Madonna Finds Spirituality and Enlightenment!
Ray of Light (1998)
1. "Drown World/Substitute For Love"
I love how eerie and haunting the opening of this song is. The wind blowing in the background sets the mood up perfectly. The lyrics are filled with so much sorry, with Madonna expressing such regret for falling for the wrong man. I love how somber and slow the song starts as it continues to build with more beats and sound cues incorporated into it until it roars into a trippy, semi-rock anthem. Then you have the proportion of the song with that strange, even foreboding sound beat which echoes until the songs end. I'm so enthralled by this album so far and this is only the opening track. I love how it has two song titles in one as the song feels like two songs that seamless share the same time frame. I'm sure there is an even more deeper meaning within it's music, but production wise alone, this is remarkable. What a stunning opener!
(A+)
2. "Swim"
With an awesome guitar riff mixed with trip hop and other flawless beats infused within it, "Swim" feels like a greater successor to "Rain", with it's metaphorical illusions of "swimming" as a way of cleansing the soul and overcoming utter chaos. It is simply outstanding for it's ambiguity and thought provoking symbolism. It's an unforgettable listen and you'll be going back just to understand the song better. I love it, so breathtaking.
(A+)
3. "Ray of Light"
I feel like this is one of those quintessential 90s songs! Everytime, I think of the 90s, this song is one of many that pop in my head because I feel as if it's one of those songs that defined that generation. It's not just the terrific techno production, it's Madonna's iconic vocals in the song and the timeless lyrics about how quick life moves with us misses the beauty of it. With Madonna comparing it to a ray of light, life really is polarizing and a conundrum. We have so little time, no matter how fast we move or how much we do, we can never really appreciate it. The video is also just as iconic with the almost revolutionary fast forward special effects and Madonna's trippy movements/mannerisms. A age was born with tracks like this.
(A+)
4. "Candy Perfume Girl"
What a perfectly trashy rock/trip-hop song!! This is like a song Alanis Morissette would have loved to record. The melody is solid and really special. I don't know who the "Candy Perfume Girl" Madonna is talking about, but I would be lying if I didn't say I wouldn't mind being her is this was my anthem. This is the epitome of cool.
(B+)
5. "Skin"
An electronica powered track with a production that sounds like Madonna recorded this space! Seriously, it's really one of those acid trip type of song where the music is moving a mile a minute and soars musically. I feel like I'm going on a journey when I'm listening to it and you can't say that with most music! Madonna's vocals are great in certain spots and sound like they were altered yet at the same time, feel she was really experimenting with her voice and pushing herself vocally, which is awesome. For that alone, this is a stellar track! What an album so far!
(A)
6. "Nothing Really Matters"
This is such an excellent dance track!! I feel like most people were put off by it by that disturbing (and honestly brilliant) music video feeling like some Japanese inspired, hellish nightmare. But the song itself is so layered with so much meaning in it's disdain for everything except love but unlike...I hate to bring it up again, "Love Makes The World Go Round", this is a much more realistic, riveting approach to that ideal. It almost feels like Madonna is saying that karma always have a way of repaying those who give genuinely and that alone is what will keep life going. Am I over analyzing again...oh who cares!! The beat is so infectious and I can't help but move to it whether I want to or not. Seriously, this album is already applause-worthy!!
(A+)
7. "Sky Fits Heaven"
Can I just say I love the title of this song?? The beat is once again stunningly produced and the lyrics feels like embracing your own heart as well as instincts as they will help you in your ongoing journey in life. Really beautiful music, I don't know what else to say. My jaw is certainly dropping, I've heard amazing things about this album and it's more than living to it's hype. Also, that ending beat freaks me out in the best possible way! Wonderfully produced and especially sung song thanks to Madonna's better than usual vocal delivery.
(A-)
8. "Shanti/Ashtangi"
Now, this is a masterpiece!! I have no idea what Madonna is saying but the mix of the Hindu language and a relentless techno beat, this is borderline genius! I also love the added Indian music incorporated in the production, it just adds to the song authenticity to the Hindu faith as well as being it's own superb creation all together. Madonna and William Orbit really did something incredible here. Wow!
(A+)
9. "Frozen"
8 tracks in and I almost forgot possibly my favorite Madonna song of all time! "Frozen" is musically dark yet hopeful, the lyrics are like sung poetry with Madonna seeing cold hearted individual who does not know of the tragic consequences of such a personality and the production....perfection! The epic violins, the chilling sound cues, etc. I just.... The video is also one of my favorites from her with the whole mysticism theme and the visuals once again are so innovative and timeless. Going back to the lyrics, they just speak so much to me. "You only see/What your eyes want to see" and "How can life be what you want it to me/You're frozen/When your heart's not open". Not to mention, "Love is a bird/She needs to fly/Let all the hurt inside of you die." "If I could melt your heart/We'd never be apart." So beautiful, even saddening! The chorus is a melodic joy with those humming harmonies and transcending electronic beat. I can't believe I have that much to say about this song because usually it leaves me speechless every time I hear it. This one is always on repeat and will forever be until I either lose my hearing completely or I'm dead.
(A+)
10. "The Power of Goodbye"
"You're heart is not open/So I must go." Has a break-up song ever been this powerful and moving??? I doubt it! "The Power of Goodbye" doesn't settle for simplicity when delivering it's message as combination of Madonna's emotional, near inconsolable vocals and the metaphorical nature of the lyrics are brilliant. I'm sure this song helped many people dealing with a heartbreaking split at the time...hell, it probably still does today. That's something that will always be universal and timeless. This song is a stunning somber tale of a broken heart that you'll never forget, I know I won't. Also, the production is just amazing music!
(A+)
11. "To Have And Not To Hold"
This is a great ballad and it's lyrical content of having what you know won't last which is kind of a depressing way of looking at life yet it's all too surreal. It's a solid track among many flawless ones and honestly, it's getting hard for me to grade all these song when they all are so special and each bringing something new to the table that amazes me. It's just great, it's great...did I say great? lol
1. "Drown World/Substitute For Love"
I love how eerie and haunting the opening of this song is. The wind blowing in the background sets the mood up perfectly. The lyrics are filled with so much sorry, with Madonna expressing such regret for falling for the wrong man. I love how somber and slow the song starts as it continues to build with more beats and sound cues incorporated into it until it roars into a trippy, semi-rock anthem. Then you have the proportion of the song with that strange, even foreboding sound beat which echoes until the songs end. I'm so enthralled by this album so far and this is only the opening track. I love how it has two song titles in one as the song feels like two songs that seamless share the same time frame. I'm sure there is an even more deeper meaning within it's music, but production wise alone, this is remarkable. What a stunning opener!
(A+)
2. "Swim"
With an awesome guitar riff mixed with trip hop and other flawless beats infused within it, "Swim" feels like a greater successor to "Rain", with it's metaphorical illusions of "swimming" as a way of cleansing the soul and overcoming utter chaos. It is simply outstanding for it's ambiguity and thought provoking symbolism. It's an unforgettable listen and you'll be going back just to understand the song better. I love it, so breathtaking.
(A+)
3. "Ray of Light"
I feel like this is one of those quintessential 90s songs! Everytime, I think of the 90s, this song is one of many that pop in my head because I feel as if it's one of those songs that defined that generation. It's not just the terrific techno production, it's Madonna's iconic vocals in the song and the timeless lyrics about how quick life moves with us misses the beauty of it. With Madonna comparing it to a ray of light, life really is polarizing and a conundrum. We have so little time, no matter how fast we move or how much we do, we can never really appreciate it. The video is also just as iconic with the almost revolutionary fast forward special effects and Madonna's trippy movements/mannerisms. A age was born with tracks like this.
(A+)
4. "Candy Perfume Girl"
What a perfectly trashy rock/trip-hop song!! This is like a song Alanis Morissette would have loved to record. The melody is solid and really special. I don't know who the "Candy Perfume Girl" Madonna is talking about, but I would be lying if I didn't say I wouldn't mind being her is this was my anthem. This is the epitome of cool.
(B+)
5. "Skin"
An electronica powered track with a production that sounds like Madonna recorded this space! Seriously, it's really one of those acid trip type of song where the music is moving a mile a minute and soars musically. I feel like I'm going on a journey when I'm listening to it and you can't say that with most music! Madonna's vocals are great in certain spots and sound like they were altered yet at the same time, feel she was really experimenting with her voice and pushing herself vocally, which is awesome. For that alone, this is a stellar track! What an album so far!
(A)
6. "Nothing Really Matters"
This is such an excellent dance track!! I feel like most people were put off by it by that disturbing (and honestly brilliant) music video feeling like some Japanese inspired, hellish nightmare. But the song itself is so layered with so much meaning in it's disdain for everything except love but unlike...I hate to bring it up again, "Love Makes The World Go Round", this is a much more realistic, riveting approach to that ideal. It almost feels like Madonna is saying that karma always have a way of repaying those who give genuinely and that alone is what will keep life going. Am I over analyzing again...oh who cares!! The beat is so infectious and I can't help but move to it whether I want to or not. Seriously, this album is already applause-worthy!!
(A+)
7. "Sky Fits Heaven"
Can I just say I love the title of this song?? The beat is once again stunningly produced and the lyrics feels like embracing your own heart as well as instincts as they will help you in your ongoing journey in life. Really beautiful music, I don't know what else to say. My jaw is certainly dropping, I've heard amazing things about this album and it's more than living to it's hype. Also, that ending beat freaks me out in the best possible way! Wonderfully produced and especially sung song thanks to Madonna's better than usual vocal delivery.
(A-)
8. "Shanti/Ashtangi"
Now, this is a masterpiece!! I have no idea what Madonna is saying but the mix of the Hindu language and a relentless techno beat, this is borderline genius! I also love the added Indian music incorporated in the production, it just adds to the song authenticity to the Hindu faith as well as being it's own superb creation all together. Madonna and William Orbit really did something incredible here. Wow!
(A+)
9. "Frozen"
8 tracks in and I almost forgot possibly my favorite Madonna song of all time! "Frozen" is musically dark yet hopeful, the lyrics are like sung poetry with Madonna seeing cold hearted individual who does not know of the tragic consequences of such a personality and the production....perfection! The epic violins, the chilling sound cues, etc. I just.... The video is also one of my favorites from her with the whole mysticism theme and the visuals once again are so innovative and timeless. Going back to the lyrics, they just speak so much to me. "You only see/What your eyes want to see" and "How can life be what you want it to me/You're frozen/When your heart's not open". Not to mention, "Love is a bird/She needs to fly/Let all the hurt inside of you die." "If I could melt your heart/We'd never be apart." So beautiful, even saddening! The chorus is a melodic joy with those humming harmonies and transcending electronic beat. I can't believe I have that much to say about this song because usually it leaves me speechless every time I hear it. This one is always on repeat and will forever be until I either lose my hearing completely or I'm dead.
(A+)
10. "The Power of Goodbye"
"You're heart is not open/So I must go." Has a break-up song ever been this powerful and moving??? I doubt it! "The Power of Goodbye" doesn't settle for simplicity when delivering it's message as combination of Madonna's emotional, near inconsolable vocals and the metaphorical nature of the lyrics are brilliant. I'm sure this song helped many people dealing with a heartbreaking split at the time...hell, it probably still does today. That's something that will always be universal and timeless. This song is a stunning somber tale of a broken heart that you'll never forget, I know I won't. Also, the production is just amazing music!
(A+)
11. "To Have And Not To Hold"
This is a great ballad and it's lyrical content of having what you know won't last which is kind of a depressing way of looking at life yet it's all too surreal. It's a solid track among many flawless ones and honestly, it's getting hard for me to grade all these song when they all are so special and each bringing something new to the table that amazes me. It's just great, it's great...did I say great? lol
(B+)
12. "Little Star"
12. "Little Star"
Awww, this is an illuminating electronica piece dedicated to Madonna's daughter at the time and it's an blissful little lullaby type of dance pop. I love the lyrics to the song as Madonna describes the precious gift that she's been given in a child. The chorus is also very catchy as she sings "Never forget who you are/Little Star." I know I ragged on Madonna about being so sweet and sentimental on other songs but this song is so beautifully produced and touchingly sung that I can't help but not just praise it but cherish it! :)
(B+)
13. "Mer Girl"
The last track of the mesmerizing masterwork is this dark, mysterious track as Madonna slows things down; singing with this foreboding in her voice, singing with poetic delight that the lyrics are made of. The song is just so thought-provoking as Madonna sings of escapism and freedom that seem to be drenched in sorrow and her last grip of hope. WOW!! This is such a powerful song to end the album on and it has left me speechless like the rest of the album has. All I can do is be hypnotized by the soothing beat and the fearful lyricism.
(B+)
*Bonus Track*
14. "Has To Be"
I had to review this bonus track as it is such an essential bonus to this joyous journey of deep reflection and self-discovery that this album puts it's listeners through. I love the almost oriental twinkles composed with the almost tribal like music in the background. As for the song's lyrics itself??? Only writers, Madonna herself and main producer William Orbit know for sure but it sounds far reaching in questioning the whereabouts of "someone being out there waiting for you". Either way, I can't get enough of the profound production work and the electrifying delivery from the Queen of Pop herself! :)
(A-)
This album......THIS. album........dark, epic, powerful, riveting and sensational!!! O_O My goodness, Madonna and producer William Orbit really set a new standard in music with this electronica revival in mainstream pop music. After her strong turn as Evita in the Golden Globe winning picture and the birth of her first child, Madonna went into the studio a new woman; one who had found religious practice in the Jewish workout, Kabbalah and singing her life in a whole new light. "Ray of Light", the album that would not only redefine her artistry but reinvent her into a demi-deity of music who had more to say not just about the world but herself more than ever before!!! I don't know where to begin with this album as there are soooo man delightful gems throughout from the powerful parallels of "Swim", the Hindu mysticism of "Shanti/Ashtangi", the cold, brooding epic "Frozen" and the heartbreaking relationship fallout of "The Power of Goodbye", the album, at so many moments feels like musical score for a summer blockbuster instead of you run of the mill studio album. You can tell both Madonna and Orbit worked hard to push the electronica genre far beyond expectations to craft an album that makes listeners not only pay attention but left wanting so much more. Critics couldn't get enough of the album calling it "the pioneering album for electronica to be cemented in mainstream pop music". The album was also a major commercial success going on to sell over 16 million copies worldwide. The album also was nominated for 6 Grammys; winning 4, including one for Best Pop Album. Also let's not forget the numerous subject matter that Madonna talks about from the religious awakening to motherhood. It's a an album that is anything but shy but very bold and breathtaking in it's profound packaging of music. It's no wonder critics called it her most "adventurous" album to date. I am completely floored by this album and how well made it is from start to finish. While Madonna would go on make more competent albums, including her 2005's inventive disco/contemporary pop album, "Confessions On A Dancefloor", nothing really has ever topped the near miraculous music that she and William Orbit had done with this album. It's an album that has not only stood the test of time but has still feels ahead of it's time in it's music machinations, dramatic lyrics and vivid vocal arrangements. I honestly believe that this was period of pop music that really was a milestone for artists like Madonna as Janet Jackson released her own masterwork only 6 months prior with "The Velvet Rope". And while it's still one of my favorite albums of all time, comparing it to "Ray of Light", Madonna's album far superior in presentation. I'm sorry Janet, I love "The Velvet Rope" with all my heart and is so precious to me but "Ray of Light" is just so...amazing for words!!! O_O
"With an album that delves into themes of mysticism, religion, heartache in the face of heartbreak and motherhood, "Ray of Light" is undoubtedly Madonna's magnum opus; an album that even 20 years later feels special and stellar in ways that made that era of her life so captivating and surreal. A work of unadulterated art!!!"
(A+)
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