Timebomb (Kylie Minogue song)
{{Short description|2012 single by Kylie Minogue}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Timebomb
| cover = Kylie Minogue - Timebomb.png
| alt = A black-and-white image of a woman behind a motion-blurred street, with the title "Kylie" and "Timebomb" superimposed on her. The heart shape on her jacket is coloured red.
| type = single
| artist = Kylie Minogue
| album =
| released = {{start date|2012|5|25|df=y}}
| recorded = 2012
| studio = Destined Studios (London)
| genre = Dance-pop
| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=57}}
| label = Parlophone
| writer = {{hlist|Karen Poole|Matt Schwartz|Paul Harris}}
| producer = {{hlist|Matt Schwartz|Paul Harris}}
| prev_title = Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)
| prev_year = 2011
| next_title = Flower
| next_year = 2012
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|zL2wGYCINwY|"Timebomb"}}}}
}}
"Timebomb" is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was written by Karen Poole, Matt Schwartz, and Paul Harris, with Schwartz and Harris also handling production. A surprise release, both the track and its music video were digitally unveiled via a viral Twitter campaign on 25 May 2012. Parlophone distributed the single as part of Minogue's anniversary of her 25th year in the music industry. The single saw a physical release and an accompanying digital remix EP in July.
Music critics identified "Timebomb" as an energetic dance-pop song with a thematic focus on seizing the day and dancing. The song's production received widespread praise, with some reviewers considering it among Minogue's finest works. "Timebomb" achieved moderate commercial success across Europe, Asia, and Australia. In the United States, it marked Minogue's ninth number-one hit on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The single also earned Gold certification in Italy.
Directed by Christian Larson, an accompanying music video follows Minogue through the streets of Soho, London. Her sex appeal in the video garnered significant attention from critics. To promote the single, Minogue performed it during the first season of The Voice UK. The song also featured in the setlists for her Kiss Me Once (2014–15) and Tension (2025) concert tours. "Timebomb" was included in a 2012 box set and made its debut on a globally released album with Step Back in Time: The Definitive Collection (2019).
Background and composition
In 2012, Minogue launched K25, a commemorative program celebrating her 25-year career in the music industry.{{cite episode|last=Hilton|first=Perez|author-link=Perez Hilton|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzIIr-F9fw|title=Chatting With... Kylie Minogue (Part 1)!|publisher=Perez Hilton|date=24 June 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-date=25 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625183747/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzIIr-F9fw|url-status=live|transcript-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628010438/http://perezhilton.com/2012-06-24-perez-hilton-interviews-kylie-minogue-2|series=Chatting With...|transcript=Transcript archived on 28 June 2012|time=2:17–4:15}}{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/k25-rings-in-changes-for-kylie-1372057|title=K25 rings in changes for Kylie|date=29 August 2012|accessdate=29 August 2024|newspaper=Independent Online|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329130202/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/k25-rings-in-changes-for-kylie-1372057|archivedate=29 March 2025|url-status=live}} The year-long campaign included monthly video releases on her official website, and the launch of Anti Tour in March and April.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kylie-minogues-anti-tour-of-b-sides-to-begin-in-australia-502892/|title=Kylie Minogue's 'Anti' Tour of B-Sides to Begin in Australia|website=Billboard|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=5 March 2012|accessdate=5 March 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419114003/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kylie-minogues-anti-tour-of-b-sides-to-begin-in-australia-502892/|archivedate=19 April 2024|url-status=live}} "Timebomb" was created as part of the K25 project. The track was written by Karen Poole, Matt Schwartz and Paul Harris, whilst the latter two collaborators handled its production. It was recorded at Destined Studios at West End London by Schwartz, who also served as the track programmer and mixing engineer. Poole provided backing vocals. The song is written in the key of G major and is set in common time with a tempo of 128 beats per minute. Minogue's vocals span between G4 and G5.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0118409|title=Kylie Minogue 'Timebomb' Sheet Music in G Major|website=Musicnotes.com|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226161534/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0118409|archivedate=26 December 2024|url-status=live}}
Musically, "Timebomb" is a dance-pop song{{cite web|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/kylie-drops-her-skirt/|title=Kylie Drops Her 'Skirt'|work=Slant Magazine|date=28 May 2013|accessdate=15 October 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205184228/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/kylie-drops-her-skirt/|archivedate=5 December 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-brings-back-the-hotpants-in-new-timebomb-video-444155/|title=Kylie Minogue brings back the hotpants in new Timebomb video|first=Daniella|last=Graham|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130145216/https://metro.co.uk/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-brings-back-the-hotpants-in-new-timebomb-video-444155/|archivedate=30 November 2024|url-status=live|website=Metro}} that is driven by a distorted electronic bassline, bumping beat,{{cite news|last=Matthews|first=Cameron|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-timebomb-video/|title=Kylie Minogue 'Timebomb' Video: Diva Wears Barely-There Dress for Racy Visuals – Watch|newspaper=AOL Music|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-date=2 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602065210/http://blog.music.aol.com/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-timebomb-video|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.straight.com/article-694586/vancouver/k25-surprise-kylie-minogue-sets-timebomb|title=K25 surprise: Kylie Minogue sets off a 'Timebomb'|first=Craig|last=Takeuchi|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330040401/https://www.straight.com/article-694586/vancouver/k25-surprise-kylie-minogue-sets-timebomb|archivedate=30 March 2025|url-status=live|website=The Georgia Straight}} ticking drums,{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/06/08/singles-june-15-2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109055809/https://ew.com/article/2012/06/08/singles-june-15-2012|archivedate=9 November 2015|title=Singles: June 15, 2012|first=Kylie|last=Anderson|date=8 June 2012|accessdate=8 June 2024|website=Entertainment Weekly}} and persistent synths.{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2012/05/check-out-kylie-minogue-time-bomb/|title=Check Out: Kylie Minogue – 'Time Bomb'|website=Consequence|first=Ben|last=Kaye|accessdate= 29 March 2025|date= 25 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329161711/https://consequence.net/2012/05/check-out-kylie-minogue-time-bomb/|archivedate=29 March 2025|url-status=live}} The track also incoperated disco,{{cite web|url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2022/02/top-40-kylie-tracks/|title=Top 40 Kylie Minogue Songs|date=20 February 2022|accessdate=20 February 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224042656/https://www.classicpopmag.com/2022/02/top-40-kylie-tracks/|archivedate=24 February 2022|url-status=live|work=Classic Pop}} indie sleaze,{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/every-kylie-minogue-song-ranked-170-1-20230906-p5e2dk.html|title=Every Kylie Minogue song ranked|first1=Robert|last1=Moran|first2=Annabel|last2=Ross|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=25 September 2023|accessdate=25 September 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011181609/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/every-kylie-minogue-song-ranked-170-1-20230906-p5e2dk.html|archivedate=11 October 2023|url-status=live}} synth-pop,{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/kylie-minogues-birthday-her-best-10-songs-ranked-1435111|website=Newsweek|title=Kylie Minogue's Birthday: Her Best 10 Songs Ranked|date=28 May 2019|accessdate=28 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528083733/https://www.newsweek.com/kylie-minogues-birthday-her-best-10-songs-ranked-1435111|archivedate=28 May 2019|url-status=live|first=Sophia|last=Waterfield}} and electro house elements.{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/interviews/kylie-minogue-interview/|title=Limitless Joy: Kylie Minogue Interviewed|website=The Quietus|first=Simon|last=Price|date=25 October 2012|accessdate=25 October 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516182527/https://thequietus.com/interviews/kylie-minogue-interview/|archivedate=16 May 2024|url-status=live}} The song surges into an energetic chorus, punctuated by Minogue's chants of "whoops". Her vocals are heavily processed throughout the track. The Tab{{'}}s Harrison Brocklehurst compared Minogue's robotic delivery to Britney Spears, while WhatCulture's Josh Webb likened the soaring chorus to BodyRockers' "I Like the Way" (2005).{{cite web|url=https://archive.thetab.com/uk/2022/01/20/50-best-kylie-minogue-singles-ranked-236367|title=The 50 Greatest Kylie Minogue Singles of All Time, Ranked|work=The Tab|first=Harrison|last=Brocklehurst|date=20 January 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120165441/https://thetab.com/uk/2022/01/20/50-best-kylie-minogue-singles-ranked-236367|archivedate=20 January 2022|url-status=live|accessdate=20 January 2022}} Cameron Adams from Herald Sun described the production as "dark and dirty",{{cite news|author=Adams, Cameron|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/kylie-drops-new-timebomb-video-on-itunes/story-e6frf9hf-1226367251840|title=Kylie steams up the screen in hot new video|work=Herald Sun|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20121230102213/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/kylie-drops-new-timebomb-video-on-itunes/story-e6frf9hf-1226367251840|archivedate=30 December 2012|url-status=dead|url-access=subscription}} while Melina Newman from HitFix and Josh Martin from MTV Australia found similarities to The Bloody Beetroots and the early work of Madonna.{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Melina|url=http://www.hitfix.com/the-beat-goes-on/watch-kylie-minogue-struts-through-london-in-new-video-for-timebomb|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527090200/http://www.hitfix.com/the-beat-goes-on/watch-kylie-minogue-struts-through-london-in-new-video-for-timebomb|archivedate=27 May 2012|title=Watch: Kylie Minogue struts through London in new video for 'Timebomb'|work=HitFix|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016}}{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922134829/http://www.mtv.com.au/kylie-minogue/news/best-kylie-minogue-songs-ranked|archivedate=22 September 2020|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/kylie-minogue/news/best-kylie-minogue-songs-ranked|title=Every Kylie Minogue Single, Ranked|publisher=MTV Australia|date=18 September 2020|accessdate=18 September 2024|first=Josh|last=Martin}} Digital Spy's Robert Copsey felt the upbeat production recalled Minogue's own earlier work, particularly her 2001 songs "Come Into My World" and "Love At First Sight".
The lyrics of the song focus on seizing the day and dancing ("Do you wanna dance like it was the last dance?").{{cite web|last=Rogers|first=Jude|url=https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/kylie-minogue-the-abbey-road-sessions-review/|title=Kylie – The Abbey Road Sessions|website=The Quietus|date=30 November 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714015600/https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/kylie-minogue-the-abbey-road-sessions-review/|archivedate=14 July 2024|url-status=live}} Marc Andrews, the author of Kylie Song by Song (2022), described "Timebomb" as an ode to apocalypse, while Jenn Selby of Glamour noted its camp elements.{{cite news|last=Selby|first=Jenn|url=http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/celebrity/entertainment/monitor/2012/05/scissor-sisters-magic-hour-kylie-time-bomb|title=Music: This Week We're Loving…|work=Glamour|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529053016/http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/celebrity/entertainment/monitor/2012/05/scissor-sisters-magic-hour-kylie-time-bomb|archivedate=29 May 2012}} Jude Rogers of The Quietus pointed out that the chorus could be interpreted as an allusion to sex ("We're on a timebomb, we might not last long, so let's just do it right now"). The writer argued that the song's central theme is the urgency of aging, surpassing the sentiment expressed in "All The Lovers", the lead single from Minogue's Aphrodite (2010), where the singer reflected on past romances. For Copsey, the theme about the rapid passage of time resonated deeply, given the commemoration of Minogue's 25-year career.{{cite news|last=Copsey|first=Robert|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/review/a383674/kylie-minogue-timebomb-single-review/|title=Kylie Minogue: 'Timebomb' - Single review|publisher=Digital Spy|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620102623/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a383674/kylie-minogue-timebomb-single-review/|archivedate=20 June 2021|url-status=live}}
Release
File:Matt Schwartz (28 March 2009).jpg (pictured in 2009) co-wrote, co-produced, and did a remix of "Timebomb"]]
"Timebomb" was intended for a greatest hits album in 2012, but it was ultimately excluded when Parlophone opted for a fan-voted tracklist. On 25 May 2012, Minogue initiated a social media campaign using a countdown timer on her website and the hashtag "KylieTimebomb" on Twitter.{{cite news|last=Tobin|first=Christian|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a383516/kylie-minogue-new-single-timebomb-premieres-video/|title=Kylie Minogue new single 'Timebomb' premieres – video|publisher=Digital Spy|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217143816/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a383516/kylie-minogue-new-single-timebomb-premieres-video/|archivedate=17 February 2019|url-status=live}} Fans unlocked a new track by tweeting, reaching the target of 25,000 tweets in under 45 minutes.{{cite web|url=http://evolver.fm/2012/05/25/how-kylie-minogue-fans-blew-up-twitter-to-unlock-a-video/|date=25 May 2012|title=How Kylie Minogue Fans Blew Up Twitter to Unlock a Video|website=Evolver.fm|publisher=The Echo Nest|first=James|last=Martin|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223173640/http://evolver.fm/2012/05/25/how-kylie-minogue-fans-blew-up-twitter-to-unlock-a-video/|archivedate=23 December 2018|accessdate=23 December 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/singer-kylie-minogue-sets-twitter-record/story-GwG7OqeIfD2v9e5xuFQgVO.html|title=Singer Kylie Minogue sets Twitter record|work=Hindustan Times|date=May 26, 2012|accessdate=May 26, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324161355/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/singer-kylie-minogue-sets-twitter-record/story-GwG7OqeIfD2v9e5xuFQgVO.html|archivedate=24 March 2025|url-status=live}} At its peak, the hashtag reached 10 tweets per second, making it the top trending topic worldwide in just six minutes.{{cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/news/kylie-drops-new-single/DkQBAAMCBQQ/25-05-12|website=The Music|title=Kylie Minogue Drops Surprise Single, Video|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725062356/https://themusic.com.au/news/kylie-drops-new-single/DkQBAAMCBQQ/25-05-12|archivedate=25 July 2024|url-status=live|date=25 May 2012|first=Scott|last=Fitzsimons|accessdate=25 July 2024}} Upon reaching the tweet target, "Timebomb" was unveiled with a music video and simultaneously became available on iTunes and Spotify. This led several publications to label "Timebomb" a surprise release.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327025432/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kylie-releases-surprise-new-single__2131/|archivedate=27 March 2025|url-status=live|title=Kylie releases surprise new single|publisher=Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kylie-releases-surprise-new-single__2131/|accessdate=27 March 2025|date=25 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kylie-minogue-debuts-video-song-timebomb-075117842.html|title=Kylie Minogue debuts video for new song Timebomb|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 March 2025|publisher=Yahoo News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327031906/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kylie-minogue-debuts-video-song-timebomb-075117842.html|archivedate=27 March 2025|url-status=live}}
Syd Lawrence, the campaign developer, declared it the biggest K25 reveal yet, emphasizing its low budget and effectiveness in reaching a large fan audience. Despite viral promotion, Webb criticized the flawed release strategy, predicting middling chart success reliant on fanbase buys and limited airplay due to the mid-week release.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613130615/https://whatculture.com/music/kylie-minogue-timebomb-music-video-review|archivedate=13 June 2024|url-status=live|url=https://whatculture.com/music/kylie-minogue-timebomb-music-video-review|title=Kylie Minogue - Timebomb: Music Video Review|first=Josh|last=Webb|date=31 May 2012|accessdate=13 June 2024|publisher=WhatCulture}} Sharing the same sentiment, Alexis Petridis of The Guardian argued that the release was overshadowed by Minogue's 25th-anniversary and the Anti Tour, calling it "an afterthought on release".{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924150603/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/24/kylies-30-greatest-singles-ranked|archivedate=24 September 2020|url-status=live|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/24/kylies-30-greatest-singles-ranked|title=Kylie's 30 greatest singles – ranked!|website=The Guardian|first=Alexis|last=Petridis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|date=24 September 2020|accessdate=24 September 2024}} The release of "Timebomb" initially caused an online stir due to a similarly titled track, which was written by American singer Michael Jackson for Minogue's Fever (2001).{{cite book|last1=Halstead|first1=Craig|first2=Chris|last2=Cadman|title=Michael Jackson the Solo Years|year=2003|publisher=Authors Online|isbn=0-7552-0091-8|page=193|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Michael_Jackson_the_Solo_Years.html?id=yb_ghov9uEMC}} The 2012 song was not written by Jackson.
The digital single was an iTunes Store exclusive, available for download until 30 May.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kylie-minogues-timebomb-explodes-new-single-video-released-485991/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626155818/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kylie-minogues-timebomb-explodes-new-single-video-released-485991/|archivedate=26 June 2023|url-status=live|title=Kylie Minogue's 'Timebomb' Explodes: New Single & Video Released|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 March 2025|work=Billboard}} Before its official release on 25 May, the song briefly surfaced on the Australian iTunes Store before being removed.{{cite web|url=https://www.outinperth.com/kylie-drops-timebomb/|title=Kylie Drops Timebomb|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420205332/https://www.outinperth.com/kylie-drops-timebomb/|website=OutInPerth|archivedate=20 April 2024|url-status=live}} "Timebomb" was sent to radio stations in New Zealand on 29 May.{{cite news|url=http://www.morefm.co.nz/Kylie-Minogue---Timebomb/tabid/94/articleID/3161/Default.aspx|title=Kylie Minogue – Timebomb premiere|publisher=More FM|date=29 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603215425/http://www.morefm.co.nz/Kylie-Minogue---Timebomb/tabid/94/articleID/3161/Default.aspx|archivedate=3 June 2012}} On 16 July, due to high demand, Parlophone distributed a CD single that included the original recording, an extended version, and an enhanced music video. The release was limited to 5,000 copies worldwide, with 10 of those copies signed by Minogue herself. On 13 July, Parlophone issued a digital EP of "Timebomb" remixes, including an extended mix and five remixes by record producers Peter Rauhofer, Matt Schwartz (credited as DADA), Italia3, Style of Eye, Steve Redant and Phil Romano.{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vYR4EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT158|chapter=Part 18: The Abbey Road Sessions Album and More (2012–2013)|title=Kylie Song by Song|first=Marc|last=Andrews|publisher=Fonthill Media|isbn=9781781558706|year=2022|via=Google Books|pages=158–159}} Rauhofer's remix was one of his final projects before his passing in 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-22446656|title=Peter Rauhofer, award-winning DJ, dies aged 48|publisher=BBC News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131090945/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-22446656|date=8 May 2013|accessdate=8 May 2013|archivedate=31 January 2025|url-status=live}} "Timebomb" later appeared as a mini CD on Minogue's box set compilation K25: Time Capsule in October 2012.{{cite AV media notes|title=K25: Time Capsule|first=Kylie|last=Minogue|year=2012|type=Box set; Liner notes|publisher=Warner Music Australia|id=531054255|location=Australia|url=http://kylie.completepurchase.com/cds/k25-time-capsule.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730025924/http://kylie.completepurchase.com/cds/k25-time-capsule.html|archivedate=30 July 2012|accessdate=30 July 2012}} The track was included in Step Back in Time: The Definitive Collection, a greatest hits album distributed by BMG in 2019, marking its first inclusion on a worldwide-released album.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kylie-minogue-announces-greatest-hits-album-step-back-in-time-the-definitive-collection__26213/
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502092611/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kylie-minogue-announces-greatest-hits-album-step-back-in-time-the-definitive-collection__26213/|archivedate=2 May 2019|url-status=live|title=Kylie Minogue announces greatest hits album Step Back In Time: The Definitive Collection|date=2 May 2019|first=Jack|last=White|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=2 May 2024}}
Critical reception
Music critics lauded the production of "Timebomb", particularly its "whoops" hook and catchy chorus. HuffPost and AfterElton.com deemed the track a fitting choice for summer.{{cite news|last=Virtel |first=Louis |author-link=Louis Virtel|date=3 July 2012 |title=The 10 Best 'Songs of the Summer' of the Past 20 Years |url=http://www.afterelton.com/music/2012/07/best-summer-songs-20-years |access-date=20 August 2016 |work=AfterElton.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706133450/http://www.afterelton.com/music/2012/07/best-summer-songs-20-years|archivedate=6 July 2012}} Glenn Gamboa, writing for Newsday, noticed the track's potential to boost Minogue's recognition in the US market, labelling the track a "pure fizzy dance pop".{{cite news|last=Gamboa|first=Glemm|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/hot-song-kylie-minogue-s-timebomb-1.3755775|title=Hot Song: Kylie Minogue's 'Timebomb'|newspaper=Newsday|date=1 June 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108105803/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/hot-song-kylie-minogue-s-timebomb-1.3755775|archivedate=8 November 2014}} Anderson praised the enticing "precision-calibrated rave", while Melinda Newman of HitFix commented that the lighthearted fun track is a suitable continuation of the K25 celebrations. Describing the track as an "aural candy," Craig Takeuchi of The Georgia Straight predicted it would become one of Pride Month's club anthems, one that "fans will have a hard time getting out of their heads". American writer Louis Virtel picked "Timebomb" as the best dance song of 2012, praising it as "a note-perfect, three-minute pop bullet."{{cite news|last=Virtel|first=Louis|author-link=Louis Virtel |date=28 May 2012 |title=Kylie Minogue's 48 Best Songs|url=http://www.newnownext.com/kylie-minogue-best-songs-ranked/05/2016/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225035525/http://www.newnownext.com/kylie-minogue-best-songs-ranked/05/2016/ |archive-date=25 February 2017 |access-date=20 August 2016 |publisher=Logo TV}}
In retrospect, Sam Damshenas from Gay Times recognized "Timebomb" as one of the most underrated pop singles, highlighting its pulsating beat and Minogue's performance "at her most fast and furious".{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Damshenas|url=https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cant-get-you-out-of-my-head-turns-20-kylie-minogues-10-best-singles-ranked/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126181210/https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cant-get-you-out-of-my-head-turns-20-kylie-minogues-10-best-singles-ranked/|archivedate=26 January 2025|url-status=live|title=Can't Get You Out of My Head turns 20: Kylie Minogue's 10 best singles ranked|website=Gay Times|date=8 September 2021|accessdate=8 September 2024}} Brocklehurst praised it as a groundbreaking track with heavily synthesized vocals, and likened it to a precursor to Charli XCX's distinctive pop style. Many publications ranked "Timebomb" among Minogue's best tracks, including Gay Times (5th), Logo TV (6th), Newsweek (7th), Classic Pop (11th), The Tab (18th), The Guardian (26th), MTV Australia (52th), and The Sydney Morning Herald (80th).
Chart performance
"Timebomb" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 31, selling 10,044 units in its first two days.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.musicweek.com/news/read/official-charts-analysis-uk-album-sales-continue-to-drop/049013|title=Official Charts analysis: UK album sales continue to drop|magazine=Music Week|date=28 May 2012|access-date=24 March 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611030714/https://www.musicweek.com/news/read/official-charts-analysis-uk-album-sales-continue-to-drop/049013|archive-date=11 June 2013|url-status=live}} It remained at the same position for a second week before dropping to number 56. The single had non-consecutive runs in the top 100 for a total of 7 weeks.{{cite news|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/timebomb/|title=Kylie Minogue – Timebomb|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=27 May 2012|access-date=19 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714111627/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/kylie-minogue-timebomb/|archivedate=14 July 2023|url-status=live}} A fan favourite track, "Timebomb" ranked within the top 40 most-loved songs by Minogue in a UK poll conducted by BBC Radio 2 in 2023.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823050651/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2023/your-ultimate-kylie-song-bbc-radio-2|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2023/your-ultimate-kylie-song-bbc-radio-2|archivedate=23 August 2023|title=BBC Radio 2 reveals the nation's favourite Kylie song|date=21 August 2023|accessdate=21 August 2023|url-status=live|publisher=BBC}} It was one of Minogue's top 40 biggest selling songs in the UK by May 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kylie-minogues-official-top-40-biggest-selling-songs__22391/|title=Kylie Minogue's Official Top 40 biggest selling songs|publisher=Official Charts Company|first=Justin|last=Myers|date=25 May 2018|accessdate=25 April 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115180231/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kylie-minogues-official-top-40-biggest-selling-songs__22391/|archivedate=15 January 2025|url-status=live}} In Australia, "Timebomb" topped the ARIA Dance Singles Chart and debuted at number 12 on the Singles Chart, becoming Minogue's best-performing single on the latter chart since "Wow" (2008). The single fell to number 49 the following week, marking its final chart appearance. Similarly, in New Zealand, it spent a sole week on the chart at number 33, her first solo appearance since "2 Hearts" (2007). In Europe, "Timebomb" peaked within the top 60 on charts in Austria (58), France (46), Germany (56), Italy (23), the Netherlands (44), Scotland (33), Slovakia (40), Spain (20), and the Belgium regions of Flanders (43) and Wallonia (49). The single was certified gold by Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana in July 2012.
The single succeeded in the US Dance charts, becoming her ninth number-one entry on the Dance Club Songs during the week of 11 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/weekly-chart-notes-kylie-minogues-9th-no-1-dance-hit-scissor-sisters-kiki-480620/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519163628/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/weekly-chart-notes-kylie-minogues-9th-no-1-dance-hit-scissor-sisters-kiki-480620/|archivedate=19 May 2022|url-status=live|title=Weekly Chart Notes: Kylie Minogue’s 9th No. 1 Dance Hit, Scissor Sisters' 'Kiki' Debuts|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=3 August 2012|accessdate=3 August 2012|website=Billboard}} It was her sixth consecutive chart-topper, beginning with "All the Lovers". "Timebomb" also reached number 17 on both of Billboards Dance/Electronic Digital Songs and the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kylie-minogue/chart-history/ddt/|title=Kylie Minogue – Chart History – Dance/Electronic Digital Songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327173551/https://www.billboard.com/artist/kylie-minogue/chart-history/ddt/|archivedate=27 March 2022}} It was Minogue's fastest-selling single in the US since "Can't Get You Out of My Head" in 2001.{{cite news|url=http://www.kylie.com/news/2012/08/timebomb-1-on-the-club-charts/|title=Timebomb #1 on the Club Charts|work=Kylie.com|date=3 August 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811214106/http://www.kylie.com/news/2012/08/timebomb-1-on-the-club-charts/|archive-date=11 August 2012 }} In Canada, it peaked at number 40 and number 73 on the Canadian Digital Songs chart and Canadian Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/306232/Kylie%20Minogue/chart?f=1186|title=Kylie Minogue – Chart History – Canada Digital Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016}} Elsewhere, the single appeared on the national airplay charts in Russia (93), Mexico (49),{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/internationalcharts/mexico|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526113226/https://www.webcitation.org/6Dkb9GZNR?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/internationalcharts/mexico|url-status=dead|archive-date=2024-05-26|title=Mexican Airplay Singles Chart|magazine=Billboard|date=26 January 2013|access-date=20 August 2016|language=es}} and Hungary (19). In Japan, it was Minogue's first entry on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 since its inception in 2008, peaking at number 32. By the end of 2012, "Timebomb" appeared in the year-end dance charts in the US (18) and Australia (39).
Music video
Christian Larson directed and edited the music video for "Timebomb", which was primarily took place in Soho, London in April 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/kylie-minogue-timebomb-music-video-k25-329768/|title=Kylie Minogue Takes Over London's Soho on 'Timebomb' Music Video|first=Jethro|last=Nededog|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624020821/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/kylie-minogue-timebomb-music-video-k25-329768/|archivedate=24 June 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/kylie-minogue/355664-kylie-timebomb-new-video-hotpants-the-voice-cheryl|title=Kylie Minogue Unveils 'Timebomb' Single & Video|publisher=MTV UK|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528081312/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/kylie-minogue/355664-kylie-timebomb-new-video-hotpants-the-voice-cheryl|archivedate=28 May 2012|url-status=live}} Details about the filming were tightly controlled. No official confirmation was released, and Minogue used a code name for the project during production. "It was like organizing the biggest surprise party," she said. Shooting session on the bustling Old Compton Street, however, caused a commotion.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a377634/kylie-minogue-films-new-video-in-london-pictures.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423165405/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a377634/kylie-minogue-films-new-video-in-london-pictures.html|archivedate=23 April 2012|url-status=dead|title=Kylie Minogue films new video in London - pictures|publisher=Digital Spy|first=Lewis|last=Corner|date=20 April 2012|accessdate=23 April 2024}} Minogue, using an in-ear monitor, mimed to the song as she walked down the street, drawing a large crowd of fans.{{cite episode|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFlsOeCYmBY|title=Kylie Minogue|series=VEVO News Interview|publisher=VEVO|transcript-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727011026/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a395166/kylie-minogue-im-more-inspired-than-ever.html|date=24 July 2012|accessdate=24 July 2024|transcript=Transcript by Digital Spy, archived on 27 July 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626155547/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFlsOeCYmBY&feature=youtu.be|archivedate=26 June 2023|url-status=live|time=0:55–1:50}} Recalling the experience, she said, "I must have looked like a complete idiot strutting down the street singing to absolutely nothing!"
File:Old Compton Street, Soho - geograph.org.uk - 4777192.jpg (pictured in 2015), where the shoot drew a large crowd of fans.|alt=Old Compton Street, Soho in 2015]]
A nighttime sequence featuring Minogue on the back of a motorbike was filmed in a Chinatown back alley. She found the scene the most challenging, as the bike's noise drowned out the music and the fumes were overpowering. Despite this, she enjoyed filming it.{{cite av media notes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhGPV9kZdfU|title=Kylie Minogue - Timebomb (Behind The Scenes)|first=Kylie|last=Minogue|date=1 June 2012|accessdate=24 July 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601053955/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhGPV9kZdfU|archivedate=1 June 2012|url-status=live|publisher=YouTube}} Minogue's black spandex minidress in the video was purchased from a sex shop for £15.{{cite episode|title=Episode 6: Michael McIntyre, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/alan_carr_chatty_man/episodes/8/6/|series=Alan Carr: Chatty Man|network=Channel 4|date=1 June 2012|series-no=8|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210145028/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/alan_carr_chatty_man/episodes/8/6/|archivedate=10 December 2024|url-status=live|via=British Comedy Guide}} She expressed discomfort towards the dress, described it as "a very cheeky little outfit... I do get very shy and timid [about it]".
The video employs jolty camera work, colour switches, and rapid cuts.{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/watch-kylie-minogue-timebomb/|title=Watch: Kylie Minogue – Timebomb|first=Robbin|last=Murray|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527223553/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/watch-kylie-minogue-timebomb/|archivedate=27 May 2012|url-status=live|website=Clash}} It opens with Minogue posing in a studio. As she exits the studio, the video shifts to grayscale. She wears a leather biker jacket adorned with a giant red heart, short denim hot pants, and a pair of sunglasses. She walks through various backstreets, bumps into a man, and takes a stranger's phone to film herself walking down the street. She arrives at a dimly lit nightclub, before walking down Old Compton Street. The greyscale scenes were interspersed with glitchy visuals of her strutting down a white corridor and grinding against a wall. Meanwhile, the street scenes were filmed with a found-footage aesthetic, evoking the sensation of being monitored by CCTV.
Minogue then climbs into an open-top sports car with a male driver, and they journey through London's bustling streets.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/blog/73292/Watch-Kylies-new-Timebomb-single/|website=Gigwise|date= 25 May 2012 |first=Michael|last=Baggs|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527062103/https://www.gigwise.com/blog/73292/Watch-Kylies-new-Timebomb-single/|archivedate=27 May 2012|title=Watch: Kylie's new 'Timebomb' single|accessdate= 27 May 2024}} The video's colors become saturated, capturing the vibrant rush of the city. As night falls, Minogue exits the car and is pursued by an unknown man. She runs through an alley, kisses a man, and drags him into an abandoned warehouse. She removes her jacket, revealing the black minidress. Minogue can be heard moaning and whispering "Wait... please don't make me wait". She later dances seductively next to a motorcycle in the middle of the street, while the man circles her, performing a wheelie. The video ends with the pair perform a burnout, and leave the alley.
The music video was unveiled via the viral release campaign on Twitter on 25 May. Minogue promoted the Facebook app that allowed fans to be inserted into Minogue's glasses, which are seen throughout the music video.{{cite av media notes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMM3aqf1joo|title=Kylie Minogue - Timebomb (Facebook App)|date=1 June 2012|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601173234/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMM3aqf1joo|archivedate=1 June 2012|url-status=live|publisher=YouTube}} The video attracted 10 million views on VEVO by 7 August.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810041241/http://www.kylie.com/news/2012/08/10-million-timebomb-views/|archivedate=10 August 2012|url=http://www.kylie.com/news/2012/08/10-million-timebomb-views/|title=10 Million Timebomb Views|website=Kylie.com|accessdate=10 August 2024|date=7 August 2012}} The black minidress, along with Minogue's physique, drew attention from media publications.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-timebomb-video_n_1546217.html |title=Kylie Minogue's 'Timebomb' Video Debuts Ahead Of 'K25' Anniversary Celebration |work=HuffPost|date=25 May 2012|accessdate=25 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626160031/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kylie-minogue-timebomb-video_n_1546217|archivedate=26 June 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://extratv.com/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-the-bomb-in-timebomb-video/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918114914/https://extratv.com/2012/05/25/kylie-minogue-the-bomb-in-timebomb-video/|archivedate=18 September 2020|url-status=live|title=Kylie Minogue the Bomb in 'Timebomb' Video|date=30 May 2012|accessdate=30 May 2012|website=Extra}} The denim hot pants were compared to the iconic gold hot pants from "Spinning Around" (2000). Both Michael Baggs of Gigwise and Jenna Rubenstein of MTV Buzzworthy praised the video's sensual elements and Minogue's ability to pull off steamy scenes.{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/05/29/kylie-minogue-timebomb-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531120946/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/05/29/kylie-minogue-timebomb-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 May 2012 |title=MTV Buzzworthy Blog: New Video: Kylie Minogue, 'Timebomb' |publisher=MTV Buzzworthy |date=25 May 2012 |access-date=29 May 2012}} Gamboa and a writer from HuffPost commended the memorable video, describing it as "pure Kylie at her best." Daniella Graham of Metro viewed the video as a stylish comeback for Minogue, while MTV UK considered it to contain some of her most raunchiest scenes to date.
Live performances
File:Kylie Minogue - Kiss Me Once Tour - Sheffield - 13.11.14. - 035 (15463192264).jpg (pictured in 2014)|alt=Minogue wearing a red corset while performing "Timebomb" on Kiss Me Once Tour in 2014, facing to the left]]
On 27 May 2012, Minogue performed "Timebomb" for the first time on the first season of The Voice UK. She wore the same outfit in the music video: denim hotpants and a leather jacket, before changing into the black minidress halfway through the performance.{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/kylie-performs-song-on-uks-the-voice-ng-ya-314556|title=Kylie performs song on UK's The Voice|website=The West Australian|date=29 May 2012|accessdate=29 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407121525/https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/kylie-performs-song-on-uks-the-voice-ng-ya-314556|archivedate=7 April 2025|url-status=live}} The song was included on the setlist for her 2014 Kiss Me Once Tour in Europe and Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a599044/kylie-minogue-launches-kiss-me-once-tour-setlist-revealed/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526062736/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a599044/kylie-minogue-launches-kiss-me-once-tour-setlist-revealed/|archivedate=26 May 2019|title=Kylie Minogue launches 'Kiss Me Once' tour, setlist revealed|first=Lewis|last=Corner|date=25 September 2015|accessdate=25 September 2024|publisher=Digital Spy}} The performance featured Minogue dressed in a red sparkling corset and matching pillbox hat.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/kylie-minogue-kiss-me-once-tour-from-girlnextdoor-to-disco-diva-at-perth-show-20150315-144b1x.html|title=Kylie Minogue Kiss Me Once tour: From girl-next-door to disco diva at Perth show|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 March 2015|accessdate=15 March 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315193256/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/kylie-minogue-kiss-me-once-tour-from-girlnextdoor-to-disco-diva-at-perth-show-20150315-144b1x.html|first=Candice|last=Barnes|archivedate=15 March 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/kylie-minogue-seduces-perth-with-kiss-me-once-tour-opener-ng-72da212367b24169180ef4a8a3ba0520|title=Kylie Minogue seduces Perth with Kiss Me Once tour opener|first=Kyrsty|last=Symonds|date=15 March 2015|accessdate=15 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215234936/https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/kylie-minogue-seduces-perth-with-kiss-me-once-tour-opener-ng-72da212367b24169180ef4a8a3ba0520|website=The Sunday Times|archivedate=15 February 2020|url-status=live}} A show in SSE Hydro, Glasgow was filmed on 12 November, and released as a live album in March 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2015/03/kylie-puckers-dvd/|title=Kiss Me Once More – Kylie Minogue's live is up on DVD|work=Classic Pop|date=9 March 2015|accessdate=9 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126092528/https://www.classicpopmag.com/2015/03/kylie-puckers-dvd/|archivedate=26 November 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media notes |title=Kiss Me Once Live at the SSE Hydro|first=Kylie|last=Minogue|year=2015|type=Double CD; Liner notes|publisher=Parlophone|id=0825646163076|location=Europe|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004111757/https://store.warnermusic.com/en/warner-music-store/warner-records/kiss-me-once-live-at-the-sse-hydro-digital-album/825646160686.html|archivedate=4 October 2023|url=https://store.warnermusic.com/en/warner-music-store/warner-records/kiss-me-once-live-at-the-sse-hydro-digital-album/825646160686.html|url-status=live|accessdate=4 October 2023|asin=B00SKEQZ52}} The performance of "Timebomb" was uploaded to Minogue's official YouTube account on 4 March 2015 as a sneak peek for the live album release.{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnuj1svkH8w|title=Kylie Minogue - Timebomb - Live From Kiss Me Once Tour|date=4 March 2015|access-date=20 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108123648/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnuj1svkH8w|archivedate=8 January 2025|url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|first=Kylie|last=Minogue}} In 2025, Minogue included "Timebomb" on the fourth segment of her sixteenth concert tour, the Tension Tour.{{cite magazine |last1=Lochrie |first1=Conor |title=Kylie Minogue Begins World Tour in Perth |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kylie-minogue-begins-world-tour-in-perth-72202/ |magazine=Rolling Stone Australia |access-date=18 February 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250218171525/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kylie-minogue-begins-world-tour-in-perth-72202/ |archive-date=18 February 2025 |location=Australia |date=17 February 2025 |url-status=live}}
Formats and track listings
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- Digital download{{cite av media notes|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/timebomb-single/id529832753|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528112311/http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/timebomb-single/id529832753?|archivedate=28 May 2012|url-status=dead|title=Timebomb (Single)|format=Digital single|first=Kylie|last=Minogue|publisher=Parlophone|via=iTunes Store|location=United Kingdom|date=25 May 2012|access-date=20 August 2016}}
- "Timebomb" – 2:57
- "Timebomb" (video) – 3:36
- "Timebomb" – 2:57
- "Timebomb" (Extended version) – 4:30
- "Timebomb" (video) – 3:36
{{col-2}}
- "Timebomb" (Extended Version) – 4:30
- "Timebomb" (Peter Rauhofer Remix) – 8:00
- "Timebomb" (DADA Remix) – 6:30
- "Timebomb" (Steve Redant & Phil Romano Remix) – 7:04
- "Timebomb" (Style of Eye Remix) – 6:31
- "Timebomb" (Italia3 Remix) – 6:00
{{col-end}}
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the CD liner notes of "Timebomb"
;Recording
- Mixed and recorded at Destined Studios, London, England by Matt Schwartz
;Personnel
- Kylie Minogue – vocals
- Karen Poole – songwriter, vocal production, backing vocals
- Paul Harris – songwriter, producer, instruments, arrangement, vocal production, programming, mixing assistant, recording assistant
- Matt Schwartz – songwriter, producer, instruments, arrangement, vocal production, programming, guitar, mixing, recording
- Christian Larson – music video director
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2012–2013 weekly chart performance for "Timebomb" ! scope="col" | Chart (2012–2013) ! scope="col" | Peak |
| {{single chart|Australia|12|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=australia}} |
| scope="row" | Australian Dance (ARIA){{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_dance.asp?chart=1D20 |title=ARIA Top 20 Dance Chart |publisher=ARIA Charts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621223030/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_dance.asp?chart=1D20 |archive-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 June 2012}}
| 1 |
|---|
| {{single chart|Austria|58|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=austria}} |
| {{single chart|Flanders|43|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=flanders}} |
| {{single chart|Wallonia|49|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=wallonia}} |
| {{single chart|Canada|73|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=canada}} |
| {{single chart|CIS|70|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|songid=38781|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025}} |
| {{single chart|Czech Republic|89|year=2012|week=23|artist=Kylie Minogue|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=czech}} |
| scope="row" | Finland Downloads (Latauslista){{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/artistit/kylie+minogue/timebomb|title=Kylie Minogue – Timebomb|publisher=The Official Finnish Charts|date=June 2012|access-date=30 January 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926055638/https://ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/artistit/kylie+minogue/timebomb|archivedate=26 September 2015}}
| 11 |
| {{single chart|France|46|year=2012|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=france}} |
| {{single chart|Germany|56|songid=1033030|year=2012|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=germany}} |
| scope="row" | Global Dance Tracks (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kylie-minogue/chart-history/dgl/|title= Kylie Minogue – Global Dance Songs |magazine= Billboard |access-date= November 25, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120203315/https://www.billboard.com/artist/kylie-minogue/chart-history/dgl/|archivedate=20 January 2025}}
| 9 |
| {{single chart|Hungary|19|week=25|year=2012|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=hungary}} |
| {{single chart|Ireland|26|week=22|year=2012|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=ireland}} |
| scope="row" | Italy (FIMI){{cite web|url=https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/classifiche.kl#/charts/3/2012/26|title=Kylie Minogue – Timebomb|publisher=Top Digital Download|accessdate=March 2, 2025|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250405153918/https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/classifiche.kl%23/charts/3/2012/26|archivedate=5 April 2025|url-status=live}}
| 23 |
| {{single chart|Billboardjapanhot100|32|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=japan}} |
| scope="row" | Lebanon (Lebanese Top 20){{cite web|url=http://www.olt20.com/Kylie_Minogue#fragment-2&panel1-1|title=Kylie Minogue Lebanese Chart Top 20 History|publisher=The Official Lebanese Top 20|date=July 22, 2012|access-date=June 23, 2023|archive-date=June 24, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230624193517/http://www.olt20.com/Kylie_Minogue%23fragment-2&panel1-4|url-status=live}}
| 12 |
| scope="row" | Mexico (Billboard Mexican Airplay)
| 49 |
| {{single chart|Dutch100|44|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=netherlands}} |
| {{single chart|New Zealand|33|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2025|refname=newzealand}} |
| scope="row"| Russia Airplay (TopHit){{cite web|title=Russia Airplay Chart for 20120727|publisher=TopHit|accessdate=March 2, 2025|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/weekly/20120727-20120802|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405163655/https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/weekly/20120727-20120802|archivedate=5 April 2025}}
| 93 |
| {{single chart|Scotland|33|date=20120602|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|refname=scotland|access-date=March 2, 2025}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakia|40|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|year=2012|week=29|rowheader=true|refname=slovakia|access-date=March 2, 2025}} |
| {{single chart|Spain|20|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|refname=spain|access-date=March 2, 2025}} |
| {{single chart|UK|31|artist=Kylie Minogue|date=20120527|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|access-date=4 March 2025|refname=ukpeak}} |
| {{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|refname=danceclubsongs|access-date=March 2, 2025}} |
| scope="row" | US Dance/Electronic Digital Songs (Billboard)
| 17 |
| {{single chart|Billboarddanceairplay|17|artist=Kylie Minogue|song=Timebomb|rowheader=true|refname=dancemix|access-date=March 2, 2025}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2012 year-end chart performance for "Timebomb" ! scope="col"| Chart (2012) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Dance (ARIA){{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2012/dance-singles-chart|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303021716/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2012/dance-singles-chart|archivedate=3 March 2021|url-status=live|title=ARIA Top 50 Dance Singles for 2012|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|accessdate=3 March 2025}}
| 39 |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Dance Club Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/hot-dance-club-play-songs|title=Dance/Club Songs – 2012 Year End Charts|magazine=Billboard|access-date=15 December 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427021419/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/hot-dance-club-play-songs|archivedate=27 April 2013|url-status=live}}
| 18 |
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Timebomb"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=Kylie Minogue|title=Timebomb|relyear=2012|award=Gold|access-date=10 January 2015|refname="italygold"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}
Release history
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Kylie Minogue songs}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Music videos shot in London