Ultimate Kylie, the second official Greatest Hits compilation from Kylie, was released in late November 2004. Spanning the whole of Kylie's career, controversy surrounded the release which missed off some key singles including both Finer Feelings and Some Kind of Bliss. Originally due to have a tracklisting in chronological order, the final order was changed at the last minute (after promos had been issued), in order to make the album 'flow' better.

Two new tracks were contained on the album and released as singles to promote the package. I Believe In You, Kylie's much talked-about collaboration with the Scissor Sisters, was released first in December. Backed by B.P.M. and remixes by Mylo and Skylark, the single reached an impressive number 2 in the UK charts.

The final single from this period of Kylie's career was released in late March 2005. Giving You Up, a track from the Xenomania team, featured a video with a 'giant Kylie' walking around a town and surprising/impressing the men on her travels. The B-side was Made of Glass (which had previously leaked onto the Internet).

Despite being a Greatest Hits compilation, Ultimate Kylie still has its own share of unreleased tracks. Kylie wrote/recorded a few tracks with both the Scissor Sisters (I Know and, possibly Ooh (The Blues) as well as the Xenomania team (Loving You and Made of Glass - later released). A few previously-recorded BiffCo tracks were also considered for inclusion - namely I'm Fascinated, Give Me A Reason and B.P.M. (later released).

In 2006, Kylie recorded the title track to the movie version of The Magic Roundabout (otherwise known as Doogal).

Kylie finished this period of her career with a spectacular tour entitled Showgirl. Unfortunately, after touring both the UK and Europe, the Australian leg of the tour was postponed due to Kylie's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. It remains to be seen whether she will eventually finish the tour, or perhaps even retire to concentrate on her personal life.

To be continued...

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