The Controversial Queen's Most Provocative Project!
Erotica (1992)
1. "Erotica"
You know for a video that caused such a firestorm of controversy, the song itself is not bad at all or that explicit! lol It's purely sensual with some random roars of moaning, but it's really not that shocking. I'd say the same for "Justify My Love" where the video was very explicit but the song was fine and actually good. "Erotica" is just the right kind of seductive song with it's hypnotic house beats and Madonna's lustful deliveries of "Erotica/Romance" and "Erotic/Erotic/Put your hands all over my body." It's just the perfect kind of sexy without going overboard. A superb start to the album.
(A-)
You know for a video that caused such a firestorm of controversy, the song itself is not bad at all or that explicit! lol It's purely sensual with some random roars of moaning, but it's really not that shocking. I'd say the same for "Justify My Love" where the video was very explicit but the song was fine and actually good. "Erotica" is just the right kind of seductive song with it's hypnotic house beats and Madonna's lustful deliveries of "Erotica/Romance" and "Erotic/Erotic/Put your hands all over my body." It's just the perfect kind of sexy without going overboard. A superb start to the album.
(A-)
2. "Fever"
This is a very cool 90s update of Peggy Lee's timeless classic. I love the house beats and Madonna's sultry vocals. It just has a nice club feel to it and I wouldn't be surprised if many weren't getting on the dance floor when this song started playing. A shame the song wasn't a hit commercially, but then again, considering what was going on with backlash surrounding the album, I'm not surprised.
(B+)
This is a very cool 90s update of Peggy Lee's timeless classic. I love the house beats and Madonna's sultry vocals. It just has a nice club feel to it and I wouldn't be surprised if many weren't getting on the dance floor when this song started playing. A shame the song wasn't a hit commercially, but then again, considering what was going on with backlash surrounding the album, I'm not surprised.
(B+)
3. "Bye Bye Baby"
Madonna proudly proclaims this isn't a love song and it feels almost like a song about dropping someone after a one night stand. Which is pretty messed up! But coming from Madonna I'd believe it with the song sleek and stylish production that incorporates a laid-back house music groove. Overall, enjoyable.
(B)
Madonna proudly proclaims this isn't a love song and it feels almost like a song about dropping someone after a one night stand. Which is pretty messed up! But coming from Madonna I'd believe it with the song sleek and stylish production that incorporates a laid-back house music groove. Overall, enjoyable.
(B)
4. "Deeper and Deeper"
You know, I was expecting this song to be different in lyrical content and theme. I mean the song is titled "Deeper and Deeper", you'd expect the song to be about...uhhh... serious penetration but instead it's a fast paced disco-inspired track that about falling in love. I'm kinda disappointed in Madge, I wanted an unapologetic dirty song! Wow...my inner freak must be coming out or what!? I guess I just expected the album to really go all out with it's sexually explicit theme but...it's all pretty tame actually. Not a bad song by any means and a fine dance track with a catchy chorus...I just wanted Madonna's inner freak to come out. Ok, maybe I've been listening to too much Janet Jackson songs!? I also love the little call back to "Vogue" toward the end.
(B+)
You know, I was expecting this song to be different in lyrical content and theme. I mean the song is titled "Deeper and Deeper", you'd expect the song to be about...uhhh... serious penetration but instead it's a fast paced disco-inspired track that about falling in love. I'm kinda disappointed in Madge, I wanted an unapologetic dirty song! Wow...my inner freak must be coming out or what!? I guess I just expected the album to really go all out with it's sexually explicit theme but...it's all pretty tame actually. Not a bad song by any means and a fine dance track with a catchy chorus...I just wanted Madonna's inner freak to come out. Ok, maybe I've been listening to too much Janet Jackson songs!? I also love the little call back to "Vogue" toward the end.
(B+)
5. "Where Life Begins"
Now this is more like it! Now correct me if I'm wrong, but Madonna is talking about a guy going down on her, right? That is the "life" she is talking about where it begins? Not to mention, she says that's where her love is! Yeah baby! Seriously, what is going on with me?? But this is genuinely sexy without being too explicit. It's very suggestive which is something modern day music completely lacks. It's be as blunt as possible. No class, no subtly! Oh well, I love this right here.
(A-)
Now this is more like it! Now correct me if I'm wrong, but Madonna is talking about a guy going down on her, right? That is the "life" she is talking about where it begins? Not to mention, she says that's where her love is! Yeah baby! Seriously, what is going on with me?? But this is genuinely sexy without being too explicit. It's very suggestive which is something modern day music completely lacks. It's be as blunt as possible. No class, no subtly! Oh well, I love this right here.
(A-)
6. "Bad Girl"
Hmmm, could it be that Madonna is feeling guilty about her "bad girl" persona?? That's what it seems as she express lyrically she's "not happy this way". It's kinda of sad and an eerie reflection of what she would go through before the album was even released. It's a very nice ballad for that fact alone.
(B-)
Hmmm, could it be that Madonna is feeling guilty about her "bad girl" persona?? That's what it seems as she express lyrically she's "not happy this way". It's kinda of sad and an eerie reflection of what she would go through before the album was even released. It's a very nice ballad for that fact alone.
(B-)
7. "Waiting"
This has jazz feel with a sax playing in the background mixed with the house music this time. Madonna seems to expressing a longing for her lover to truly love her and not break her heart. It's almost a somber yet seductive track at the time as Madonna hopelessly waits for her man to come home and be with her. It's pretty cool with a nice groove.
(B)
This has jazz feel with a sax playing in the background mixed with the house music this time. Madonna seems to expressing a longing for her lover to truly love her and not break her heart. It's almost a somber yet seductive track at the time as Madonna hopelessly waits for her man to come home and be with her. It's pretty cool with a nice groove.
(B)
8. "Thief of Hearts"
More house music with funky beats huh? Ok, I'll take it but even with Madonna's cautionary tale of thieving woman who steals the hearts of men isn't really a standout. But it is pretty fun at times and a bit explicit, even demanding the woman in question to sit her a$$ down at the very end. But it's all kinda just there. A fun track you can dance to but nothing of real substance.
(C+)
More house music with funky beats huh? Ok, I'll take it but even with Madonna's cautionary tale of thieving woman who steals the hearts of men isn't really a standout. But it is pretty fun at times and a bit explicit, even demanding the woman in question to sit her a$$ down at the very end. But it's all kinda just there. A fun track you can dance to but nothing of real substance.
(C+)
9. "Words"
This has such a bizarre yet exciting house beat but it's such an irresistible track. I especially enjoy the lyrics as Madonna reveals "actions speak louder than words" and how "your words cut like a knife". The later is especially creates some brutal imagery in your head as well as "your knife cuts through my life". It's kind of harsh but beautiful at the same time.
(B+)
This has such a bizarre yet exciting house beat but it's such an irresistible track. I especially enjoy the lyrics as Madonna reveals "actions speak louder than words" and how "your words cut like a knife". The later is especially creates some brutal imagery in your head as well as "your knife cuts through my life". It's kind of harsh but beautiful at the same time.
(B+)
10. "Rain"
"Rain" is quite the stunning ballad! Filled with metaphors as rain drops wash away the pain and physical attributes of others. I can feel the emotion behind it and it really resonates. I also enjoy the video with it's striking blue textures and color schemes. It's actually the perfect yin to the harsh reds of "Fever's video and vibe. I really enjoyed this one!
(B+)
"Rain" is quite the stunning ballad! Filled with metaphors as rain drops wash away the pain and physical attributes of others. I can feel the emotion behind it and it really resonates. I also enjoy the video with it's striking blue textures and color schemes. It's actually the perfect yin to the harsh reds of "Fever's video and vibe. I really enjoyed this one!
(B+)
11. "Why's It So Hard"
This song has some elements of New Jack Swing and the Afrocentric cool of Soul II Soul, who's music I always adore. So automatically I like this one a lot. It sort of like the anti-thesis to "Love Makes The World Go Round". Sorry to keep bringing that song up, but this is the right way to do a song about spreading love and harmony because it's mature and laid-back. It doesn't beat you over the head with it's message to the point where it because redundant. Anyway, I wonder if this is one of the songs that Madonna was dedicating to her friend she lost from AIDS? It definitely has that type of tribute feel, though I could be wrong. But overall, it's a good song.
(B)
This song has some elements of New Jack Swing and the Afrocentric cool of Soul II Soul, who's music I always adore. So automatically I like this one a lot. It sort of like the anti-thesis to "Love Makes The World Go Round". Sorry to keep bringing that song up, but this is the right way to do a song about spreading love and harmony because it's mature and laid-back. It doesn't beat you over the head with it's message to the point where it because redundant. Anyway, I wonder if this is one of the songs that Madonna was dedicating to her friend she lost from AIDS? It definitely has that type of tribute feel, though I could be wrong. But overall, it's a good song.
(B)
12. "In This Life"
Ok, this is one of the songs and it's actually pretty sad. You gotta love and respect Madonna for not only paying tribute to her friend but bringing awareness to the masses about AIDS. I mean, in the early 90s, knowledge of the disease was so small and people were literally freakin' out about the possibility of getting it. So songs like this are not only helpful, but stand the test of time as HIV/AIDS is still an ongoing battle with a cure yet to be found over 20 years later. It's a pretty powerful ballad from the heart and I definitely will be listening to this one frequently.
(A-)
Ok, this is one of the songs and it's actually pretty sad. You gotta love and respect Madonna for not only paying tribute to her friend but bringing awareness to the masses about AIDS. I mean, in the early 90s, knowledge of the disease was so small and people were literally freakin' out about the possibility of getting it. So songs like this are not only helpful, but stand the test of time as HIV/AIDS is still an ongoing battle with a cure yet to be found over 20 years later. It's a pretty powerful ballad from the heart and I definitely will be listening to this one frequently.
(A-)
13. "Did You Do It?"
This has to be the first time Madonna collaborated with rappers Mark Goodman and Dave Murphy dropping some excellent rhythms for the majority of the song. Madonna actually doesn't say much outside the chorus, but even then, she isn't saying much. I mean I love hip-hop and the New Jack Swing era, but I would have loved to hear more singing from Madonna. Seems more like Mark and Dave's song than Madonna's with her being the featured artist. A cool listen but it makes you forget this is Madonna's album. I wonder if she had sex with one of them....oh come on, you know you thought about that at one point too!
This has to be the first time Madonna collaborated with rappers Mark Goodman and Dave Murphy dropping some excellent rhythms for the majority of the song. Madonna actually doesn't say much outside the chorus, but even then, she isn't saying much. I mean I love hip-hop and the New Jack Swing era, but I would have loved to hear more singing from Madonna. Seems more like Mark and Dave's song than Madonna's with her being the featured artist. A cool listen but it makes you forget this is Madonna's album. I wonder if she had sex with one of them....oh come on, you know you thought about that at one point too!
(C)
14. "Secret Garden"
Man, I feel like this is a long album. This is probably her longest album yet no doubt. Anyway, "Secret Garden" is...ok? It feels kinda incomplete. Actually it feels like half a song and the other half is elevator music. Oh I'm not coming for mother, I'm just saying what it sounds like, ok? Anyway, I guess it's a decent way to end the album but it's just kinda fades out with no big message or lasting impression. Then again, "Like A Prayer" ended with some random interlude that while hilarious was too long and was a weird contrast between Madonna confessing her sins and her getting mad about her reservation in the computer. Seriously, huh!?
(C)
Man, I feel like this is a long album. This is probably her longest album yet no doubt. Anyway, "Secret Garden" is...ok? It feels kinda incomplete. Actually it feels like half a song and the other half is elevator music. Oh I'm not coming for mother, I'm just saying what it sounds like, ok? Anyway, I guess it's a decent way to end the album but it's just kinda fades out with no big message or lasting impression. Then again, "Like A Prayer" ended with some random interlude that while hilarious was too long and was a weird contrast between Madonna confessing her sins and her getting mad about her reservation in the computer. Seriously, huh!?
(C)
God where to begin with this album!? Well, let's first let's talk about the life-threatening backlash and controversial outrage this caused not only in America but all over the world!! I mean, this is without the pinnacle of Madonna's infamy in pop music. She was hated and scrutinized by the media, she was banned from the Vatican, her album was banned in multiple countries leading to significantly lower album sales than her previous 4, MTV once again had to ban the video (only showing it after midnight), network TV banned images from her "Erotica" video because of it's bondage and S&M imagery. All of that and I haven't even mentioned her "Sex" book!!! I mean, if the album wasn't bad enough, "Sex" caused an even greater uproar where Madonna wasn't only naked but she was clearly seen having sex with multiple celebrities including Vanilla Ice and Naomi Campell. This was all done in 1992, a time where sexuality in the music industry was suggestive at the most, especially for woman. I mean artists like Prince were a bit more overt but still not nearly to this level. I mean, damn!! I mean Madonna really was a trendsetter in every sense of the word throughout her career and overwhelming shocking as this era of her career was, it broke so many barriers for woman. I mean just look at Rihanna and her unapologetic sexual persona, it was all cause of Madonna. Christina getting dirty! Britney being a "Slave 4 U", etc. If Madonna hadn't pushed the envelope so far with her sexuality with "Erotica", none of those female artists would have been able express their own sexual freedom if not for Madonna doing it first. Even Janet Jackson's exploration of love and sex with "janet.", which was a huge success the following year, owes a bit of gratitude for Madonna taking that first bullet, hell many bullets! It was at this point of her career, that the outpours of hate for Madonna almost ended her career! But we'll come to find that Madonna would bounce back and this was only a minor commercial misstep for her. The album went on to sell only 6 million copies worldwide, her lowest album sales at that point and was considering a colossal flop at the time. A couple of her singles charted pretty well, but it wasn't the hit-after-hit releases that she had in the past. And yet, looking back, critics now love the album and have come to appreciate it's immense legacy despite the near chaos it caused over 20 years ago. Many put it on their list of "Best Albums of the 90s" and "One of the Most Underrated Albums of the 90s". But what do I think? I really enjoyed "Erotica"! It was a very sensual and sexy trip down memory land to an era of house music dominance, funky beats, New Jack Swing flavor, even the preachy yet pioneering street soul that was hip hop back then. But I honestly, don't think the album was as bad as many people made it out to be back then...or maybe simply time has been very good to "Erotica". It's actually relatively tame for the most part compared to modern day pop music. Now a days, a song like bondage and S&M would be a hit, causing little to no controversy (Rihanna's "S&M", anyone??!) The sex talk and sexual explicit nature is actually subtle with Madonna outright telling what means only here and there. It's more heavily implied than outright pornographic but at the time, music even that blunt about sexuality was unheard of so I understand. Every song nicely bounces between sexual grooves ("Erotica", "Bye Bye Baby") to heartfelt detours ("Where Life Begins", "In This Life"), with unique songs of their own thematic variety ("Bad Girl", "Rain"). It's all very consistent and ranges from the beauty of sensuality and life to the joys of rough sex and purging of terrible relationships. The only flaws are the last two tracks' questionable quality ("Did You Do It?" and "Secret Garden") But for the most part the album is strong and 25 years later, really has made critics and fans realize how ahead of it's time this once blasphemous record was.
"Mixing romanticism with a sexual ferocity running throughout it's core, "Erotica" is a much more sensual album than you'd think but it's infamy has stood the test of time as it continues to inspire a new generation of female artists to embrace their sexual freedom and take their clothes off."
(A)
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