I purchased MDNA - the new album by Ms Madonna on Friday night. I wasn't planning on buying it on the day of release but I had an hour to kill before dinner and realised that Friday was MDNA release day so whats a gay boy to do. Just as a side bar I remember when EROTICA was released in 1992, the Virgin Megastore in Adelaide opened at midnight to sell it (I think those days won't be seen again)! Anyway MDNA has been on HIGH ROTATION all weekend as I try to work out which songs are my favourite, what are the potential single releases, is it better than HARD CANDY, can it possibly top CONFESSIONS ON A DANCEFLOOR, all very important questions one must consider when a new Madonna album is released. It is now Monday night and this is what I think after 30 or so listens!
Can I just say I LOVE the Mert and Marcus photography to start. It's a huge improvement on HARD CANDY and lets be honest Madonna needs all the help she can get as she progresses through her 50's.
GIRL GONE WILD - This is the Second Single and its CRAP. There are no other words. I must admit I was listening to it today and then thought, its not so bad but I think the lyrics are stupid, there is no chorus and the backing track is very weak.
GANG BANG - Another song that leaves me bewildered. I think we have to put this song in perspective, Madonna is in her 50's, mother of 4 children and she is producing songs like this. It really doesn't work when she sings lyrics like shes some gang ho from LA. Like Hello!
I'M ADDICTED - First semi likable song so far! She repeats MDNA quite alot on this song and for a minute I thought she was singing MDMA but then that would be controversial and so NOT like Madonna.
TURN UP THE RADIO - Another weak song, weak lyrics, no chorus. NEXT
GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN - The first single and I think one of the better songs on MDNA. The cheerleading chant kind of works for me and HELLO theres a chorus! I love the Nicki Minaj and shes FAB. If you read into the lyrics its like she's asking us to dump the GAGA and give Queen Heiress of POP Madonna all of our luvin!
SOME GIRLS - Loving the vocoder on this one. One of the better tracks. Possible Single release?
SUPERSTAR - I don't dislike this song but it doesn't make me want to sing this out loud either. More redundant lyrics. Repetitive chorus once again.
I DON'T GIVE AN A - An ODE to Guy Ritchie and one of the better songs on the album. I don't like Madonna's take on rapping, its more like talking to music if you ask me. I like this one as Nicki Minaj guest raps again and features the best lyric possibly on MDNA - "There's only 1 Queen and thats Madonna - BIYATCH!" Do you think this is directed at Lady Gaga or her gay fans?
I'M A SINNER - When I hear this I think BEAUTIFUL STRANGER. That is all!
LOVE SPENT - One of my favourite songs on the album. Like theres a verse and a chorus.WOW!
MASTERPIECE - A beautiful ballad and how this song can be on the same album as GANGBANG escapes me! Love it when she sings Indestructable but maybe thats because ROBYN wrote one of the best songs with this title!
FALLING FREE - Another lovely ballad. Is it just me or does Madonna sounds like she has a cold singing this one?
BONUS TRACKS
BEAUTIFUL KILLER -Why is this one on the Bonus Disc and Turn Up the Radio on the album?
I FUCKED UP - Another great song. Possibly about her marriage to Guy Ritchie me thinks or her broken friendship to Sandra Bernhardt or her brother Christophe Ciccone or the fan who gave her hydrangeas. I mean, lets face it the woman has fucked off so many people that this song could be about any of them!
B-DAY SONG - Now this is kind of cool as she goes back to the 60's (or the TRUE BLUE album) with this song. Its kind of like The Pippettes meet Madonna! I can see why this is on the bonus disc as it doesn't go with the electro dance feel to MDNA. Now Madonna has a Birthday song that she can sing at the million live concerts she's doing for her LIVE NATION album deal.
BEST FRIEND - Another great song with a killer chorus and more references to Guy Ritchie.
So I must say overall I am disappointed with this album. Its on par with HARD CANDY or slightly better. Its not as bad as AMERICAN LIFE and I think we have to come to the realisation that there may not ever be another RAY OF LIGHT or CONFESSIONS from the Queen. But who are we trying to kid here, if she tours Australia I will be there sleeping out to buy tickets. As someone who has been a Madonna fan since 1984, you can read my post 7 Facts about MDNA and Me, I will always be a fan buying her music. I'd be curious to hear what other people think of this album. I think this album was supposed to be a return to form for Madonna but unfortunately it hasn't hit the mark for me. I so-oo wanted to love it but I just can't.
BEST SONGS FOR ME: Gimme all your Luvin, Best Friend, B-Day Song, Some Girls, I Don't Give an A, Love Spent, I Fucked Up
