" Serrano, and produced by Jeberg and Cutfather. An R&B track, the song contains an interpolation from The Gap Band's "Outstanding". "All I See" was released as the fourth single from X on 11 March 2008, by Parlophone. A remix featuring rapper Mims was serviced to US radio stations and included as a bonus track on the North American edition of X.
X is the tenth studio album by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. EMI Music Japan released it first in Japan on 21 November 2007, before its release in Australia by Warner Music Australia two days later. The album was released in the United Kingdom by Parlophone on 26 November 2007, and in the United States by Capitol and Astralwerks on 1 April 2008. Work on the album began in July 2006, following Minogue's gradual recovery from breast cancer. After finishing Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour in early 2007, she returned to the studio to complete the album, with the help from many producers including Bloodshy & Avant, Calvin Harris, Greg Kurstin, and Freemasons.
KylieX2008 was the tenth concert tour by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, in support of her tenth studio album, X (2007). The tour began on 6 May 2008 in Paris, France, at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy and concluded on 22 December 2008 in Melbourne, Australia, at the Rod Laver Arena. Consisting of five legs, totaling 53 shows, the tour was Minogue's most ambitious up-until that point in her career, stopping in over 40 countries and territories—24 in Europe, 6 in South America, 7 in Asia, and 8 cities across Oceania. Much to the delight of her international fans, Minogue had scheduled concerts in a wide variety of locations for the first time in her career, such as Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile,China, Colombia, Denmark, Dubai, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Latvia, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela.
"The One" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her tenth studio album X (2007). It was written by Minogue, Richard Stannard, James Wiltshire, Russell Small, John Andersson, Johan Emmoth and Emma Holmgren, while production was handled by Stannard and Freemasons. The song was released as the fifth and final single from X on 28 July 2008, by Parlophone.
The Best of Kylie Minogue is a 2012 greatest hits album by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue. It was released on 28 May 2012 by EMI to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Minogue's recording career, as part of her K25 celebrations. It follows the previous major compilation albums Greatest Hits (1992) and Ultimate Kylie (2004). It is also Minogue's only major compilation not to include any new material or to include unreleased and rare material. The album consists of Minogue's major hits, spanning from her 1987 debut to her 2010 album project Aphrodite.
"Timebomb" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was released as a stand-alone single on 25 May 2012 by Parlophone, and distributed in both physical and digital formats. It was released as part of Minogue's anniversary for her 25th year in the music industry. The track was written by Karen Poole, Matt Schwartz and Paul Harris, whilst production was handled by the latter two collaborators. A different song with the same title was written for Minogue by American singer Michael Jackson but was never released. In 2012 it was included as part of the K25: Time Capsule singles box set. However the song received its first widespread album debut on the 2019 collection Step Back in Time: The Definitive Collection.
The Abbey Road Sessions is an orchestral compilation album by Australian singer Kylie Minogue, released on 24 October 2012 by Parlophone. The album was primarily produced by Steve Anderson and Colin Elliot. The album features 16 tracks, all radically reworked, spanning Minogue's 25 years in the music industry. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London with Minogue's band and a full orchestra during November 2011. Musically, the album is primarily orchestral music, which features several instrumentation of guitars, pianos, strings and drums.
"Speakerphone" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her tenth studio album X (2007). It was produced by Bloodshy & Avant duo Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, who co-wrote it with Henrik Jonback and Klas Åhlund. The song featured dance, electronic, and funk elements. It heavily used Auto-Tune and vocoder, which caused some critics to liken it to music by Britney Spears and Daft Punk. "Speakerphone" received mixed responses from critics. The song appeared on the Canadian Hot 100 and the Hot Canadian Digital Singles Billboard charts.
"Into the Blue" is a song by Australian artist Kylie Minogue. It was written by Kelly Sheehan, Jacob Kasher, and Mike Del Rio and produced by the latter for Minogue's twelfth studio album, Kiss Me Once (2014). The song was recorded in London, England on Minogue's 45th birthday in May 2013 and premiered as the album's first single on BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce show on 27 January 2014. Musically, "Into the Blue" features instrumentation of synthesizers, keyboards and strings. The lyrical content talks about being independent, free and happy.
Kiss Me Once is the twelfth studio album by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was released on 14 March 2014 by Parlophone, her first musical effort since her 2010 release Aphrodite. After celebrating her 25th career anniversary, Minogue signed with the American agency Roc Nation, which is managed by American rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z. Intending to create a different musical experience, Minogue and her agency enlisted a variety of producers and collaborators, including musicians Sia, MNEK, Pharrell Williams, and Tom Aspaul.