After months of leaks and demos surfacing online, Madonna has finally released her long-awaited 13th studio album, “Rebel Heart.” Despite the controversy leading to its release, the album isn’t as bad as one might expect — somehow, Madonna’s music has found a way to transcend all the controversy surrounding her career. The songs on this album are a representation of Madonna, as opposed to nostalgia for another “musical era”.
Madonna, now 56, is beyond the insane costumes and wacky makeup jobs. Truly a pop music icon, and with three decades of relevance under belt, Madonna knows exactly she’s doing. “Rebel Heart” is an impressive collection of 19 songs. From pop gold like “Living for Love”, to the dirty “B*tch I’m Madonna (feat. Nicki Minaj)”, to the soft ballad “Joan of Arc,” Madonna is firing on all cylinders.
Opener “Living for Love” is by far the best song on the album. The gospel-tinged pop song might just be the best Madonna since “4 Minutes” (2008). “I could get caught up in bitterness / But I’m not dwelling on this crazy mess / I found freedom in the ugly truth / I deserve the best and it’s not you,” Madonna sings triumphantly. The song’s message and fun gospel feeling make it both dancefloor-ready and the perfect breakup anthem. Madonna’s voice is as strong as ever in this song, and is not bogged down by over-production (as it was throughout the entirety of 2012’s “MDNA”).
This first half of “Rebel Heart” is by far the strongest, filled with electronic dance music, the reggae-infused “Unapologetic B*tch” and the stadium banger “Iconic (feat. Chance the Rapper & Mike Tyson).” Had Madonna cut the album after the first ten songs, no one would have complained.The first half of the album is definitely the stronger, more consistent half. “B*tch I’m Madonna” is a strange, yet undeniably fun song. It’s dance-floor ready and Nicki Minaj’s verse is straight fire.
On “Illuminati,” the songstress pokes fun at pop culture’s obsession with the secretive group. She lists celebrities who, according to her, are not members of the Illuminati (Jay Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Queen Elizabeth, Lady Gaga, and more). Might this actually be what someone in the Illuminati would do to keep their membership a secret? Her fans may never know.
Other standout tracks on this rollercoaster ride of an album include “Holy Water”, which sounds like a cut off Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” “S.E.X.”, a raunchy tune with an even dirtier beat and “Rebel Heart,” in which Madonna seems to be channeling a Kelly Clarkson ballad. All in all, they’re great tracks. This album isn’t designed to be listened to in one sitting, but if you’re going for a long drive, “Rebel Heart” is perfect.
Madonna has proven her worth as a pop star yet again. She still has the ability to produce powerful hits and sing songs with meaningful lyrics. Whether she’s talking about love, loss or a night out on the town, Madonna has honed her craft to produce her strongest, most meaningful album in years.
Top Songs
- Living for Love
- B*tch I’m Madonna (feat. Nicki Minaj)
- Holy Water
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
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