Hard Candy
I got my hands on a full advance copy of Madonna's "Hard Candy" today even though it doesn't come out till 4/28/08. Don't ask me how I got it. I just did.
Warning! The following contains *spoilers.* Read at your own risk.
Overall, I thought it was a so-so album. It lacks the storytelling infused danceability of "Confessions On A Dance Floor," the electronica tinged edginess of "Music" (thanks to Mirwais) or the pure genius avant-gardness of "Ray Of Light" (if you don't agree, go take another listen - that album was years ahead of its time, much like U2's "Pop.") I refuse to acknowledge her album "American Life" because it sucked balls.
As most of y'all may know, this is her last album with Warner. She sort of pulled out all the stops and did something she doesn't do... hip-hop. She also worked with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland to name a few.
Ok, first let me say I LOVE Timbaland and admire Justin. However, who does Timbaland NOT work with nowadays? And as unique as he may sound, after a while, it's kind of repetitive.
There are a few songs such as "She's Not Me,” “Miles Away” and “Beat Goes On” that sound like songs Nelly Furtado would sing in her last album. Even Timbaland’s beat-boxin at the start of "4 Minutes" sounds like it's been done to death. JT sounds like JT as usual. It is a good song though… just lacking in originality unlike “Sorry” or “Hung Up” from the last album.
There are some standout tracks. I like “Heartbeat.” It starts with some 80s synth but Timbaland makes it special. I also like “Incredible” and “Dance 2night.” Very danceable. One of my favorite tracks is “Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You.” Very catchy and different with nice electronic elements. I really love the last track called “Voices.” Totally my kind of music with some middle eastern influences.
Ok, maybe it's my dislike for hip-hop but "Hard Candy," while a very polished and excellently produced album, doesn’t meet my expectations.
The whole album is also a little disjointed. I miss the continuing storytelling elements in “Confession...,” “Music,” and “Ray of Light.” This "Hard Candy" may taste sweet but ultimately, takes a little effort to swallow.
Don’t get me wrong though. I still think you should get this album and give it a listen. You gotta give Madonna props for always reinventing herself and doing stuff that’s different from her last album.
After all, she is the “Mother of Reinvention” in the world of pop.
Warning! The following contains *spoilers.* Read at your own risk.
Overall, I thought it was a so-so album. It lacks the storytelling infused danceability of "Confessions On A Dance Floor," the electronica tinged edginess of "Music" (thanks to Mirwais) or the pure genius avant-gardness of "Ray Of Light" (if you don't agree, go take another listen - that album was years ahead of its time, much like U2's "Pop.") I refuse to acknowledge her album "American Life" because it sucked balls.
As most of y'all may know, this is her last album with Warner. She sort of pulled out all the stops and did something she doesn't do... hip-hop. She also worked with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland to name a few.
Ok, first let me say I LOVE Timbaland and admire Justin. However, who does Timbaland NOT work with nowadays? And as unique as he may sound, after a while, it's kind of repetitive.
There are a few songs such as "She's Not Me,” “Miles Away” and “Beat Goes On” that sound like songs Nelly Furtado would sing in her last album. Even Timbaland’s beat-boxin at the start of "4 Minutes" sounds like it's been done to death. JT sounds like JT as usual. It is a good song though… just lacking in originality unlike “Sorry” or “Hung Up” from the last album.
There are some standout tracks. I like “Heartbeat.” It starts with some 80s synth but Timbaland makes it special. I also like “Incredible” and “Dance 2night.” Very danceable. One of my favorite tracks is “Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You.” Very catchy and different with nice electronic elements. I really love the last track called “Voices.” Totally my kind of music with some middle eastern influences.
Ok, maybe it's my dislike for hip-hop but "Hard Candy," while a very polished and excellently produced album, doesn’t meet my expectations.
The whole album is also a little disjointed. I miss the continuing storytelling elements in “Confession...,” “Music,” and “Ray of Light.” This "Hard Candy" may taste sweet but ultimately, takes a little effort to swallow.
Don’t get me wrong though. I still think you should get this album and give it a listen. You gotta give Madonna props for always reinventing herself and doing stuff that’s different from her last album.
After all, she is the “Mother of Reinvention” in the world of pop.