Even after more than three decades in the game, Madonna is still full of surprises.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the New York megastar shocked the world by releasing six brand new songs from her forthcoming album Rebel Heart on iTunes. Anyone placing a pre-order will get the half-dozen new songs immediately, more will be available on February 9 and the rest will come on March 10.
Although the move is reminiscent of Beyonce’s surprise release of her self-titled album last year, this wasn’t Madonna’s original plan. The 56-year-old had hoped to release the lead single Living for Love on Valentine’s Day, 2015 and the rest of the album in March but she’s been forced into this quick release by several leaks during December – something which she had previously referred to as “artistic rape” and “terrorism.”
“I would prefer my fans to hear completed version of some of the songs instead of the incomplete tracks that are circulating,” said Madonna via a new statement. “Please consider these six songs as an early Christmas gift.”
So are they festive treats or lumps of coal? Here’s The Post’s verdict.
Madge takes us to church with the first song – a euphoric, gospel-tinged dance track that will rejuvenate even the most beaten-down of souls thanks to its “love’s gonna lift me up” refrain. It should be a hit both on the dance floor and the pop charts.
The Catholic guilt sounds like it’s returned to Ms Ciccone. After going through a laundry list of possible narcotic adventures and losing herself in a woozy house beat (partially concocted by Drake-collaborator DJ Dahi and Grimes cohort Blood Diamonds), Madonna begs for salvation; “Mother Mary can’t you help me/’Cause I’ve gone astray.” The push-pull between light and dark makes Devil Pray an absorbing cut.
The first six available tracks of Rebel Heart are hectic both musically and emotionally but in the middle is this brief moment of sincerity that seems to find Madonna channelling her maternal side. “When the world gets cold/I’ll be your cover,” she sings on Ghosttown, a big synth-ballad of solidarity that is simple but touchingly tender.
You can always rely on Madonna to get weird and she certainly does on this Kanye West-produced cut. A sinister beat underscores Madonna’s demonic vocals, which make ambiguous references to President Obama, Jay Z, Beyonce and many more in the perceived New World Order. It’s hard to figure out if Madonna is making fun of the concept of the Illuminati or subtly giving out signals but either way, it’s a song that take her in an exciting new direction.
You can always rely on Madonna to get weird and she certainly does on this Kanye West-produced cut. A sinister beat underscores Madonna’s demonic vocals, which make ambiguous references to President Obama, Jay Z, Beyonce and many more in the perceived New World Order. It’s hard to figure out if Madonna is making fun of the concept of the Illuminati or subtly giving out signals but either way, it’s a song that take her in an exciting new direction.
Madonna’s headlong dive into the world of modern dance music goes noticeably astray here. Bitch I’m Madonna is a messy party anthem that veers wildly from bleepy electro to churning dubstep while also making room for uninspired Nicki Minaj guest spot. The tongue-in-cheek spirit isn’t enough to redeem it from being the clear weak-spot on the first selections of Rebel Heart.
Source: New York Post
