** I participated in the Madonna Rebel Heart album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.**
“Rebel Heart explores two very distinct sides of my personality, the rebellious renegade side of me and the romantic side of me” commented Madonna recently in Billboard.
I have been a Madonna fan since as early as I can remember. (Yes, I was around for Borderline, Material Girl, all of those fun songs from a long, long time ago.) Of course Madonna was "cool" back then, she was actually pretty rad. She brought a new, unique style to the scene. (Or I guess made her own scene?) I think "back then" or back in the old days, you know, the 80's? It seemed we had a lot of different music and so much to choose from.
When Madonna popped up, there was a lot of other cool music out and she kind of made it known at that time, that she was, Madonna, AKA untouchable. The funny thing is, (and this is opinion of course, but the opinion of many..)that, it has been how long now? and who has stepped up and became the "new Madonna" of the decade? Nobody ;)
There have been and are contenders out there, but just like in boxing, nothing comes close to her chameleon like style, able to adapt to anything and everything, naturally and make it look so simple. She certainly made her mark, remarkably so and I really can't imagine anybody in the future coming close to the same phenomenal status as Madonna has. Maybe I am biased? But, in all honesty, even if you aren't a fan, you have to admit, she has been one of the most talked about, thought about, sought after artists of our time.
Oddly enough, as I was thinking back over the years, trying to find somebody who I could even put in her category, male or female, since I'm a boxing fan, I instantly thought of Mike Tyson. Love him, hate him, but one thing is for sure. He is one of the greatest of all time.
Interestingly enough, Mike Tyson is at the beginning of one of Madonna's new songs, Iconic. How fitting!! (By the way, Iconic is one of my favorite tracks off of her new album!) No, don't roll your eyes just yet.... she is not singing about how perfect and magnificent she is. As a matter of fact, the lyrics to this song are quite inspirational. Who else would you want to give you tips on, "Show (ing) the world who you are" ? Madonna and Mike Tyson, probably.
I'm sure by now we have all seen and heard about the infamous fall recently. I think J.K Rowling said it best... "Are you the type of person who gloats when they see a woman fall, or the kind that celebrates a magnificent recovery? #TeamMadonna"
On Youtube, when you listen to Rebel Heart and you start with, "Iconic", the next track to play will be another of my favorites, "Illuminati".
Some of you may be familiar with the "Illuminati", some may not. Those who are, I hope you check the lyrics for this song! Her detailed description of who she believes the Illuminati to be, is astounding! I must say, I agree. Conspiracies are fun, sure. But, sometimes, you are either reading to much into things or maybe not enough.
A few of my other favorites from this album... "Devil Pray" is a very personal song and I enjoyed learning about this side of Madonna.
"Veni Vidi Vici" is another one of my personal favorites, maybe even my first favorite, not sure yet. (I know it's tied for first!) This song features, Nas and again, offers a fascinating look into Madonna. I don't know what the coolest part is? The clever way she intertwined old song titles into this track or the look back to the beginning of her career and how she ended up where she is today?
Now, I can only guess what exactly was running through her mind when writing some of these songs, but I can tell you how this album review and Rebel Heart's lyrics somehow managed to tie into my own personal life, all at the same time.
Not that I can relate to Madonna, her life or anything she has accomplished in her time. Or can I? Maybe not on the same scale but most of us have been through the same or are going through the same trials and tribulations in our own lives. Maybe this album brings some comfort?
Of course I recommend Rebel Heart to any Madonna fans. There are 19 tracks and you should have no problem finding some new favorites and you will definitely get all sides of Madonna!
Some slower songs, some dance songs, breakup songs, songs that will remind you of classic Madonna, some new style Madonna. Chances are, even if you have been Madonna's biggest fan, you are going to find a new side of her that you didn't know existed before.
If you never were a big fan but decided that you kind of like one of the songs you heard somewhere lately, I would suggest picking up a copy of, Rebel Heart. I think you will end up surprised and find that Madonna isn't just about sex and making sure the whole world is talking about what she is doing. You may be surprised to find that inside all of that tough girl exterior, is just a little girl who also once dreamed (still dreams) of being a princess and living a fairy tale life.
You may find that she is really just like you on the inside.
Want a copy asap? Click here to buy Rebel Heart on iTunes!
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I agree with you!
ReplyDeleteIt is a really good album. One of the better ones I have heard in, wow, a very long time.
Madonna was always such an awesome performer and vocalist!