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Madonna : American Life |
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The Undercover Review There was so much talk (both positive and negative) about Madonna's 10th studio album before it was released that regardless of what you think of her or it you just knew she was still big news. Everyone had an opinion. Like U2, Madonna is one of those rare artists who know how to reinvent herself. That's why she is a star. Considering her humble beginning as a dance star in the early 80's, her career has been an innovation. This is a lady who can recognise an untried trend and commercialise it. On the last few records, an alignment with techno whiz Mirwas has been her in. Mirwas has expanded on the new sound he created with Madonna for Madonna on 'Music' and gone to the next level. With that is mind 'American Life' is the natural progression of those great dance production values from the last record. We had a sample of where she was heading with her Bond theme 'Die Another Day'. This album is a lot more of that. The title track 'American Life' continues that trend and the new single 'Hollywood' capitalises on the trifecta. That's not to say the Madonna ballad has totally disappeared. 'Love Profusion' and 'Nothing Fails'. The latter would sit well as a potential cross-over for A/C radio, a format the upper end of the demographic frequent. "I'm not religious but it makes me want to pray" she sings on 'Nothing Fails'. This is like a sequel to 'Like A Prayer'. In fact, 'American Life' never strays far from social comment or religious statements. "Jesus Christ will you look at me / don't know who I'm supposed to be" she sings on 'X-Static Process'. Then there's 'Mother and Father' with the provocative "there was a time that I prayed to Jesus Christ / there was a time I had a mother it was nice" lyric. Madonna has not lost her bite. She plays with technology and techno itself. 'Nobody Knows Me' is an experimental dance rave and I suspect part of that early word that Madonna was about to deliver a Hi-NRG record. If she was planning to do so then the end result has been toned down. "I want the good life but I don't want an easy life" we hear on the final track 'Easy Ride'. "What I want is to work for it / feel the blood and sweat on my fingertips / that's what I want for me". Madonna gives an extremely confessional set of lyrics on this album. So what is the verdict? Well, I can safely say this Madonna creating a new chapter and staying totally relevant with the times. Madonna has succeeded in producing an album that sounds right today, is through provoking lyrically and continues her growth as an artist. She is a true superstar. Track
Listing Label Warner |
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