Review: Madonna - American Life (2003)

Madonna - American Life (2003) by Elastic Nippers.

Ok, i think everyone and their grandma knows who Madonna is. And if you don't, well American Life isn't exactly the best starting point for you. Go buy The Immaculate Collection and listen to that to get a good idea. Madonna was the Queen of Pop. Right up until 1998 with the release of her album Ray Of Light she was always seen as the pop starlet that always managed to some how eradicate her old image and bring in something completely new. And with this, her latest album, she has certainly gone to town on bringing in a whole new image and sound.

American Life see Madonna teaming up once again with reknowned French chap Mirwais for this bleepy, squelchy but ultimately formulaic long player. The album starts with the self-titled track (and current single) which sounds similar in style to the previous single Die Another Day. Throughout the album, Madonna has kept elements of what made Ray of Light so good. Unfortunately i don't think this is enough to save it. Her lyrics, although very personal come across to me more like total self-indulgence rather than an open portal to what makes Madonna, what drives her and ultimately, who she is, Madonna the person.

Mirwais has a unique electro driven sound but doesn't seem to be able to create any variety in to any of the tracks on this album. Sounding half-electro and half acoustic rock, i think Madonna and the crew behind this album have tried a bit too hard and overstepped the mark. The album drones, it's flat and quite frankly, the tracks the end with or suddenly burst in to Madonna rapping are just cringeworthy.

If your a hardened Madge fan, you'll buy this anyway. But for the casual buyer, i can't recommend this album. To be honest i think it's garbage. Steer clear.

FINAL SCORE: 4/10

Standout Tracks:

Track 2 - Hollywood.

Mystic Slippers has attached this image:

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There was no need for that mystic...

I can sum up the whole cd in two words..

It's shit.

over and done with in under 10secs..

woot.

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Bah! I hate Madonna!

You'd think for someone who changes her style as often as she has she'd hit a style that i actually like.

404

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Madonna ain't all bad, just can't act in movies. (Swept Away and more) I don't really like her though, but what gave me big laughs was when i heard britney spears' wanted to be madonna.

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Funnily enough the part about "Ray of Light" I agree with, it was her finest hour, her career has been going down the pan (musically) ever since... This sounding like Cher crap really gets on my tits and the annoying thing is, her new single which is the biggest pile of crap (well since her James Bond Theme single) is getting a shitload of airplay

Oh and dont get me started on her rapping on the single.... I recall something about a mini cooper being super duper!! Wtf !!

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Ray of Light was the last album I liked from her..although she had a few catchy songs from her last album

This new song sucks

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"If somebody said to me, in twelve years you’ll be in a band with your brother and two carrot munching geezers who don’t like football, I would've said 'fuck off, I’m not joining the Bee Gees." -Noel Gallagher 2005

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it was rather an over rated album to me.the video for american life was withdrawn due to a small scene where she throws a grenade to the president which turns out to be a cigarette lighter,a bit tastless rather lacking bite. i think that "true blue" was one of her best albums.as a person she is rather hollow.definatley getting stale.

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