Music Banter - Madonna - Rebel Heart (2015)

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Long ago on a yellow school bus far away, a little girl fell in love with a legend called Madonna. As one of her very first CDs, "Ray of Light" was treasured by the little girl. She loved not only hit singles "Powder of Goodbye" and "Frozen," but also to hidden b-tracks "Skin" and "Sky Fits Heaven."

Fast forward 18 years later, and the queen of pop has done it again. Okay, I'm not longer listening to music on a school bus, but does the metro to the office count?

Although I'd be the first to admit I listened to later albums of hers like "Music" and "Confessions on a Dance Floor" until the CDs were skipping and I'm proud of attending three of her tours, including her latest MDNA extravaganza, nothing has strummed my heartstrings so well like "Rebel Heart."

Regardless of her age or the criticisms surrounding the record, I commend her for being relevant, playing into music trends and crafting an absolute pop masterpiece. :clap:

The truly amazing thing is how many styles and flavors she has managed to incorporate in this album of more than 20 tracks. Every song has something different to offer, and all tell a unique story. Give Rebel Heart a listen and you will pick up on EDM, pop, country, disco, dubstep, rap, and even reggae.

The single that won me over this time is undoubtedly "Ghosttown." It's catchy hook and chilling message are reminiscent of some of her earlier work. Sure, it's got autotune, but the production is nevertheless addictive. Not to mention the excellent vision and performance of the music video clip. If you're a pop fan like me, it might remind you a little of Britney Spear's 2011 hit, "When the World Ends," but Madonna's take on the apocalypse is, frankly, a million times classier.

This song, to me, speaks volumes about Madonna's ability to understand changes in music industry all while maintaining something specifically Madonna-esque.

Meanwhile, "Devil Pray" is asking for a David Guetta remix and "Bitch I'm Madonna" will without question make it into club playlists this summer. "Unapologetic Bitch" sounds like it could have been a Major Lazer collaboration, which I'm now hoping happens someday.

Although some tracks can safely be swept under the rug, (I find myself skipping over "Illuminati" and title track "Rebel Heart"), other tracks are absolutely moving. I gravitate back to "Hold Tight," "Inside Out," and "Messiah," all of which stick to my soul more with every listen. For these tracks, I think it's clear that Madonna borrowed a bit of spirit from the likes of Rhianna, Selena Gomez, or even Miley Cyrus. Which is fine - it never hurts to draw upon the energy of the younger generation for some inspiration. Out of context, you might not even know that Madonna is behind these soft lyrics and catchy beats.

Meanwhile, songs that are unmistakably "Madonna" in spirit and flavor (and maybe even age), include "Joan of Arc," "Wash All Over Me," "Beautiful Scars," and "Heartbreakcity." So if you find yourself craving that natural-sounding Madonna voice combined with her characteristic personal-matter songwriting, you will find it at both the middle and the end of the album, perhaps more than in the first third.

Something I also kind of felt around the middle of my fourth or fifth listen was a distinct k-pop influence(?) in some of her more EDM-oriented songs like "Graffiti Heart" "Iconic" and "Body Shop." I could totally see some of the latest boy/girl groups dancing along to expository choreography to some tracks. If you're familiar with k-pop, maybe you'll understand better what I mean.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Madonna album if it didn't have controversial or explicit material, too. In catching up with the times, Madonna is going as sexy as possible for a song conveniently called "S.E.X," complete with a spoken list of Madonna's favorite sexy things. It's a great statement to make the title that obvious; don't expect any subtlety! For "Holy Water," she tries to be a little more metaphorical, but it's still kind of unnerving to listen to a 50-something say words like "Jesus loves my pussy best." But hey, it's very much what you expect from someone who's relationship with religion is questionable at best. I personally love "Holy Water," and find the moaning strangely pleasing in the context of the song. There's also an interesting use of her classic "Vogue" sampled within the song.

Overall: 10/10.

This album really has a lot to offer and I've only grazed the very surface of it. It's my favorite pop album in years, and I can't find any true flaws in it. Please check it out and give it a try! I firmly believe there is something for everyone on Rebel Heart, and I am personally so proud of Madonna. She is really an artist in every sense of the word.

:love: