In America, she was known as the girl who covered Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion” back in the ‘80s. Nearly 15 years later, she was known as the “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” girl. Internationally, however, Kylie Minogue was one of the biggest names in the music industry — with countless reinventions, hits and iconic looks — comparable to Madonna with significantly less controversy.

At the heart of her illustrious career is her cult following of mostly gay men. Nearly 40 years into her career, she knows exactly how to please them without sacrificing her own artistic integrity — she never plays it up to be a caricature of what she once was. 

“Tension,” the second single from the album of the same name, proves exactly that. What may seem like a vapid pop song at first glance is a masterfully created song designed to stay in your head for weeks. She begs her lover to “touch [her] right there” and “break the tension” in a playfully sultry way through layers of autotune. The video, released the same day as the song, also has several film references and aforementioned iconic looks. In one scene she references Paris, Texas and in the next she dons a Showgirl outfit, calling back to her own “Showgirl” tour.

With a career and following like Minogue’s, you no longer have to worry about your next big hit or memorable moment. She could have kept trying to break into the American market, to be the next big thing, but she seems perfectly happy where she is. Minogue is a bona fide legend, and her ability to reinvent and remain relevant this long into her career is no small feat. 

Minogue has mastered the cult following in a way not many others have. She continues to be herself and make the music she wants while still catering to her audience. They love her for who she is, and at this point not much will change that.

Tension, the 16th album by Kylie Minogue, drops Sept. 22 and is sure to be another gem in her incredible discography.