**Before you read this, I will warn you as the reader and consumer; this album review does contain sexual references, therefore may not be suitable for a reader under the legal age or if this material type makes you feel uncomfortable**
**Introduction**
Ever since I was a little girl I have admired Madonna. I wasn't allowed to listen to her music very often; that was until I was in my teens. This was because of the heavy sexual references portrayed through her lyrics. I have always thought of Madonna as an inspirationally great person and I have so much admiration for her career and her strength. I love her tunes lyrically (now I am older) and almost every song she releases nowadays is a hit. I have a lot of her albums ranging from her first album to her latest album release of 'American Life'.
I always find I can listen to Madonna regardless of my mood. Her voice has a lovely relaxing alto tone which makes her easy to listen too. This album is has a nice vocal mix and features smooth soft ballads to heavier dance tunes.
I feel that Madonna portrays a lot of controversy in her music; talking about sexual fantasy, sexuality and religious beliefs - a lot of which has been picked up on and criticised over the years by the media. Many artists veer away from such subjects lyrically, hence why another reason why I love this musically inspirational woman.
Madonna has a huge gay fan base and is it to any surprise?! I think that she is a very iconic role model within today's society; she not only demonstrates her musical talent but is a huge role model within her home life as well; a devoted wife and mother.
I wish to present my review with both facts and opinion, so please sit back and enjoy, here is my CD album review of:
Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone was born August 1958 in Michigan, USA. She has become a household name to millions of people across the world. Such an inspirational figure that very few people haven't heard of. This superstar has not only produced many musical hits over the many years of her career, but has also starred in movies and written books. She has used her fame and fortune to help promote charities and has helped fight against the war of Aids awareness (By donating her own money and also, by jumping on the bandwagon when most people shied away from such charities). She has constantly revamped her image in the many years of her career which has allowed her to keep her music fresh and yet original - I guess this is how she remains to be such an inspiration to so many people worldwide.
**Album Genre**
The tracks on this album compromise of 15 hits from several albums that Madonna has released since the start of her career. Most of the tracks on this album can fall into the 'Pop' or 'House/Trance' genres. With a various mix of eclectic and synthesised vocals, upbeat dance tunes and smooth soft ballads; this album really does cover a wide range of musical choice for the listener. Although I can appreciate her musical talents and ability, I am also aware that it does not appeal too ALL musical taste; I would still none the less like to tell you why I can appreciate this woman for her controversial works of music.
**CD Information**
I have the single CD version of this album; which is contained with a standard clear CD case. The front cover has been kept nice and simple; featuring a 'zoomed in' photo of the beautiful artist herself. From this picture you can capture her sexiness and style. The inlay card has small images of Madonna all over it (Taken throughout her ever-changing career) and contained is lots of interesting information about the singer and the tracks on this album.
The CD disc label has a much jazzed up logo on it and is made up of black and white lines - very eye capturing.
The back cover of the CD case lists the album track listing with the duration of each track while there is a very intense image of Madonna's body and it is a very light green in colour.
**Track Listing & Information**
(1). Deeper And Deeper, 1992: Taken from the 'Erotica' album this song is lyrically very
controversial as the lyrics are about a minor coming to terms with his homosexuality. This track caused uproar when people finally realised what the lyrics were about. Musically this is a great upbeat tune to listen too; it offers a great tune, strong bass and a hard rhythm, fantastic to dance along too. I can still appreciate the strength of the lyrical depth that is contained in this song, although I cannot personally relate to the meaningful lyrics. This is a classic track that offers strength and inspiration to many people.
(2). Erotica, 1992: Taken from the album of the same name this track is probably one of Madonna's most controversial songs. The lyrics of this track actually reveal the sexual fantasies and thoughts within a sexual relationship. At the time of release this track was actually banned from several radio stations' air play and children worldwide were stopped from listening to it by their parents. I particularly like this song as I feel although it is about the erotica between 2 persons; it does display sensualist expressions and a lot of sexual depth. It lyrically portrays what is now widely acceptable within society from a sexual aspect. Musically I find that when playing this song it does literally set the right ambience for love making. Madonna's smooth whispering vocal tones and sexual style of the accompanying instruments really set the pace for this song. Spectacular!
(3). Human Nature, 1994: This track was taken from the album 'Bedtime Stories'. This track was released with intent to point the finger at those who had turned their noses up at her previously released controversial songs (Deeper & Deeper and Erotica). I find that this tune is actually dipping more into the R&B genre than the normal 'pop' style that Madonna is more recognised for. The vocals in this tune are heavily layered and the instrumental tones back these poignant lyrics with such style. A track which is very similar in style and tone to 'Erotica', this tune again sets the mood for love making. A rather dull toned bass line can be heard throughout this song while the subtle striking of the guitar makes this song a great one to have playing when getting ready for a night out - slow paced and sensual!
(4). Secret, 1994: Another track taken from the 'Bedtime Stories' album, this song features more vocal layering all the while being played in a minor key throughout. It has a strong bass line to start with, again which enhances the introduction to the sexual side of love. It features guitar playing as well as small electronic sound effects and muffled bass in the chorus line. This song lyrically is in my opinion about love; the depth of the feelings love gives you and sexual trust within that love. I feel a lot about this song as it can be interpreted into many a personal feeling from my relationship. It offers much more than just sexual thought and provokes a lot of emotion within me. I love this track; although it may not be to everyone's taste, it's a very sensual style song and has been sung with a very intimate style so that it can probe your mind and sexual awareness.
(5). Don't Cry For Me Argentina, 1996: This track has been taken from the famous motion picture 'Evita' and was actually written by Tim Rice. A totally different track to the previously mentioned tracks this one is such a beautiful song. Musically it has a fabulously huge orchestral group backing it - of course being composed by the world famous 'Andrew Lloyd Webber' may have something to do with this. The instrumental just adds too the intensity of this song.
For those of you who have not seen or heard of the film 'Evita' here is a brief outline: Evita is a musical drama, based upon the hit stage production by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It tells the life story of Eva Duarte (Madonna) who leaves her rural home for Buenos Aires in the company of a Latin singer - Agustin Magaldi (Jimmy Nail), she then eventually becomes the wife of Argentinean President Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce), in turn leading to becoming a heroine to the people of the Argentinean nation.
In this track, Madonna shows off her vocalist talents with sheer ease. She shows off her vocalist range with great style and pure clarity. While this song is in a minor key (Making it quite sad) - I can still appreciate every word sung by Madonna to portray the role of her character Eva Peron. Sensational listening value and very awe inspiring all in one breathe.
(6). Bedtime Story, 1994: Taken from the controversial album 'Bedtime Stories', Madonna has actually collaborated with the likes of Nellie Hooper and Bjork to launch this trance/house style song. There is a lot of sexual tension portrayed through the lyrics of this song with lines such as "And inside we're still wet, longing and yearning, how can I explain how I feel? As well as "lets get unconscious honey, let's get unconscious". I think this song was a daring song to for Madonna to release and I feel that personally it is probably the most sexually explicit one to date. Musically it has a fast droned type beat and is great to dance too if going to a trance orientated club for the night. Vocally it features more layering effects, dull bass sounds and a lot of echoing. Controversially outstanding!
(7). The Power Of Good-bye, 1998: This track has been taken from the more recent 'Ray Of Light' album, of which saw Madonna collaborating with the likes of William Orbit (Re-mix artist) to compose some of her best known hits to date. This is a beautiful track about leaving your loved one. This has to be one of my all time favourites as it's a slower and more meaningful song. It offers depth and emotion too the listener - it certainly takes me back to many a mixed emotion I have felt when breaking up with my ex partners. Instrumentally this track features a variety of instruments. The most heavily featured of which are the keyboard, drums and a muffled bass guitar. It has several electronic sound effects over the top to enhance the intensity and sadness of the words. I love this song with a passion.
(8). Beautiful Stranger, 1999: Taken from the motion picture: Austin Powers the Spy Who Shagged Me but also featuring on her 'Music' album. This track is literally lyrically about meeting a stranger. She sings about her love and feelings of falling for this so called 'beautiful stranger' upon first sight. Although I cannot appreciate the lyrics literally, I certainly can appreciate the fast up-tempo tune, hard bass and fabulous beat that as I find - can get even the most dance floor-phobic person dancing along to in a nightclub. A lovely 'feel good' song - this track has done its job by certainly drawing a wider audience to the film and compliments the style of her world wide selling album 'Music'. Vocally this song is a great song for Madonna's vocal range and style. You can capture all the emotional elements and feeling from this song as Madonna sings with her alto voice.
(9). Frozen, 1998: Taken again, from Madonna's 'Ray Of Light' album. This song was a world-wide sensational hit when released. This is a musical inspiration both instrumentally and vocally. The musical composure of this song was very fresh and new when originally released in the late 90's. I am glad to see that this has made its way onto one of her 'Greatest Hits' album's, as it is a multi-inspired song which musically has an oriental style sound yet it features electronic synthesizers throughout. Lyrically it is a song about love and regret, emotion and feeling. I love this song with every respect. It offers much more than being just another Madonna song on a CD album, it offers strong meaning and as I find is very thought provoking as well. Should you ever get the chance to see the accompanying video to this track then please watch with awe as it is a very uniquely produced video. This track is very easy to listen too and takes my emotions to another level.
(10). Take A Bow, 1994: Going back to the 'Bedtime Stories' album this is another track that was taken from it. Produced and written by Madonna and Babyface, I interpret the lyrics to be about reflection - reflection of a failed relationship and also addressing the issue of how you can portray one's life as a 'role' in a play. I feel that the questionable message trying to be relayed is "How do you know which way the story ends, if it's all just a role in life?" Another thought provoking song with lyrics that cannot be ignored, as the listener you will bring this song to your own level emotionally - it can be a very intense song to listen too particularly if you have ever experienced the betrayal or cessation of a relationship. Instrumentally it has been sung and composed in a minor key to engage the listener, to heighten the levels of emotion and to express the depth of the lyrics. With the slow, rhythmic bass line, the gentle keyboard strokes and soft tone of Madonna's voice it makes for a beautiful song.
(11). Ray Of Light, 1998: Of course
Pictures of GHV2 (Greatest Hits Vol.2) - Madonna
Front Cover of Album
this track has been taken from the famous album of the same name. This song musically, features heavy synthesized tones, break beats, pulsating electronics and blunted trip-hop beats and is definitely one for the dance floor. Madonna has had a dab hand in the dance genre for sometime prior to this singles release, so it's not to my surprise that she has pulled this one off as a huge hit. Lyrically this is a very difficult song to appreciate. I feel that Madonna is portraying the life of a woman who lives life in the fast-lane. The lyrics are enhanced by the fast beat of this track. Musically, it has a lot of buzzing sound effects added to the chorus and throughout; the most prominent instruments to the listening ear are the bass guitar and drums. With fabulous listening value and is a tune for setting the tone before a night out.
(12). Don't Tell Me, 2000: Now, I really am not surprised that this track has made its way from her more recent 'Music' album to her 2nd greatest hits compilation. A very thought provoking song that features lots of style and rhythm. More synthesised tones in this track but certainly not like her 'Ray Of Light' song. It offers a sharp bass line that is very prominent throughout and is another perfect one to move your hips too. The keyboard has been echoed from the start to finish which accompanies Madonna's alto voice. When I listen to this track I find it to be very inspirational although still being unique - she sings about 'not being told' what to do and how you cannot 'tell the sun not to shine'. I think the message being portrayed is that you can only have control over certain things in life - a sensational song.
(13). What It Feels Like For A Girl, 2000: This song lyrically opens with a snippet of a speech by Charlotte Gainsbourg (Actress) from the movie 'The Cement Garden'. This is definitely a brave choice of song for Madonna yet being another track that she has successfully pulled off with great ease. How does she do it? Quite easily, this track has to be the sweetest song on this album. It has multi-layered instrumental backing to the chorus and again the bass line and drums feature heavily throughout this daring masterpiece. This song speaks volumes for a female in this world today. Ever lyric sung is true to me and I think this has to be one of Madonna's all time hits. This song is by no means exhilarating from every angle.
(14). Drowned World/Substitute For Love, 1998: Wow! What a masterpiece this track is. Musically it dips from genre to genre. Starting with words by a man this song offers an insight into Madonna's own feelings of fame and love. Instrumentally it has the normal keyboard, guitar and drums too it but it also has a huge variety of electronica effects added to each beat. The bass progresses from being soft and smooth to being hard and overpowering. This adds to the intensity of the lyrics. Madonna sings about how she has searched for love throughout her fame and the feelings she has experienced with her sexual provocativeness over the years. This track is another song that you can interpret to your own beliefs and circumstances.
(15). Music, 2000: Taken from her album of the same name this song went to no.1 on both sides of the Atlantic. Although it can take a few listens to get used to the hypnotic beat, voiceover chorus and 'underwater singing' sound effects, it all adds up to being a fabulous track. It has synthesised vocals throughout and offers ease of listening resulting in great musical satisfaction. The vocal style is upbeat and is lyrically all about the appreciation of music itself, so if you like this electronica beat then you can certainly enjoy this song for what it is. A terrific tune!
**Technical Information**
Release Date: 2001 Label: Warner Bros. Records Approx Duration: 70 Minutes Audio Format: Stereo EAN: 093624800026
**Where To Buy**
Although this album can be purchased in both high street stores and on the world wide web, it is without a doubt cheaper to purchase it online. You can either use the Ciao search facility to return a competitive result or use a search bot such as www.kelkoo.co.uk to find the cheapest price. The RRP for this album is: £16.99 - so you can use this as a guidance figure.
www.play.com stock this CD album for £8.99
Other CD albums available by Madonna (All prices quoted are from www.play.com):
Madonna - American Life: £5.99 Madonna - Immaculate Collection: £9.99 Madonna - Music: £6.99 Madonna - Erotica: £6.99 Madonna - Ray Of Light: £7.99 Madonna - Something To Remember: £8.49 Madonna - Bedtime Stories: £6.99 Madonna - Madonna: £9.99
Music DVD's featuring Madonna (All prices quoted are from www.play.com):
Madonna - Immaculate Collection: £10.99 Madonna - Drowned World Tour, Live In Detroit: £10.99 Madonna - New Video Collection 93-99: £10.99 In Bed With Madonna: £11.99
Books (All prices quoted are from www.play.com):
Madonna - An Intimate Biography - J.Randy Taraborrelli: £5.99 Madonna - Ray Of Light: £11.49 Madonna - Andrew Morton: £5.49
Of course there is a vast amount of other media centred on the queen of pop but the ones listed above are in my opinion the best available to date.
**More Information**
For more information on Madonna and her music you can check out one of these following websites:
www.madonna.com - Official Site www.madonnaweb.com - Unofficial Site www.azlyrics.com/m/madonna.html - Lyrics www.madonnaghv2.co.uk - Download free album sample
**Recommendation**
Although I think this album is tremendous and has a wide variety of musical talent, I do feel this album would not be appropriate for a younger person due to the lyrical content - obviously this would come down to parental advisory and discretion. For slightly older teens and young adults then I feel it wouldn't be anything new to them in this very sexually opinionated society we live today so should make for great listening.
Musically this album offers a wide choice of musical style. It features some of the best pieces of music that Madonna has produced, written and released to date. If you are a Madonna fan already then it is a must have album. If you are not a Madonna fan or a huge follower then as long as you listen to it with an open mind then I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.
This is certainly not an album for people who are easily offended by sexually explicit orientated lyrics.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
another diamond well done, not really my cup of tea though
BadCompany77 01.09.2005 16:45
Still a great read.....................
CaptainDisaster 13.08.2005 19:03
Terrific review and a very well deserved diamond!! I'm not a great fan of Madonna myself though I like some of her earlier songs and loved the RAy of Light album (thought most of the stuff on the "Erotica" album was terrible though!) Cheers, Dave
Perhaps the most interesting decade in her career, GHV2 is a selection of the best songs ... more
from 1992's Erotica to Music in 2000. Throughout the 1990s, Madonna was well publicised for trying her hand at anything musical together with setting new styles an...
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