Madonna

Ray Of Light

Madonna's spiritual transformation

Review Score:

(10/10)
I like to think of this as the opposite of Erotica. Maturing after Evita and her SEX era, Ray of Light catches Madonna moving from R&B into electronica with some guitar in the background.
The album opens with Drowned World/Substitute for Love(5/5) Her voice sounds beautiful, and has her owning up to her selfish ways of the past. The bells? are a nice touch. It ends with her whispering "This is my religion." which is a nice hint of what is to come on the rest of the album. Track 2 is Swim(6/5), one of my personal favorites of hers, even though it was not released as a single. This has her elaborating on societal ills while she longs to escape them. Thought provoking and deep. Next is the title track, Ray of Light(6/5) It moves quickly and is a great track to dance to. The sirens are great-don't ask me why. Next up is Candy Perfume Girl(2.5/5) What? What's the point? THis is the only song I hate on this CD. Luckily she redeems herself with Skin(6/5) THis is the perfect combo of Madonna's voice with personal lyrics, techno beackground, and she even throws a little bit of Celtic(but not much) into the beat. 6 minutes and 22 seconds of perfection. Nothing Really Matters(6/5) also has her owning up to her past. The techno piano beat(I think that's what it is, in the middle. I don't remember right off the top of my head) is just great. Makes the song so awesome. Sky FIts Heaven is up next.(3.5/5) I thought the chorus was kind of dumb, but I loved the beat and the rest of the lyrics. Shanti/AShangti?(4/5) is Madonna's attempt to turn a yoga chant into a pop song. I'm a Christian myself, but I enjoyed this track. Frozen(6/5) is a pure gem. It's haunting with it's blend of orchestra and techno. You SHOULD NOT have edited it on GHV2, Madonna! The instrumental solo is what makes this song the masterpiece it is. Perfect! So is the Power of Good-bye(6/5) Heart-wrenching with a slow techno beat and guitars, this is just a beautiful song. TO Have and Not to Hold(3/5) I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. I like the lyrics, but the beat-no. Fortunately, the last two tracks, Little Star(5/5) a tribute to hre daughter, and Mer Girl(5/5) a dark ballad to her mother, wrap up this personal and spiritual project quite nicely.
Overall grade-95/100 A
This deserved the Grammys it got, and you should add this to you CD collection. Along with Music, THe Immaculate COllection, and Something to Remember, you MUST have this CD if you want Madonna's best music

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