Everything to know about Kylie Minogue's 16th album 'Tension'
It was released in 2023
Last updated 24th Sep 2026
Princess of Pop Kylie Minogue released her 16th studio album 'Tension' back in September 2023 — featuring Platinum-selling hit 'Padam Padam'.
The singer, who is best-known for hits such 'Spinning Around' and 'Can't Get You Out of My Head', took to her socials to share the exciting news with her fans, writing on its release: 'I am so, so, SO thrilled to say that my new album TENSION is now yours! I hope you feel the love, searching and abandon that I felt making this record. Thank you for all your love and support. Listen now and let me know your faves!!' (sic)
Now, three years on, here's everything there is to know about the album, including its biggest songs and where it came in the charts...
How did Kylie announce her 16th album?
Kylie shared a video on social media back in May 2023 announcing her 16th album. She wrote: 'Baby break the tension ….. my brand new album 💎TENSION💎 will be yours on 22nd September! The first single ❤️PADAM PADAM❤️ is coming soon!'.
NOW READ: 17 Kylie Minogue facts every fan should know
In response, songwriter to the stars Kamille wrote: 'Let’s go.', while Kylie's sister Dannii Minogue wrote: 'This looks incredible. Can’t wait to play the whole album 💖'.
Louise Redknapp also commented: 'love it'. (sic)
What has Kylie said about the album?
Speaking about the album back in 2023, the singer said in a statement: "I started this album with an open mind and a blank page. Unlike my last two albums there wasn’t a ‘theme’, it was about finding the heart or the fun or the fantasy of that moment and always trying to service the song.
"I wanted to celebrate each song’s individuality and to dive into that freedom. I would say it’s a blend of personal reflection, club abandon and melancholic high."
Discussing the recording process, Kylie continued: "I loved being back in the studio with my collaborators but was also able to benefit from remote recording, which we have all got used to – my mobile studio never left my side for a year and a half!
"The album is a mix of songs I have written and songs which really spoke to me. Making this album helped me navigate challenging times and celebrate the now. I hope it accompanies listeners on their own journeys and becomes part of their story."
When was 'Tension' released?
'Tension' was released on 22nd September 2023.
Where did it come in the charts?
'Tension' went to Number 1 in the UK and has since been certified Gold here.
What is the tracklist for 'Tension'?
There are 11 songs on the 'Tension' tracklist including the hugely popular single 'Padam Padam', the title track 'Tension' and '10 Out Of 10' with DJ Oliver Heldens.
- 'Padam Padam'
- 'Hold On To Now'
- 'Things We Do For Love'
- 'Tension'
- 'One More Time'
- 'You Still Get Me High'
- 'Hands'
- 'Green Light'
- 'Vegas High'
- '10 Out Of 10'
- 'Story'
'Padam Padam'
Released ahead of the album in May 2023, hit single 'Padam Padam' was a huge success, going to a respectable Number 7 in the charts, but later winning a GRAMMY for Best Pop Dance Recording! It's also been certified Platinum here in the UK.
What is the meaning of the title?
Kylie has reportedly said she loves that the album title can have various meanings — whether that's stress and pressure, or even sexual tension and releasing energy on the dancefloor.
The word is also depicted in the album's cover artwork, where you can see Kylie holding a diamond — which it's widely known is created under extreme pressure and tension.
'Tension II'
A year after the release of 'Tension', Kylie dropped follow up album 'Tension II', which featured singles 'My Oh My' with Bebe Rexha, 'Lights Camera Action' and 'Someone For Me'.
'Tension II' went to Number 1 in the UK and has since been certified Silver.
Did Kylie tour her 'Tension' album
She did — and she made history doing it! Kylie's 'Tension Tour' got underway in May 2025 and ran until 6th June. After performing 24 times at the O2 Arena (wow), Kylie officially joined The O2's special '21 Club', which celebrates artists who have performed more than 21 times there.
You can now also watch a exclusive footage from the tour in a documentary called Kylie: Tension Tour Live, which is available to watch on Netflix.
You can hear songs by Kylie Minogue on Hits Radio.
Author: Anna Sky Magliola
Anna Sky Magliola is a Digital Content Editor at Rayo, creating content for brands including Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. She began her career at Bauer Media in 2007 and has spent almost two decades creating engaging digital content for millions of readers, specialising in music news, celebrity interviews and TV features. A passionate dance music fan, Anna Sky has travelled the world to experience some of the biggest festivals and is always looking for the next great music story.