Kylie Minogue: Aphrodite (Special Edition CD/DVD)
EMI Records
4 Stars

Since the release of Kylie Minogue’s 2008 album X, electronic music has continued to storm up the U.S. charts and airwaves, with names like David Guetta, Bob Sinclair, Ke$ha and Lady Gaga. Those and other artists would acknowledge Minogue’s place in the pop music pantheon.

Minogue is back in full force on what may be her most cohesive recording to date with Aphrodite, her 11th studio album.

Minogue continues to create electro-disco dance pop with productions and performances as good as we’ve come to expect. Minogue’s music has always been a display of stimulating physical and emotional young romantic love.

Stuart Price (Madonna, The Killers, Seal) is the executive producer here, with contributions from electro/dance mastermind Calvin Harris, Jake Shears of The Scissor Sisters, Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane, and others.

The album is pure pop dance, unapologetic and to the point. There are no ballads or guest rappers, Minogue sounds in a very natural setting throughout the disc.

This special edition of Aphrodite comes with a 28-page glossy photo book and a bonus DVD with concert videos of “White Diamond,” “Confide In Me” and “I Believe In You.”

Standouts on the audio disc include “All The Lovers,” “Better Than Today,” “Looking For An Angel” and the title track.

Also available: A single disc edition (without the DVD) and a collectable vinyl picture disc edition.

Welcome back, Kylie.

Jason Derulo: Whatcha’ Say (The Remixes)
Warner Brothers Records UK
5 Stars

Delicious and delightful are how many in the music industry have described Jason Derulo.

With hot powerhouse singles like “Ridin’ Solo,” “In My Head” and “What If,” Derulo has come far in a short time with his self-titled debut.

Producing a whole album without trying to fit into cliques is a tough temptation to resist, but Derulo has successfully accomplished that. With his ultra-smooth vocals and melodies, many remix producers have been quick to give his songs the house and electro treatment for clubland.

Longtime club DJ and producer Johnny Vicious turns in a great “late night” club mix, clocking in at almost eight minutes. But, hands down, Ruff Loaderz gets major kudos for a peak-hour club mix. It’s sure to liven up even the toughest dance floors. Producers Wawa turn in an essential dance radio edit, sure to perk up the ears of radio programmers and listeners.

The CD closes with the Agent X remix, which pumps up the beats to 140 BPM with a cool electro take. If this track has a familiarity factor, there’s a good reason — it contains elements/samples of the Imogen Heap hit “Hide & Seek.”

It may be a bit tough finding this CD single locally, but if you can’t, visit www.masterbeat.com. It’s an essential summer track.

Scissor Sisters: Night Work
Polydor/Fontana Records
3 1/2 Stars

The Night Work story began after the Scissor Sisters performed at London’s O2 in 2007, when the band went back into the studio for grueling five-day work weeks. The band decided to devote the new recording’s theme to the vibe of the New York Club scene from the late ’70s to early ’80s.

So much music was progressive and the gay club scene was on fire. The AIDS crisis soon reared its ugly head, claiming many talented artists and producers. The party stopped in a way that couldn’t be more dramatic. One of the questions at the time was: Where is the music headed?

The band asked itself: What if you could pick up where things left off? How would the music have eventually sounded? And Night Work was born.

Night Work is the essence of Scissor Sisters. It’s a unique sound that ranges from Giorgio Moroder (Flashdance, Donna Summer, Midnight Express) to The Cult to Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Scissor Sisters nailed their sound and rekindled the magic that took them from dirty New York gay bars to venues like Royal Albert Hall.

The new album sparkles with perfect pop-rock songs to instant dance classics like “Invisible Light” and “Any Which Way.” Night Work is a dynamic album with some killer dance tunes. It’s a nocturnal album whose soul could, indeed, have come from any decade. The group is not following any music trend or formula, this one comes from pure experience.