Madonna Hardens Her Vulnerability On 13th LP
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Rebel Heart (2015)
1. "Living For Love"
In this love praising opening track, "Living For Love" has a house music production that pops and thumps, lyrics that are solid and pretty empowering as Madonna sings of a love that has brought out the best in her. Especially considering she has just been through a break up, she is hoping for better love which she has apparently found. This is a great start to the album and considering I hated it at first, I'm surprised how much it's grown on me.
(B+)
In this love praising opening track, "Living For Love" has a house music production that pops and thumps, lyrics that are solid and pretty empowering as Madonna sings of a love that has brought out the best in her. Especially considering she has just been through a break up, she is hoping for better love which she has apparently found. This is a great start to the album and considering I hated it at first, I'm surprised how much it's grown on me.
(B+)
2. "Devil Pray"
"Devil Pray" feels like Madonna is playing devil's advocate, even listing all the drugs that she and listeners' can take. It's the type of song that Madonna actually excels at, taking a religious concept like praying and turning it on it's head by using it as a way to talk about corruption and escapism. It's rip with controversial overtones and negative promotion but it's fascinating and even at 56 at the time of recording the album, I'm sure Madonna isn't really advocating that time of life style to be a bad influence on her fans but to open up her listeners mind to the darker side of humanity and how easily we can fall into bad habits that even the "Devil will be praying" for us. I see what you did there Madge. ;)
(A-)
"Devil Pray" feels like Madonna is playing devil's advocate, even listing all the drugs that she and listeners' can take. It's the type of song that Madonna actually excels at, taking a religious concept like praying and turning it on it's head by using it as a way to talk about corruption and escapism. It's rip with controversial overtones and negative promotion but it's fascinating and even at 56 at the time of recording the album, I'm sure Madonna isn't really advocating that time of life style to be a bad influence on her fans but to open up her listeners mind to the darker side of humanity and how easily we can fall into bad habits that even the "Devil will be praying" for us. I see what you did there Madge. ;)
(A-)
3. "Ghosttown"
"Ghosttown" could very well be the best Madonna song in a good long while! The lyrics are kinda morbid and saddening...yet inspiring yet beautiful. I mean finding love in a post-apocalyptic world??? Could there be nothing more beautiful than that? Madonna sounds strong vocally and the production matches the ominous yet optimistic approach the song is going for. The second single off the album, it's a shame it didn't chart or get any airplay. It's really quite stunning but you know today's pop radio and their ageist ways.
(A)
"Ghosttown" could very well be the best Madonna song in a good long while! The lyrics are kinda morbid and saddening...yet inspiring yet beautiful. I mean finding love in a post-apocalyptic world??? Could there be nothing more beautiful than that? Madonna sounds strong vocally and the production matches the ominous yet optimistic approach the song is going for. The second single off the album, it's a shame it didn't chart or get any airplay. It's really quite stunning but you know today's pop radio and their ageist ways.
(A)
4. "Unapologetic B!tch"
Well, it's about time she admitted it! I really like the production of "Unapologetic Bitch", going for a electronic reggae/Caribbean beat that you'd expect Rihanna to deliver but Madonna does a fine job of doing it. The song really just sums up Madonna's public persona, a woman who has no regrets of what she's done and especially has said. She has every right to feel that way, because look where she is now. She speaks her mind and has been doing so for over 30 years, so it clearly has worked in her favor. A fun and brutally honest song from an artist who knows who she is and will never change...we don't want you to Madonna!
(B+)
Well, it's about time she admitted it! I really like the production of "Unapologetic Bitch", going for a electronic reggae/Caribbean beat that you'd expect Rihanna to deliver but Madonna does a fine job of doing it. The song really just sums up Madonna's public persona, a woman who has no regrets of what she's done and especially has said. She has every right to feel that way, because look where she is now. She speaks her mind and has been doing so for over 30 years, so it clearly has worked in her favor. A fun and brutally honest song from an artist who knows who she is and will never change...we don't want you to Madonna!
(B+)
5. "Illuminati"
After listening off celebrities associated with that online phenomenon, "Illuminati" is hardly celebrating that age old underground satanic cult following but more is a satire of the whole thing, with Madonna proudly embracing her "Illuminati" faith by partying it up with other followers like her. I'm surprised this wasn't a single as this would have been the perfect song to stir up controversy (and great promotion for the album). Maybe she didn't want to be predictable after all these years??? Anyway, I enjoy the production, it's a great club banger/party anthem but it's hilarious as it clearly targets those online commentators who can't seem to let go of their conspiracy theories. It's a very entertaining song and one that should not be taken so seriously despite it's title.
(B+)
After listening off celebrities associated with that online phenomenon, "Illuminati" is hardly celebrating that age old underground satanic cult following but more is a satire of the whole thing, with Madonna proudly embracing her "Illuminati" faith by partying it up with other followers like her. I'm surprised this wasn't a single as this would have been the perfect song to stir up controversy (and great promotion for the album). Maybe she didn't want to be predictable after all these years??? Anyway, I enjoy the production, it's a great club banger/party anthem but it's hilarious as it clearly targets those online commentators who can't seem to let go of their conspiracy theories. It's a very entertaining song and one that should not be taken so seriously despite it's title.
(B+)
6. "B!tch, I'm Madonna" (Featuring Nicki Minaj)
Ok, I'm gonna say this up front: I love this song! Now here me out, cause I know I have every reason not too. At 56, Madonna producing a song this juvenile and trashy is unforgivable!! The same women who gave us such classics as "Open Your Heart", "Vogue", "Like A Prayer, "Ray of Light", etc. delivers possibly the worst song/single of her career...and yet...I can't hate, I just can't and I've tried! But "B!tch, I'm Madonna" is what one critic perfectly described as "infuriatingly catchy" and I completely agree. The song as bad as it is, works MUCH better than it should. A song that you'd expect to hear from today's young (untalented) popstars like Miley Cyrus fits Madonna because it's almost like she purposely did this song not to fit into the targeted demographic (even if the childish lyrics and the even more grotesquely obnoxious video would argue against that claim) I personally feel like Madonna did this a parody toward these generation's pop music and showing, yes "B!tch, I'm Madonna and your making fools of yourself." She is showing even in her 50s, she paved the way for these embarrassing imitators and can do it better, but worse than they can. Yes, that is my take on both the song and the video filled with horrible cameos, questionable imagery, tacky choreography and Nicki Minaj on an HD flat screen. Speaking of Nicki, this is a HUGE step up from her terrible rap verses on "MDNA". On that album, there weren't needed, too short and honestly non-sense. But her verse here, while still arguable how good it is, fits the song perfectly, elevating it's "turn up" effect I'll call it. Not too short, not too long and finally feels like she earned her collabo (and check) from Madonna. I love the song even down to its annoying zipper sound effect at the end. I know, my opinion is trash at this point but who cares and it's mind. This is my sh!t.
(B+)
Ok, I'm gonna say this up front: I love this song! Now here me out, cause I know I have every reason not too. At 56, Madonna producing a song this juvenile and trashy is unforgivable!! The same women who gave us such classics as "Open Your Heart", "Vogue", "Like A Prayer, "Ray of Light", etc. delivers possibly the worst song/single of her career...and yet...I can't hate, I just can't and I've tried! But "B!tch, I'm Madonna" is what one critic perfectly described as "infuriatingly catchy" and I completely agree. The song as bad as it is, works MUCH better than it should. A song that you'd expect to hear from today's young (untalented) popstars like Miley Cyrus fits Madonna because it's almost like she purposely did this song not to fit into the targeted demographic (even if the childish lyrics and the even more grotesquely obnoxious video would argue against that claim) I personally feel like Madonna did this a parody toward these generation's pop music and showing, yes "B!tch, I'm Madonna and your making fools of yourself." She is showing even in her 50s, she paved the way for these embarrassing imitators and can do it better, but worse than they can. Yes, that is my take on both the song and the video filled with horrible cameos, questionable imagery, tacky choreography and Nicki Minaj on an HD flat screen. Speaking of Nicki, this is a HUGE step up from her terrible rap verses on "MDNA". On that album, there weren't needed, too short and honestly non-sense. But her verse here, while still arguable how good it is, fits the song perfectly, elevating it's "turn up" effect I'll call it. Not too short, not too long and finally feels like she earned her collabo (and check) from Madonna. I love the song even down to its annoying zipper sound effect at the end. I know, my opinion is trash at this point but who cares and it's mind. This is my sh!t.
(B+)
7. "Hold Tight"
A song I loved just after my first listen, "Hold Tight" is just a good song with such a solid, tight production. Honestly that beat is just gorgeous...simple yet just sounds wonderful. Madonna sings about being there for her listeners and that there will only be "love tonight". Even saying at one point, if they got hurt, she would rather be the one to bleed. Which is very deep and selfless. It's the perfect song for the club, perfect song for riding in your car, it's just a fun song with a bit of a hopeful message about sticking it out until good things happen. Love it!
(A-)
A song I loved just after my first listen, "Hold Tight" is just a good song with such a solid, tight production. Honestly that beat is just gorgeous...simple yet just sounds wonderful. Madonna sings about being there for her listeners and that there will only be "love tonight". Even saying at one point, if they got hurt, she would rather be the one to bleed. Which is very deep and selfless. It's the perfect song for the club, perfect song for riding in your car, it's just a fun song with a bit of a hopeful message about sticking it out until good things happen. Love it!
(A-)
8. "Joan of Arc"
Wow, "Joan of Arc" is quite heartbreaking as Madonna compares herself as well as her career to the tragic legacy of the religious warrior. Madonna really is on to something here as the illusions are quite similar as there were points in her career where she was simply delivering an honest message to the public but faced backlash because of it. From her "Like A Virgin's controversy to "Erotica"/Sexbook to "American Life", Madonna has been hit hard by the media, been banned by some countries, even received death threats but she's "not Joan of Arc/Not yet". Wow, that lyric is actually kind of chilling, it's almost like Madonna is excepting her fate that one day she may in fact be killed for crossing the line. But she's "only human" and is just speaking her mind like many do. Just because she's in the public eye and has garnered an almost god-like fame, does it give her the right to say what she says...or is she ultimately wrong for doing so. It's all very fascinating and quite the powerful song I must say. So vulnerable yet Madonna is resolute in the possible tragic future that awaits her. Probably one of the best songs of her career and while some hate "Rebel Heart", songs like this make me wonder why??
(A+)
Wow, "Joan of Arc" is quite heartbreaking as Madonna compares herself as well as her career to the tragic legacy of the religious warrior. Madonna really is on to something here as the illusions are quite similar as there were points in her career where she was simply delivering an honest message to the public but faced backlash because of it. From her "Like A Virgin's controversy to "Erotica"/Sexbook to "American Life", Madonna has been hit hard by the media, been banned by some countries, even received death threats but she's "not Joan of Arc/Not yet". Wow, that lyric is actually kind of chilling, it's almost like Madonna is excepting her fate that one day she may in fact be killed for crossing the line. But she's "only human" and is just speaking her mind like many do. Just because she's in the public eye and has garnered an almost god-like fame, does it give her the right to say what she says...or is she ultimately wrong for doing so. It's all very fascinating and quite the powerful song I must say. So vulnerable yet Madonna is resolute in the possible tragic future that awaits her. Probably one of the best songs of her career and while some hate "Rebel Heart", songs like this make me wonder why??
(A+)
9. "Iconic" (Featuring Mike Tyson and Chance the Rapper)
"Iconic" should NOT work as a song! You have the cheesy, lisp ridden delivery of Mike Tyson, another random rapper cameo, etc. But it DOES! Thanks to an incredible production and very inspiring lyrics, "Iconic" really lives up to it's title! "I can/Icon/Two letters apart/One step away from being lost in the dark/Just shine your light like a beautiful star/Show the world who you are, who you are/Yeah/there's another part of you no one sees/There's a burning fire that's underneath/Baby, don't you know you were meant to be/Born to be, meant to be/Iconic!" Now, if that doesn't get you pumped up or ready to tackle life head on, I don't what will. This is a EDM/Hip-Hop mash up that just sounds awesome. Chance's verse definitely fits perfectly here, even though it slows down the tempo a little. This song was on repeat for a while when I first listened to the album. It's not a goofy, meaningless track, its a song for those who forgot how much potential they have and need to be reminded that the world is full of endless possibilities. They can achieve so much even though most people think they can't. Man, does this song speak to me on a personal level for that kind of message.
(A)
"Iconic" should NOT work as a song! You have the cheesy, lisp ridden delivery of Mike Tyson, another random rapper cameo, etc. But it DOES! Thanks to an incredible production and very inspiring lyrics, "Iconic" really lives up to it's title! "I can/Icon/Two letters apart/One step away from being lost in the dark/Just shine your light like a beautiful star/Show the world who you are, who you are/Yeah/there's another part of you no one sees/There's a burning fire that's underneath/Baby, don't you know you were meant to be/Born to be, meant to be/Iconic!" Now, if that doesn't get you pumped up or ready to tackle life head on, I don't what will. This is a EDM/Hip-Hop mash up that just sounds awesome. Chance's verse definitely fits perfectly here, even though it slows down the tempo a little. This song was on repeat for a while when I first listened to the album. It's not a goofy, meaningless track, its a song for those who forgot how much potential they have and need to be reminded that the world is full of endless possibilities. They can achieve so much even though most people think they can't. Man, does this song speak to me on a personal level for that kind of message.
(A)
10. "Heartbreak City"
A somber yet fearless break-up ballad, "Heartbreak City" is a great reminder that one should not break Madonna's heart. Reminiscing about the fall of her relationship, Madonna reveals as sad as she may be inside, there is this underlying hope inside her as well. It can be pretty depressing but I enjoy once again Madonna being genuinely vulnerable and the production is stunning.
(A-)
A somber yet fearless break-up ballad, "Heartbreak City" is a great reminder that one should not break Madonna's heart. Reminiscing about the fall of her relationship, Madonna reveals as sad as she may be inside, there is this underlying hope inside her as well. It can be pretty depressing but I enjoy once again Madonna being genuinely vulnerable and the production is stunning.
(A-)
11. "Body Shop"
Hmmmm, I like the very cool vibe to this song, makes me wonder if Madonna is referring to herself as the "Body Shop"??? Oh who am I kidding, she is! I mean all the car metaphors mean she wants the guy to explore her body parts and really enjoy it. But it's all done very tastefully and the production is pretty laid-back and chill. I really enjoy it for that reason alone.
(B)
Hmmmm, I like the very cool vibe to this song, makes me wonder if Madonna is referring to herself as the "Body Shop"??? Oh who am I kidding, she is! I mean all the car metaphors mean she wants the guy to explore her body parts and really enjoy it. But it's all done very tastefully and the production is pretty laid-back and chill. I really enjoy it for that reason alone.
(B)
12. "Holy Water"
Madonna is infamous for her controversial song, image, behavior etc. The list of subject matter that have got people talking is so long there's no point of keeping track anymore. But then there's a song like "Holy Water", that...I get what she was trying to do...but for me, this is just distasteful. Comparing her p@ssy juice to holy water!? Madge, you tried it! I just can't enjoy this one at all. I mean the production is nice but the lyrics and imagery she's going for isn't even artistic, just depraved and sick even by her standards. I'm shocked that some fans love this song, than again I like "B!tch I'm Madonna", so who am I to judge! But still, this Kanye West produced track is a very sour spot in an otherwise great album so far. "Yeezus loves my p@ssy best." B!tch stop! Good Lawd!!
(D-)
Madonna is infamous for her controversial song, image, behavior etc. The list of subject matter that have got people talking is so long there's no point of keeping track anymore. But then there's a song like "Holy Water", that...I get what she was trying to do...but for me, this is just distasteful. Comparing her p@ssy juice to holy water!? Madge, you tried it! I just can't enjoy this one at all. I mean the production is nice but the lyrics and imagery she's going for isn't even artistic, just depraved and sick even by her standards. I'm shocked that some fans love this song, than again I like "B!tch I'm Madonna", so who am I to judge! But still, this Kanye West produced track is a very sour spot in an otherwise great album so far. "Yeezus loves my p@ssy best." B!tch stop! Good Lawd!!
(D-)
13. "Inside Out"
This is a nice electronic pop track with a great production and sensual lyrics that sees Madonna singing about letting a lover getting to know her "inside out" and vice verse. But it's not just intimately but emotionally and even spiritually it seems. It's kind of compelling from that stand point alone and I really enjoy it immensely.
(A-)
This is a nice electronic pop track with a great production and sensual lyrics that sees Madonna singing about letting a lover getting to know her "inside out" and vice verse. But it's not just intimately but emotionally and even spiritually it seems. It's kind of compelling from that stand point alone and I really enjoy it immensely.
(A-)
14. "Wash All Over Me"
This song reminds me of "Rain" from "Erotica" with it's rain/washing metaphors. But inside of washing away her flaws and pain, "Wash All Over Me" chillingly is about Madonna embracing "the end". Whether that be the end of her career, her death or the end of the world, it's kind of sad and heartbreaking. But once again, there's almost an undertone of hope in the lyrics and you can't help but be inspired by Madonna's fearlessness.
(B+)
This song reminds me of "Rain" from "Erotica" with it's rain/washing metaphors. But inside of washing away her flaws and pain, "Wash All Over Me" chillingly is about Madonna embracing "the end". Whether that be the end of her career, her death or the end of the world, it's kind of sad and heartbreaking. But once again, there's almost an undertone of hope in the lyrics and you can't help but be inspired by Madonna's fearlessness.
(B+)
15. "Best Night"
With a pretty epic, hip-hop beat, "Best Night" is a steamy track as Madonna sings why it will be the "best night of your life" to her listeners. You know, it amazes how sexy Madonna's voice still sounds when she does her whole whispering, seductive talk. Brings me right back to "Erotica" and it gives me chills! I like how the snaps are incorporated and I could already tell before the song was over that I would be listening to it repeatedly.
(B+)
With a pretty epic, hip-hop beat, "Best Night" is a steamy track as Madonna sings why it will be the "best night of your life" to her listeners. You know, it amazes how sexy Madonna's voice still sounds when she does her whole whispering, seductive talk. Brings me right back to "Erotica" and it gives me chills! I like how the snaps are incorporated and I could already tell before the song was over that I would be listening to it repeatedly.
(B+)
16. "Vini Vedi Vici" (Featuring Nas)
Well, if your gonna get a rap legend like Nas out of hiding, I can only see someone like Madonna doing so. I mean this is the same man that sorrowfully declared prior to leaving the industry that "hip hop was dead". So a rare appearance from him on records like this is pretty awesome. So we have an explosive electronic hip-hop track with Madonna singing about her highest highs and lowest lows when it came to her career. Then Nas just comes in and kills it with a short but sweet rap verse that plays like a quick autobiography of his influential career. I mean, whether it's his best verse or not, this is Nas people. The same rapper who came out during the era of Biggie and Pac, he knows the in and outs of the hip-hop, so when comes through on a track like this, it shows some hope for the disappointing genre as of late. A great collabo all and all.
(A-)
Well, if your gonna get a rap legend like Nas out of hiding, I can only see someone like Madonna doing so. I mean this is the same man that sorrowfully declared prior to leaving the industry that "hip hop was dead". So a rare appearance from him on records like this is pretty awesome. So we have an explosive electronic hip-hop track with Madonna singing about her highest highs and lowest lows when it came to her career. Then Nas just comes in and kills it with a short but sweet rap verse that plays like a quick autobiography of his influential career. I mean, whether it's his best verse or not, this is Nas people. The same rapper who came out during the era of Biggie and Pac, he knows the in and outs of the hip-hop, so when comes through on a track like this, it shows some hope for the disappointing genre as of late. A great collabo all and all.
(A-)
17. S.E.X.
Who better to teach listeners about "S.E.X." than the originator of explicit female sexuality in pop music??? "S.E.X." is...ok I guess. I mean, maybe "Holy Water" scared me to the point where any sex talk from Madonna now just comes off as tacky and cheap. I mean it's harmless compared to her classic sex songs but it's also no memorable at all. She really doesn't teach much, just reminds us of the genuinely sexier days of early 90s Madonna. Just saying.
(C)
Who better to teach listeners about "S.E.X." than the originator of explicit female sexuality in pop music??? "S.E.X." is...ok I guess. I mean, maybe "Holy Water" scared me to the point where any sex talk from Madonna now just comes off as tacky and cheap. I mean it's harmless compared to her classic sex songs but it's also no memorable at all. She really doesn't teach much, just reminds us of the genuinely sexier days of early 90s Madonna. Just saying.
(C)
18. "Messiah"
Hmmmmm, a love song that seems like it has a double meaning? Who is the Messiah Madonna is talking about? Is she really talking about winning Jesus' heart? She seems very adamant about it and the lyrics are very compassionate, even hopeful that Madonna will win the heart of this messiah....but it's all so vague and I just don't get it. I mean, it's all kind of there. It's ok at best.
(C)
Hmmmmm, a love song that seems like it has a double meaning? Who is the Messiah Madonna is talking about? Is she really talking about winning Jesus' heart? She seems very adamant about it and the lyrics are very compassionate, even hopeful that Madonna will win the heart of this messiah....but it's all so vague and I just don't get it. I mean, it's all kind of there. It's ok at best.
(C)
19. "Rebel Heart"
This is a great ender to the album as the long awaited title track sees Madonna singing about why she is a self proclaimed "Rebel Heart". Going as far back as her father questioning her difference from other girls to her narcissistic ways, it has all formed the still misunderstood Madonna even today. It's a great production with a solid pop/rock anthem that's different from rest of the album's sound but works very well. Can't help but kind of getting a big emotional considering even now, at 57, Madonna is still so fascinating and she constantly is trying to show the reasons why she's the way she is. Through honest lyrics and a song that plays like a personal triumph, it's so easy to see why she's had one of the longest pop music careers of all time!
(B+)
This is a great ender to the album as the long awaited title track sees Madonna singing about why she is a self proclaimed "Rebel Heart". Going as far back as her father questioning her difference from other girls to her narcissistic ways, it has all formed the still misunderstood Madonna even today. It's a great production with a solid pop/rock anthem that's different from rest of the album's sound but works very well. Can't help but kind of getting a big emotional considering even now, at 57, Madonna is still so fascinating and she constantly is trying to show the reasons why she's the way she is. Through honest lyrics and a song that plays like a personal triumph, it's so easy to see why she's had one of the longest pop music careers of all time!
(B+)
You know, it's hard to believe an artist like Madonna has reached such an immense longevity and prominence in the music that even when she releases her 13th album, her massive fanbase will still come swarming for more music by the pop legend?? Honestly, "Rebel Heart" had a tough time before it's release as by the end of 2014, many songs from the album had already been leaked onto the internet by someone who hacked into her computer. Some songs were on the cutting room floor but most had to be re-recorded and re-produced to make the final product to keep the remainder of the album a secret before it's official release. It didn't also help that the week "Rebel Heart"opened, Madonna unfortunately didn't make the top spot because of the release of the soundtrack for the hit series "Empire". She had made it her mission to make Rebel Heart a genuine success, performing at the 2015 Brit Awards (her embarrassing fall not withstanding 0_0), Ellen devoting an entire week to Madonna's promotion for the album as well as highly televised Late Night performances of singles like "Ghosttown" and "B!tch, I'm Madonna." But enough about Madonna's campaign to sell her last record and let's talk about the album itself. I would have to say, after her prior two releases before this (The producer/cameo saturated "Hard Candy" and the often EDM nightmare that was "MDNA"), "Rebel Heart" is a bit of a return to form for the multi-decade defining popstar. Let's be real though, "Rebel Heart" isn't without it's glaring flaws as some songs are definitely some of Madonna's worst! O_o As I said before, at infuriatingly catchy as "B!tch, I'm Madonna" is, it seems made more for an artist such as Miley Cyrus or Ke$ha, not for a woman who once gave us such timeless hits as "Holiday", "Like a Virgin" and "Express Yourself". There's nothing really empowering about it or groundbreaking, it's about as generic and juvenile as music has been during this decade. And it's not like Madonna can't make an upbeat tune because she was 56 going on 57 at the time, it's because the lyrics are laughably terrible and frustratingly childish. Then there's by far the worst and honestly, the lowest point of the album, the Kanye West produced "Holy Water". Seriously! How did this song even make the album!?? O_o It's honestly one of the most disgusting and distasteful songs I have ever heard and seems simply there for shock value. Now I'm all for controversial Madonna, I come on, shes been known to mix her ambition art with maddening forms of controversy since he humped the stage during infamous 1984 VMAs performance of "Like A Virgin". But..."Holy Water" isn't art, it's just awful and trashy; offensive without having a message to it like most of Madonna's shocking moments of musical boundary pushing from the past 4 decades of her career. Producers like Diplo definitely add their usual electronic twist to Madonna's sound but it gives certain parts of a rather jarring feel like the irritating zipper echo during the last few seconds of "B!tch, I'm Madonna." Ironically, he also gives use some noticeable standouts like the industrial electronic hip hop of "Best Night" and the remarkable return of legendary MC Nas on "Veni Vidi Vici". The late and far too young at the time of his death, Avicii, does a much better job with showing the "heart" side of Madonna on the album with some of her finest songs in a while, like the pretty sublime "Heartbreak City". Honestly, the "heart" of the album is probably the most authentic and mature work we've seen from Madonna in a long while like the haunting, post-apocalyptic anthem "Ghosttown" or the tremendous tear inducing ballad "Joan of Arc", as Madonna laments the terrible price for her outspoken career in the spotlight all these years later. But not to say the "rebel" side is a complete loss; not even close. "Illuminati" is an entertaining showcase of Madonna's opinion on that era of internet conspiracy, "Iconic" featuring Mike Tyson and Chance the Rapper works more than it should on and the electro-reggae feel of "Unapologetic B!tch" will leave you in a soothing, euphoric groove. Also, "Hold Tight" is an inspiring little tune about embracing unity in the face obstacles and inconsolable despair. Not bad for a woman who seems to not be stopping anytime soon by pushing the pop landscape farther after over 30 years in the business. Either way, the album proved to be a success despite missing the top spot in America. The album would go on to sell over 800,000 copies worldwide and her Rebel Heart Tour was once again a multi-million selling world tour that became the best seller in terms of on the road concert tours that year. Nearly 4 years later, the album holds up pretty well considering the trouble it went through during it's release. It honestly gave me enough interest to see what the Material Girl has planned for her upcoming 14th studio album.....who knows, but fingers crossed! :)
"From her unprecedented 13th album in her long history of bold, breathtaking visuals, controversial singles, vividly imaginative videos and shocking imagery, "Rebel Heart" may not get everything right but it does a very fine job overall of encapsulating what we love about the Queen of Pop 30+ years later as she explores her rebellious side and vulnerable humanity with a diverse array of modern mechanized pop, dazzling hip hop and adult contemporary balladry that will sure keep her fans invested for more to come!" :)
(B)
"From her unprecedented 13th album in her long history of bold, breathtaking visuals, controversial singles, vividly imaginative videos and shocking imagery, "Rebel Heart" may not get everything right but it does a very fine job overall of encapsulating what we love about the Queen of Pop 30+ years later as she explores her rebellious side and vulnerable humanity with a diverse array of modern mechanized pop, dazzling hip hop and adult contemporary balladry that will sure keep her fans invested for more to come!" :)
(B)
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