By MIKE BELL -- Calgary Sun
Madonna's eagerly anticipated release Music is slated to hits stores on Tuesday.
Although much of the press material and even the album cover features a campy Ciccone-gone-country esthetic, the ... er, music on Music is about as far away from C&W as Shania.
For those fans whose thirst hasn't been satiated by the early release -- and subsequent radio-video over-saturation -- of the first single and title track from the album, here's a song-by-song preview of what to expect when unwrapping the Material Girl and her 10 new tracks.
Music:
The first single and first song for the album definitely sets the tone, lyrically (frivolous bordering on shallow) and musically. It's a rousing kitschy electro-disco anthem that incorporates much of Madonna's pure pop sensibilities. It's one of the six tracks co-written by French electronica guitarist-producer Mirwais Ahmadzai.
Impressive Instant:
A sexy throbbing dancefloor bass-bumper, this Ahmadzai co-composition borrows heavily -- in sound and feel -- from bands such as Daft Punk and Basement Jaxx, including the Frampton-esque vocal distortions.
Runaway Lover:
One of two tracks written with Ray of Light collaborator William Orbit, and as such would fit well on that album. Highly dancable but nothing spectacular.
I Deserve It:
A gorgeous acoustic ballad with an undercurrent of Air-like Pong-pop programming, this is one of the best showcases to come along in several albums for Madonna's still alluring vocals.
Amazing:
Another Orbit track, it sounds like a more rock 'n' roll and slightly tempered version of the Ray of Light single. Mixed heavily by Mark (Spike) Stent, who has worked with everyone from U2 and the Spice Girls to Beth Orton and Massive Attack.
Nobody's Perfect:
More moody vocoder vocals and French electronic pop ambience on this slow-tempoed open-apology -- Madonna style.
Don't Tell Me:
Written with Ahmadzai and Madonna's brother-in-law, contemporary roots songwriter Joe Henry, this provides the only whiff of country to be found on Music. It's a peppy groovy number that sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd worked through a DJ chop shop.
What It Feels Like For A Girl:
A rather lifeless dance track written with producer and former Bjork collaborator Guy Sigsworth -- it's probably the low-light of the disc.
Paradise (Not For Me):
To take the late-'90s Parisian synth sound to its natural extension, Madonna dabbles in a little lyrical en francais. It's another beautifully moody slow song, which makes superb use of a spooky xylophone sound.
Gone:
This downtempo closer and other vocal showcase for Madonna begins with heavenly acoustic guitar courtesy Paul Stacey (who worked on the last Oasis CD), and takes a dramatic sweep on the shoulders of contemporary U.K. classical artist-producer Damian Le Gassick. The perfect end to a very nice ride.
Track Listing
Music
Impressive Instant
Runaway Lover
I Deserve It
Amazing
Nobody's Perfect
Don't Tell Me
What It Feels Like For A Girl
Paradise (Not For Me)
Gone
Album rating
