Review: Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble review
For the past several years, Madonna has been more obsessed with
production than provocation, crafting highly stylized electro-pop that,
while musically interesting, hasn't been consistently compelling.
American Life breaks that streak, delivering the kind of controversy
that once came as second nature to the former "Material Girl" -- not to
mention an attention to melodic detail that extends well beyond the
dance floor.
While the disc does have a smattering of booty-shakers -- the Bond theme
"Die Another Day" chief among them -- most of American Life is more
introspective and rooted in acoustic instruments and straightforward
arrangements, such as the surprisingly sweet "Love Profusion." "X-Static
Process," which layers Madonna's vocals choir-thick, is similarly
lovestruck, albeit with a twinge of insecurity that gives the tune added
depth.
The troika of tunes that open the disc are the rawest, emotionally
speaking, particularly the much-discussed title song -- politically
angled video aside, it's more self-analysis than social criticism.
That's followed by "Hollywood," a gently propulsive track with warm,
summery harmonies and acoustic guitars that belie the not-so-sunny
lyrics about broken dreams. "I'm So Stupid" treads similar ground, its
spare synth backing layered with textured, effects-laden vocals that
convey the sort of bittersweet introspection that Madonna couldn't have
managed even a few years ago.
With the help of house production whiz Mirwais, who also worked on
Music, Madonna has created a mature, focused collection of songs that
sometimes soothes, often provokes, and sometimes gets her fans into the
groove, but steadfastly refuses to be treated as background music.
- Dave Sprague
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※ Origin: 交大機械工廠 ◆ From: 64.c210-85-83.ethome.net.tw
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