What Are You Listening To?

[CRAZY-HORSE]

MADONNA "ray of light" 1998, cd. #2 US, #1 UK, #1 Aust.

Madonna is more than a pop singer. She's an artist. This album proves that. As part of her ever-increasing canvas 'Ray Of Light' silenced her critics back in 1998. Talk of her being washed up and past it was completely silenced when a gothic video featuring a lady in black heralded The Return of the Queen. Trading fame for love was the best move Madonna ever made because through discovering unconditional love and enlightenment she allowed herself to be free and just sing and write about the things she wanted to. From soul-searching in 'Drowned World' to letting rip on 'Ray of Light', Madonna runs the full gammut of emotions on this album. Her voice sounds absolutely gorgeous on some of the tracks, especially 'Frozen' (which she can sing just as good live) and the opening line of 'Skin' (which will send shivers down your spine). This is her second best album after Like A Prayer, and beneath all the elctronica and vocal manipulations you'll find Madonna at her most intimate. Witness the haunting 'Mer Girl' which explores her fear of, and fascination with, death and transition. Listen to this song closely and don't be put off by the nightmarish imagery. It's one of the best things she's ever done. Even the songs that don't grab you are growers. There's not a bad song on this album. Yeah, it's not perfect. 'Swim' can be preachy. 'Shanti/Ashtangi' is completely out there. And the trilogy of 'Frozen', 'Power of Goodbye' and 'To Have And Not To Hold' repeat the same message, but you'll enjoy every minute. This album boasts some of her best songs in her 20 year career. You should also see them performed live, it adds a whole new perspective (especially 'Candy Perfume Girl' - much better when performed by the lady herself on electric guitar). If you want spirituality, thoughtfulness, catchy pop, something to make you dance, something to make you cry - you can find it all on one album.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM

worst track: shanti/ashtangi
best track: frozen

from the album: "frozen"

[Verse:]

You only see what your eyes want to see
How can life be what you want it to be
You're frozen
When your heart's not open

You're so consumed with how much you get
You waste your time with hate and regret
You're broken
When your heart's not open

[Chorus:]

Mmmmmm, if I could melt your heart
Mmmmmm, we'd never be apart
Mmmmmm, give yourself to me
Mmmmmm, you hold the key

Now there's no point in placing the blame
And you should know I suffer the same
If I lose you
My heart will be broken

Love is a bird, she needs to fly
Let all the hurt inside of you die
You're frozen
When your heart's not open

[chorus]
[verse]
[chorus, repeat]

If I could melt your heart


tracks:

1. drowned love/substitute for love*** #10 UK, #16 Aust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIZSPwKY75w live
2. swim**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC0U0laqoF0 audio
3. ray of light*** #5 US, #2 UK, #3 Aust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyBQ0MDDcCQ live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u80jv9j9AeA video
4. candy perfume girl**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqv-NeTvSB4 live
5. skin**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtOCIHLLqz4 audio
6. nothing really matters** #93 US, #7 UK, #19 Aust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCSmBzfH3WY video
7. sky fits heaven**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfZ1gEKutOw audio
8. shanti/ashtangi**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEfZaiWv03E audio
9. frozen*** #2 US, #1 UK, #3 Aust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pAMOw0iGdw live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ufq_FUWPuU video
10.the power of good-bye** #11 US, #6 UK, #24 Aust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQR-v3-tDW0 live
11.to have and not to hold**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLPsi3hyvHU audio
12. little star*** #6 UK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ppsiKl6udI audio
13. mer girl**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjXJ-5S8Mbw audio

3s=4
2s=9
1s=0

rating: 2.3