Madonna has had many phases in her life. GHV2 comes in with the naked Madonna that almost ruined her career with the book Sex, full of naked pictures, and that terrible film, Truth Or Dare. Then all of the sudden Madonna found her spiritual side, took all of those previous ingredients, and then threw a cowboy hat and boots on top of it all.
“Human Nature”, “Take A Bow”, and “Deeper And Deeper” are surprisingly fresh, even years later. “Secret” is powerful. It finds its way into your soul and never lets you go. Yes, I stole that line from the verse, but not word for word, and only because it’s true. “The Power Of Good-bye” is a beautifully crushing blow.
Then there is what I call the third phase of Madonna, the ultra-dance-techno-spiritual Madonna which produced the amazing “Frozen”, “Don’t Tell Me”, and even more phenomenal “Ray Of Light” and “Music”. These tracks prove that Madonna might just outlast everyone, even the earth itself.
“Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” is one of those tracks that finds me on the border. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love this track either. “Bedtime Stories” is another on the verge. Good, not great.
“Erotica” doesn’t hold up as well and doesn’t seem strong enough for this greatest hits release.
I’m left wondering and wanting others more than a few of these tracks. Could they maybe have gotten “Rain”, “Fever”, or “This Used To Be My Playground” instead of the plain “Beautiful Stranger”, “Erotica”, and “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”? Either way, this is a must for Madonna fans and occasional fans alike. Madonna is more than a singer, more than a star, she’s even more than an icon. Perhaps Webster’s better get working on a new word for this woman, perhaps the word Madonna alone should be redefined as to mark one reaching all achievements through sheer ambition and desire.
+ charlie craine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.