Non-singles Retrospective
I spent Christmas afternoon at Jerard's home having a splendid lunch prepared by him and his partner. Joined by another friend of theirs, we followed the meal with a game of Heads Up. After bottles of champagne and wine were had, it was time to head home.
For some reason I then decided to listen to old Madonna albums back to back. Maybe it's the build-up of excitement towards the concert in March. Maybe nostalgia.
Going through her catalog, there were so many non-singles that were brilliant and affecting. Some I only grew to appreciate in my later years. It's funny what age and retrospect does to one.
Anyway, thought I'd compile a list of my favourite non-singles in no particular order.
1. Love Spent (MDNA)
So many things to like here - the banjo (!!!), video game sfx, revealing lyrics about her relationship, hilarious use of Benjamin Franklin, and the fact that it sounds like three different songs seamlessly transitioning from one to the next.
2. Promise to Try (Like A Prayer)
She sounds vulnerable and raw here, singing about the mother that she lost. The simple arrangement of piano and strings are a perfect accompaniment to this poignant ballad. A perfect example of how you don't need technically superior vocals to touch listeners.
3. Time Stood Still (OST The Next Best Thing)
A haunting mid-tempo ballad wonderfully produced and written with William Orbit. This will get you thinking about your exes :P
4. Sanctuary (Bedtime Stories)
Set in a surreal and mysterious soundscape, her siren-like vocals here are hypnotic and compiling. When she starts waxing poetry "Surely, whoever speaks to me in the right voice, him or her I shall follow," I know I will be following her. This song leads into the hallucinogenic Bedtime Story on the album, which makes it that much more awesome.
5. Secret Garden (Erotica)
When the Erotica album came out, it was way ahead of its time. I didn't quite get it then at a tender age of 15. I didn't get Secret Garden either. Years and years later, I revisted the album and fell in love with this closer. With jazzy influences and clever, tongue-firmly-in-cheek lyrics that make me smile, and her very sexy vocals, I can't imagine why I didn't appreciate this gem right from the beginning!
6. Iconic (Rebel Heart)
This song just screams EPIC. Opening with a controversial intro by Mike Tyson, the bombastic build-up about self-empowerment leads to a highly-produced urban chorus. Her vocals have great conviction here, and you believe her when she tells you "there's another part of you no one sees." You can definitely see why she opens her Rebel Heart Tour with this track.
7. Future Lovers (Confessions On A Dancefloor)
Another tour opening track, Future Lovers is, for a lack of a better word, futuristic and pure dancefloor-pop candy. How does one make the words "administration" and "bills" sound so delicious? She can. This is one where you just close your eyes and let the disco lights envelope you.
8. Swim (Ray of Light)
William Orbit's production here is top-notch - from the sonic re-creation of the ocean depths to the relentless ebbing beats and guitars strumming. Madonna sings about the state of our world and the healing properties of water. A spiritual experience.
9. Gone (Music)
A simple electronic-folk ballad that showcases her underrated talent as a singer.
10. Beat Goes On (Hard Candy)
An infectious melody with delicious hooks and synths, Madonna and Kayne West always gets me groovin' with this one. Get down, beep beep!
11. Pray For Spanish Eyes (Like A Prayer)
There have been much speculation as to what this song is about. Its allusions aside, this is one of her more affecting vocal performance. Her pain and empathy is startlingly evident which makes this track all the more compelling.
12. Mer Girl (Ray of Light)
An almost morbid lullaby about coming to terms with death. I have chills when she wails "black sky opened up, blinding me." The electronic blips and beeps are kept to a minimum, letting her vulnerable voice shine. Perfect for before bedtime.
13. Supernatural (B-side to Cherish single)
A hilariously cheeky and fun track about a one night stand/fling that transcends the physical. Either that or she's singing about doing the naughty with a ghost. And when she exclaims "super duper naturally big thing... outrageously large!!!" at the end, you know she's giving you a gawdamn big wink.
14. Wash All Over Me (Rebel Heart)
Whether the pared-down album version or the Avicii club demo, they both excel in revisiting the theme of water and the world's injustice and state of affairs.
15. Till Death Do Us Part (Like A Prayer)
Very retro, very gritty. The fast tempo and chirpy keyboards belies lyrics of an abusive relationship and failed marriage. "You're not in love with someone else, you don't even love yourself" is most telling.
For some reason I then decided to listen to old Madonna albums back to back. Maybe it's the build-up of excitement towards the concert in March. Maybe nostalgia.
Going through her catalog, there were so many non-singles that were brilliant and affecting. Some I only grew to appreciate in my later years. It's funny what age and retrospect does to one.
Anyway, thought I'd compile a list of my favourite non-singles in no particular order.
1. Love Spent (MDNA)
So many things to like here - the banjo (!!!), video game sfx, revealing lyrics about her relationship, hilarious use of Benjamin Franklin, and the fact that it sounds like three different songs seamlessly transitioning from one to the next.
2. Promise to Try (Like A Prayer)
She sounds vulnerable and raw here, singing about the mother that she lost. The simple arrangement of piano and strings are a perfect accompaniment to this poignant ballad. A perfect example of how you don't need technically superior vocals to touch listeners.
3. Time Stood Still (OST The Next Best Thing)
A haunting mid-tempo ballad wonderfully produced and written with William Orbit. This will get you thinking about your exes :P
4. Sanctuary (Bedtime Stories)
Set in a surreal and mysterious soundscape, her siren-like vocals here are hypnotic and compiling. When she starts waxing poetry "Surely, whoever speaks to me in the right voice, him or her I shall follow," I know I will be following her. This song leads into the hallucinogenic Bedtime Story on the album, which makes it that much more awesome.
5. Secret Garden (Erotica)
When the Erotica album came out, it was way ahead of its time. I didn't quite get it then at a tender age of 15. I didn't get Secret Garden either. Years and years later, I revisted the album and fell in love with this closer. With jazzy influences and clever, tongue-firmly-in-cheek lyrics that make me smile, and her very sexy vocals, I can't imagine why I didn't appreciate this gem right from the beginning!
6. Iconic (Rebel Heart)
This song just screams EPIC. Opening with a controversial intro by Mike Tyson, the bombastic build-up about self-empowerment leads to a highly-produced urban chorus. Her vocals have great conviction here, and you believe her when she tells you "there's another part of you no one sees." You can definitely see why she opens her Rebel Heart Tour with this track.
7. Future Lovers (Confessions On A Dancefloor)
Another tour opening track, Future Lovers is, for a lack of a better word, futuristic and pure dancefloor-pop candy. How does one make the words "administration" and "bills" sound so delicious? She can. This is one where you just close your eyes and let the disco lights envelope you.
8. Swim (Ray of Light)
William Orbit's production here is top-notch - from the sonic re-creation of the ocean depths to the relentless ebbing beats and guitars strumming. Madonna sings about the state of our world and the healing properties of water. A spiritual experience.
9. Gone (Music)
A simple electronic-folk ballad that showcases her underrated talent as a singer.
10. Beat Goes On (Hard Candy)
An infectious melody with delicious hooks and synths, Madonna and Kayne West always gets me groovin' with this one. Get down, beep beep!
11. Pray For Spanish Eyes (Like A Prayer)
There have been much speculation as to what this song is about. Its allusions aside, this is one of her more affecting vocal performance. Her pain and empathy is startlingly evident which makes this track all the more compelling.
12. Mer Girl (Ray of Light)
An almost morbid lullaby about coming to terms with death. I have chills when she wails "black sky opened up, blinding me." The electronic blips and beeps are kept to a minimum, letting her vulnerable voice shine. Perfect for before bedtime.
13. Supernatural (B-side to Cherish single)
A hilariously cheeky and fun track about a one night stand/fling that transcends the physical. Either that or she's singing about doing the naughty with a ghost. And when she exclaims "super duper naturally big thing... outrageously large!!!" at the end, you know she's giving you a gawdamn big wink.
14. Wash All Over Me (Rebel Heart)
Whether the pared-down album version or the Avicii club demo, they both excel in revisiting the theme of water and the world's injustice and state of affairs.
15. Till Death Do Us Part (Like A Prayer)
Very retro, very gritty. The fast tempo and chirpy keyboards belies lyrics of an abusive relationship and failed marriage. "You're not in love with someone else, you don't even love yourself" is most telling.