Madonna "Music" (2000)
I've already gushed on about Madonna's virtues as a chameleonic creative
force in my entry about "Ray of Light" (day 869) so here I'll just focus
on this album itself.
Following the critical success of "Ray of Light", Madonna had been keeping
busy. She'd done some more acting and released a couple of songs for
movies soundtracks ("Beautiful Stranger" for 'Austin Powers' and a cover
of "American Pie" for the film 'the Next Best Thing' which she had
starred in). Looking to get started on her new album she teamed up
with producer William Orbit again but also brought in French electronic
artist Mirwais who had attracted her attention when he submitted a demo
to her record label.
The two producers definitely put this release in the electronic zone but
their differing styles help set it apart from her previous
release and keep things interesting.
The opening, self-titled track has a (for the time) contemporary sound to compete with all the Britneys and Christinas of the time.
The sort of 'digital cowgirl' vibe of the album (personified by the
cover photo with Madonna in a stylish Stetson) is showcased on peppy
single "Don't Tell Me" and the sombre alt-country-with-a-beat of "I Deserve it".
"Nobody's Perfect" shows the other side of the album's sound, all
slinky groove, synths and auto-tune vocals... it doesn't feel cold
though, despite the technology. It has heart.
The album closes off with the cover of "American Pie" a cover that feels
somehow ill-judged and yet hearing the lyrics from Madonna's mouth, it
almost feels like it could have been written for her.
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