Virgin Music Group

Release Date: February 2nd 2024

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Kate Hudson– Talk About Love (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. Talk About Love

There’s so much I can say about Kate Hudson. But it isn’t about Kate the singer or Kate the songwriter or Kate the performer. Kate is a well accomplished actress- just take a look at her filmography, and she is well known for films like Almost Famous, Knives Out, Music, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Raising Helen and Nine to name a few. She’s well known for her romantic comedies, and she’s relatable and relevant to many women who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s. But as a musician… well I didn’t even know that Kate was interested in music nor even in the midst or writing and recording a debut album until this past week when the lead single “Talk About Love’. But that’s the thing about COVID-19. It forces you to stay inside in your bubble, and then forces you to be introspective. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, Kate decided that it was time to record an album- and this song is the first piece of that puzzle that will release sometime in 2024. While many critics wonder whether this is a legit thing or not and whether “Talk About Love” is impressive or boring; let’s hear from Kate herself about the song-writing process and her headspace when going into this song and upcoming album.

You only have one first single. And I wanted it to be something delicious and sexy and all the things that I believe in. I wanted it to be open and seeking, searching to find something powerful. But I also wanted the music to be the rock, the pop, the dance music and even a bit of the alternative records I love. It was a lot to put into one song, but thankfully, I had some wonderful people working with me. And so, here we are!

I have always had a room for my piano ever since I began living on my own. And I’ve been caught up writing and witnessing life in songs since I was a child. But, you know, it always comes down to the moment and the ability to make sure you can be there for the music. And that was really important to me. To have it come from that really authentic place and focus. So finally, for me that time is now.

How do you ever know [when the right time is to release an album]? And then one day, you’re writing, and you think, ‘Now.’ Linda [Perry] challenged me to write a full album once she heard me sing and that’s when I decided to complete the song cycle. It might’ve been crazy to some, but once I committed, all the songs, the sounds and even the way the recording process came together, the timing was right.

“Talk About Love” is an 80’s, synth driven and electro-pop melody similar musically to Fleetwood Mac and Mandy Moore from Silver Landings onwards. Kate’s song isn’t your straight up pop- it’s more alternative with an edge, and I’m glad it’s not like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Sabrina Carpenter, Demi Lovato, Ava Max, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Tate McRae and others. I know, these artists probably do have their place and their fans in the music industry at the moment. However, “Talk About Love” with a throwback 80’s sound is way more interesting, and with this track just generally being a very poppy song, a very optimistic song lyrically; there’s the sense of charm and innocence and just likeability about this melody and about Kate. Kate sings about letting your hair down and not being so uptight, and just living life in the moment because you can sometimes get in your head when you focus too much on the past or the future. And though that might sound hedonistic at first, what Kate sings about in this track is actually true. We don’t know that tomorrow for us is even promised. Dwelling on the past too much isn’t healthy at all either. And so, living in the moment, not in a ‘sow-your-wild-oats’ kind of way, but in a determined, meaningful and purposeful way (which is what I reckon Kate suggests anyway, as she talks about love in general, for her family, for her friends, and for the human race); is what is needed and is what has encouraged her. Perhaps I’m reading too much into this song. Maybe it is a pop song that isn’t about anything much. But I am intrigued, and I am eagerly anticipating this project. Many actors have tried their hand at music. many singers have tried their hand at acting. Many try to do both. Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Sabrina Carpenter. Sofia Carson. Jeremy Renner. Dennis Quaid. Kevin Costner. Jack Black as frontman of Tenacious D. And now, let’s add Kate Hudson to the list; and let us hope and pray that her debut album is just as engaging and just as powerful as “Talk About Love”. An actor baring their soul in the studio is a big risk. But, if this album is anything like this hard-hitting and exquisite melody, then I reckon the risk Kate weighed up and took, will be worth it in spades!

Score: 4.5/5

RIYL: Fleetwood Mac, Mandy Moore, Sara Bareilles, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Elton John, James Taylor