Hits +

However, despite containing the singles and the unreleased recordings mentioned above, this is not the album i would recommend for a new Kylie fan. Understated Kylie classics such as Dangerous Game (KM94), Falling (KM94), I Don't Need Anyone (IP) and Dreams (IP) played a significant part in making the 2 DeCon albums the critical success they were, and are much more valuable than any of the singles or unreleased material (apart from Confide In Me and Wild Roses).

In 1994, Kylie Minogue (the album) was deemed a commercial success (albeit not a huge success, the album did as well as Light Years in the UK and was a convincing start). It is only now, with the huge comeback, that critics are writing off her entire DeCon period as a flop.

In my opinion Impossible Princess should have been a commercial success, despite the unfortunate timing of the initial release. Some Kind Of Bliss is the worst track on the album, and not at all indicative of the other 11 tracks. The album is not really Indie, and the Manics did not play a huge part on the album (although the other track I Don't Need Anyone is a stand out classic). The wrong singles were chosen, Kylie looked terrible, and where was the promotion?

This album is more Kylie than anything she has ever done - it is the only album where she has cowritten every track (all the lyrics) and the only album where she has completely written some of the songs. It is very personal and emotional, and if that makes it dark and uncommercial, so be it. It is still by far the best Kylie album around (and has not aged the same way Light Years has).

If you don't have any of the DeCon albums, I would recommend buying Impossible Princess (and) Kylie Minogue. Hits+ is definately more for fans.

The album features the singles that were released while she was with the hip DeConstruction label. However, especially for her "Impossible Princess" (or 1997 Kylie Minogue) album, the singles do not really reflect the excellent material that was recorded during these years. Masterpiece songs such as "Too Far", "Drunk", "Dreams" and "Jump" cannot be found on this compilation album, though they are better examples of the new musical integrity Kylie had developed.

Pure ear candy on this compilation is the extremely sexy mix of "Where Is The Feeling?", turning a cheesy pop song into one of the most sensual songs Kylie has ever done. Brothers In Rhythm kick major @$$. "If You Don't Love Me" is a beautiful Kylie-with-piano lovesong which shouldn't be missed. The absolute highlight of the album, however, is the nearly-10-minute long song "Take Me With You". Prepare to be enchanted.

There are a few songs that could and should have been included with this album, such as "Nothing Can Stop Us" and the beautiful "Love Takes Over Me". Let me not even bring up songs such as "Aston Martin".

All in all, this compilation is essential for Kylie fans as it features songs never commercially available before. However, it does have its bad sides (the imperfect sound quality on some of the tracks, and the omission of others). If you're fairly unfamiliar with Kylie's DeConstruction work, get a copy of her "Impossible Princess" album. Heck, get the Japanese edition, it has a bonus track and amazing 3D holographic card ;)