LISTEN UP

Ballad is lone trip on Minogue’s dance lovefest

Kylie Minogue Kiss Me Once Parlophone B

The latest from pop goddess Kylie Minogue is like a narcotic disco dream, slightly confused about the time-space continuum, yet very delightful. On her first album after signing with Jay Z’s Roc Nation management, Minogue attempts to keep her dance crown, and succeeds when she’s not trying too hard to upgrade to today’s trends.

Sia, who has written for Rihanna, Beyonce and Britney Spears, co-executive produced this tiny gem of dance floor anthems and sex-crazed tunes.

The Pharrell-penned spring-in-one’s-step “I Was Gonna Cancel,” the vaguely familiar “Sexy Love,” the casually dance-inducing “Feels So Good” and the beguilingly ’80s throwback title track bring back a rash of dance memories from Minogue’s golden days, circa 2001 and its addictive “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” and “Love at First Sight.”

Sia’s writing contribution is the bass-heavy, aggressively erotic “Sexercize,” a song that slithers all over your ears.

The bug in this sextra intoxicating party cocktail is the misguided attempt at a ballad: an irritating duet with Enrique Iglesias’ computer-flavored vocals on “Beautiful.” In stores and online outlets today.

Hot tracks: “I Was Gonna Cancel,” “Kiss Me Once.” - CRISTINA JALERU The Associated Press

Enrique Iglesias Sex and Love Republic B-

On his latest, Enrique Iglesias has several collaborators, including Pitbull, Flo Rida and Marco Antonio Solis. But it seems Iglesias has also been leaning on Robin Thicke, given the presence of slurred, sleazy phrases here and there.

Despite the reliance on Iglesias’ love of Eurotrash disco (the club hit “I’m a Freak” with Pitbull), there are some interesting tunes as he stylehops and swaggers from dance and pop to romantic ballads, and mixes English and Spanish lyrics. The performances, arrangements and production are slick and lush.

While he breaks no new ground, “You and I” is a stirring dance tune; the reggae-splashed “There Goes My Baby” with Flo Rida percolates nicely; and “El Perdedor” with Solis is lovely.

Hot tracks:“You and I,” “El Perdedor,” the driving “Heart Attack.” - ELLIS WIDNER

Howler World of Joy Rough Trade B+

This Minneapolis band of 20-somethings cranks out ’80s-drenched indie rock nicely suited for guzzling beers in a mini-mart parking lot on a Friday night.

Equal parts Ramones, The Nils and early Soul Asylum with a dose of new wavishness and a hint of Thin Lizzy thrown in, Howler borrows from the best while making its own mark. From the snotty “Don’t Wanna” - sample lyric, “You don’t have to listen to The Smiths if you don’t want to” - to the late-track ballad “Here’s the Itch That Creeps Through My Skull,” World of Joy is a well-paced, full-bodied collection of rock that sounds fresh and new and at the same time wonderfully familiar. In stores and online outlets today.

Hot tracks: “Drip,” “Don’t Wanna,” “Indictment.” - SEAN CLANCY

Original Broadway Cast Big Fish Broadway Records A-

It has been a novel and a movie; now Big Fish, the fanciful story of giants, witches, mermaids and lots and lots of daffodils, is a Broadway musical.

The cast album tells the story beautifully, both in the far-out, wacky side of the story and in the more complicated,personal tale of an imaginative father (Norbert Leo Butz) and the son (Bobby Steggert) who tries to sort fact from fiction. There’s no synopsis in the liner notes, though, so those unfamiliar with the story would be advised to find one online.

It’s a big, brash, old-fashioned sort of musical with songs that are sometimes uplifting, sometimes amusing, sometimes whimsical and occasionally yield a sharp bite.

Tony Award-winner Butz makes a terrific Edward, the confident dreamer, particularly on rousing anthems like “Be the Hero” and “On the Road.” Kate Baldwin’s Sandra is a great love interest and their love duet, “Time Stops,” is a stand-out. Steggert as adult Will has the more grounded role, but he brings additional gravity and emotion to the album with “Stranger” and “What’s Next.” It’s an optimistic show that may veer toward sappy at times, but is ultimately fun and moving.

Hot tracks:“Be the Hero,” “Time Stops.” - JENNIFER NIXON

Juanes Loco de Amor Universal Latino B

Juanes’ new pop-flavored album seems as upbeat and sweet as a teenage crush. For longtime fans of the Colombian rocker, the sound is unlike the Juanes we know. But the album shows itself to be something else.

Under radio-friendly hooks and major chord progressions, Juanes’ powerful voice reaches new corners. Careful listening to producer Steve Lillywhite’s mix reveals surprising layers. Keyboard flourishes familiar on Latin dance floors, such as on the opening track “Mil Pedazos” or “La Luz,” sound fresh when combined with the driving percussion and passionate vocals. The title song, which features the fantastic Emmanuel del Real of Cafe Tacvba on keyboard, is especially fun.

The Grammy-winning singer has moved away from the social activism he previously embraced to take on the theme of love on his sixth album. It may be new territory for Juanes fans, but it’s a place likely to pull in listeners just discovering one of Latin America’s biggest stars.

Hot tracks: “Mil Pedazos,” “La Luz,” “Loco de Amor.” - MICHELLE MORGANTE The Associated Press

Style, Pages 34 on 03/25/2014

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