When the rumours were going around that Madonna was working on a new dance album in early 2011, I was elated! Now that I have listened to MDNA, I can safely say that this album will show everyone in the industry just who she IS! But certain tracks on MDNA will only be appreciated by Madonna’s REAL fans. The album is filled with surprises and I can’t wait to share with you my listening experience.
*** I have been a fan of Madonna since I was eight but this review piece is an extremely frank opinion of what I felt when I was listening to MDNA and I tried my utmost best to be as objective as possible.
Girl Gone Wild
***This song will sound better with the volume turned up!
When the teaser was released in early Feb, I was not one bit moved by the song. It sounded generic and very… juiceless. But when the confession (Act of contrition) part leaked a few minutes before Girls Gone Wild’s official YouTube lyric release, I went absolutely nuts!
But when I listened to the rest of the song, I was not that thrilled. I liked it at first but then later I realized I was not that pleased. I loved that it was a new Madonna song but it ended there. But it definitely sounds way better than the demo.
The music Video however saved Girl Gone wild from going unnoticed. Half naked men in heels grinding with each other AND Madonna.. how can one not like that?!
Music ★★★1/2
Music Video ★★★★★
Gang Bang
MADONNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The heavy pulsating bass, the steady progression of the song, Madonna’s badass voice, the lyrics, the dubstep and BOY THE DRAMA!! When I first listened to this song, my jaw dropped. The song is daring and Outrageous! This is definitely the album’s strongest song and it reinforces Madonna entire image. Just.. don’t eff with her or you will “die like a bitch!”
In all seriousness, only Madonna can pull off something like this perfectly. No other female contemporaries could ever add that special impact as Madonna did in this song.
Imagine Madonna singing this song LIVE. Oh my Buddha! !!!!
Music ★★★★★
I’m Addicted
One of my absolute favs from MDNA.
When I heard the 60 seconds snippet, I was already 100% hooked!
The song starts off really simple with very digital sounding effects, swooshes and beeps but when it slowly escalates to a fantastic climax with the rippling electro-effect, I LOST CONTROL. And just when I though the best parts were over, Madonna ends with a very hypnotic ‘MDNA’ chant and I couldn’t handle how majestically it was all put together! It was FLAWLESS!
Madonna HAS to do this live.
Music ★★★★★
Turn Up The Radio
This song is definitely single-worthy. Mainstream radio will love this and I liked it a lot but it sounds way too “hello” though. But nonetheless, it will be a great summer anthem.
But I think this song has to be listened to a few times before you feel the… impact. I know I like it now. ;)
Music ★★★★
Give Me All Your Luvin
This is one of my favourite songs on MDNA. Why? It is a lovely light pop song that is unapologetically cheerful. The beat is super infectious and will honestly sound better with the volume turned up and of course with a good sound system.
Honestly if this song had not leaked in late 2011, it would have done way better on the charts. It gives MDNA a clean and fun face!
Nicki’s and MIA’s rap did feel out of place but in a whole, their cheers did blend in really well! And their collaboration with Madonna is somewhat symbolic. Their Super bowl performance of GMAYL was great too!
“L-U-V MADONNA!”
Music ★★★★★
Some Girls
Here madonna is basically reminding us that she’s one of a kind.
A very cosmic sounding electro song jabbed with huge bass line. The lyrics are as bold as Burning up and I love it! Madonna can get away with sounding conceited any day, don’t you agree? And the express yourself reference was a great fit too!!
But her voice is heavily auto-tuned in this (like many other songs in the album) but this is probably the most obvious. But I guess that’s because the song takes a very electro dance approach. Can’t wait to see this live though!
IMAGINE WHAT THE BACKDROP WOULD BE!
Music ★★★★1/2
Superstar
This is a very sweet song and I love that Lola joined in but I am not entirely hooked. And the constant “Ooh-La-La you’re my superstar” set the entire song in flames. I felt nothing here honestly..
Music ★★
I don’t Give A
American Life part 2 indeed but here the rap sounds much more natural. The lyrics are great and definitely a huge middle finger to anyone who thinks Madonna does not deserve anything good she gets. The woman works her ass off and I envy her work ethic.
I love how Nicki says Madonna is the queen (of course she is) but I loved the orchestral ending even more. It is absolutely dramatic and will work very well live. I keep imagining Madonna being raised and placed on a pedestal while everyone bows down to her.
★★★★★
I’m a sinner
Although not as psychedelic as Beautiful stranger, this is a very catchy 60’s sounding song and reminds me a lot of beautiful stranger. The lyrics are really beautiful. She quotes religious saints but that part did not do much for me. But nonetheless, it is Madonna and who cares if she sins?! Girl, you earned a one way ticket to heaven… ….but don’t leave just yet..
;)
★★★★
Love Spent
Brilliant— that’s all I have to say! From the beats to the lyrics, it’s catchy and really unique! Opening with a banjo, people! Who does that for an electro dance type of album? Definitely not Deadmau5 with his mouse hat.
I love the hidden connotations Madonna makes about Money and love.. perhaps people are more interested to date her because of her money?
When I heard the preview of this song, I knew it would be a great hit and I was sad that I listened to the preview as I thought it ruined the surprise. But when I heard the entire song for the first time, I was pleasantly taken aback by how different the preview and the first half of the song sounded. It sounded as if two very different rhythmic beats were brought together to create maximum eargasm pleasure.
★★★★★
Masterpiece
Love that it won a Golden Globe. Madonna honestly has a sweet and powerful voice that is very distinctive. And when she sings ballads, she sounds very passionate. The lyrics for this song are a definite stand out. It is very moving. What a great addition to the masterpiece collection..
★★★★1/2
Falling Free
I still get goosebumps listening to the song. It is raw and really makes me think. This song honestly reminds me of my father.. of death.
I never stop thinking from start to end when I play this song. There is a powerful hook when you play this song.. I can’t quite put my finger on it. It is brilliantly strung together and I love how raw and personal Madonna’s voice sounds here. After all the auto-tune and electro, Falling free is a breath of fresh air. It is as good as her early ballads and that says a lot!
★★★★★
Beautiful Killer
Very confessions on a dance floor type of song. Beautifully sung and the lyrics are really cool. An acoustic version of this would be even better. The violin and the electric guitar MADE the song a beautiful killer—what a melody!
★★★★
I Fucked Up
This is definitely the second most emotional song on the album next to only Falling Free. The lyrics moved me more than the music did. Madonna sounds really hurt in this song too. But although she sounds like she’s whining and complaining about how she “fucked things up”, she accepts her wrong doings and says “wish I can have you back one day… or not.” I thought that was really depressing but comforting at the same time.
★★★1/2
B-day Song
Why does everyone hate this song? It is by far the most memorable song on the album. The beat and the lyrics are fun, outrageous and it forces you to sing along. This is what I call a daring POP song. Luvin’ and B-day song are really for pop lovers. It is extremely creamy and smooth! ;) But because EVERYONE these days are going for the electric, radio dance type of songs (except maybe Adele for now), B-day song will be pushed under the rug. People easily feel embarrassed listening to songs like these today but honestly, they’re THE most golden and I hope and WANT Madonna to do more songs like these!
★★★★★
Best friend
I love what she’s saying and it really makes sense but the song honestly bores me L. But who cares? I don’t have to like everything! ;)
★★
Give me all your luvin ft. LMFAO
Cool remix.
★★★★
Love spent
LOVE IT! I am glad I waited to listen to the official iTunes version.The whole production is great here! But I like the original 1% better—that version kicks ass. This is great too but there are some parts that sounded too ‘Chinese opera’ to me. I don’t mean any disrespect to the Chinese opera fans but I do not like how it fuses with the song (Listen to the ending).
I can’t wait for more acoustic versions of MDNA though!
★★★★
There you have it! MDNA is a fantastic Madonna album and it proves that Madonna still has what it takes to create media buzz and outsell her contemporaries! Just like MJ is the king of pop, Madonna EARNED the royal title and will always be music’s most successful pop icon ever.
Can’t wait to hear her next album!
Check out Tarns amazing MDNA review!
