This is review #5 in my series of most influential Madonna albums, leading up to the release of "MUSIC". Make sure you check them out, and look for the MUSIC REVIEW on September 20, 2000.
Sixteen years after she popped her belly button on to the scene, Madonna had become a household name, a media sensation and one hell of a drama queen. She was involved in controversy since the day she became a star, and journeys in the past had run her down from overexposure and lack of identity. Her last album, Erotica, may very well have burned out this legend, and shot her into a world of self-exploration.
In the time between Erotica and this new album Ray Of Light, Madonna had taken some time off and made life changing decisions. The most important one was having a daughter, Lourdes, and somehow instantly she became more human. She was also involved in Kabbalah, and was engaged in an inner acceptance of who and what she was. Many were afraid another album would not follow.
Then came Ray Of Light, co-produced by William Orbit, known for his drum -n- bass and techno style, which is a true look at the evolution of Madonna. Her heart seems free and her spirit is immersed in happiness, acceptance and understanding. She almost seems unaffected by the fame... the presence of her daughter seems to have made her aware of that.
Ray Of Light is filled with techno, echo and dance tracks that show Madonna in an entirely new light. She seems to have worked diligently at this album, for every song is an exceptional work of art, with club- style and techno innovation, exposing the artist once again as very much strong and warm-hearted. Many reviewers compared this album to the openness of Like A Prayer.
Ray Of Light, the title track, won many awards at the 1999 Grammy's, including Best Pop Album. The album was probably the most well-accepted recording by Madonna, and encouraged the public to fall in love with her all over again. Substitute For Love is Madonna's anthem, a song admitting to the dependency on fame and how it can be a substitute for the more important things, such as Lourdes. Nothing Really Matters also follows the theme, and Frozen reflects on opening up the heart to accept something other then the norm.
Madonna also follows her Eastern influences on tracks such as Skin, Shanti/Ashtangi and Mer Girl. The singer dawned several henna tattoos and long flowing skirts in her attempt to find true inner calm. Her voice reflects that calm and serenity, coming through polished and clear.
She also gets soft on us, with tracks such as The Power Of Goodbye, a moving song about relationships and the eventual breakup of them. This song may be a look into Carlos Leon, Lourdes's father and Madonna's lover.
The song Little Star is all Lourdes. It talks about the obvious mother / daughter bond and the commitment Madonna will provide. It is quite a different feel then anything Madonna has done before.
Every song on Ray Of Light is moving, overly creative and extremely powerful. I believe it has been the best work by Madonna since her arrival on the scene, because it is cutting-edge, emotional and unexpected.
Her voice is at its best on Ray Of Light, and her true love with this album shines through.
What is to come in the future of Madonna? Will she continue to shock? Or as motherhood plugs along will she find new inspiration? This is still to be seen. All we dom know is the creative genius, the calculated business woman that is Madonna. And I am sure it will only get better from here.
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