Kylie Minogue has gone for a “country feel” in her first studio album in four years.

The pop princess, 49, recorded most of the record, Golden, in Nashville, the home of country music.

The album is said to be one of the most personal to date for the singer, who endured a difficult year following her split from fiance Joshua Sasse.

The star started working on the new record shortly after calling off their engagement and co-wrote all the songs.

The album’s lead single, Dancing, is out now.

Minogue said of Dancing: “You’ve got the lyrical edge, that country feel, mixed with some sampling of the voice and electronic elements, so it does what it says on the label.

“And I love that it’s called Dancing, it’s immediately accessible and seemingly so obvious, but there’s depth within the song.”

Joshua Sasse and Kylie Minogue (Ian West/PA)
Joshua Sasse and Kylie Minogue (Ian West/PA)

She previously told Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans: “I was a little bit fragile when I started working on this album and I processed that and I thought it was a good time to be honest and to work through everything and give a snapshot of where I am in my life.

“It was very rewarding.”

Golden will be released in April.