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Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head

Kylie Minogue Released ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ 22 Years Ago Today

We review the history of one of the most iconic electro-pop songs

Even 22 years down the road since the release of one of the most iconic hits of its generation, ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head,’ we’re still stuck with that irresistible tune in our heads. 

Back in September 2001, Kylie Minogue unleashed a pop masterpiece that quickly became her signature hit. It conquered the charts in 40 countries, all with a composition that defied convention: no verses, three choruses, and a generous amount of ‘la la las.’  

We would have thought that the song is the kind of project that usually takes time, but surprisingly, Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis conjured it up during their very first songwriting session together. 

     It was a very natural and fluid process. The whole thing –and it does annoy me, as it will annoy others– was written in about three and a half hours. We know how hard we work sometimes to write songs and then spend months picking them to pieces, but this was the easiest process, the chemicals were all happy and working together” –remembered Cathy for M Magazine.

Can you imagine achieving legendary status with a song in such a short time?

Song’s History

Rob Davis, a former member of a British glam rock band in the seventies, and Cathy Dennis, who would later pen hits like Britney Spears’ «Toxic» and Katy Perry’s «I Kissed a Girl,» found themselves on an a musical journey guided by Simon Fuller, the man behind American Idol and manager to some of the biggest stars, including Amy Winehouse and half of the Spice Girls. 

Their mission? Crafting a series of tracks for the (Fuller’s) pop group ‘S Club 7.’ But here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. When Davis and Cathy Dennis presented their electropop masterpiece to Fuller, it was met with an unforeseen rejection, leaving the song in limbo. 

Not only did the song got turned down by Fuller, but British singer of “Murder On The Dancefloor”, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, also passed on the opportunity, a decision she probably regrets to this day.

Fate Had Other Plans 

After a few more doors slammed shut, Davis’s path crossed with Jamie Nelson, a trusted associate of Kylie Minogue. Davis, undeterred by previous setbacks, sent Nelson a cassette tape with the tune. 

Nelson, captivated by the electrifying chords, the electropop elements, and those unforgettable ‘la la las,’ wasted no time. He introduced the song to Kylie, who, just a month later, found herself in the recording studio, ready to make history, unknowingly setting the stage for a global phenomenon. 

Music Video

The music video for «Can’t Get You Out of My Head» wasn’t just an afterthought; it was a game-changer that pushed the song’s success to new heights. It’s etched in pop culture history for its erotic-futuristic vibes, simple but memorable choreography, and the unforgettable sexy white hooded dress that Kylie rocked.

The dress was designed for British brand Mrs Jones by Fee Doran, who had previously dressed Duran Duran.

Whether you were dancing to it at the turn of the millennium or discovering it through your parents’ playlists, one thing is sure, «Can’t Get You Out of My Head» remains timeless.