Hard Candy; Madonna

Madonna released her eleventh studio effort on April 25, 2008 under the title of Hard Candy. Mostly built around the purpose of dancing, the album features some of the grooviest tunes I've ever heard. Seriously, you just can't help but to dance!

Madonna is known for arranging her music, primarily around the genre of dance. However compared to her previous effort, Confessions on a Dance floor; this one feels a little less dance orientated. But do not mistake the quality! It's just as good if not better! Most of the tracks settle down with the listener immediately owing to their catchy rhythms, addictive hooks and Madonna's intoxicating vocals. The track listing is as below;

1. Candy Shop
2. 4 Minutes ft. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland
3. Give It 2 Me
4. Heartbeat
5. Miles Away
6. She's Not Me
7. Incredible
8. Beat Goes On ft. Kanye West
9. Dance 2night
10. Spanish Lesson
11. Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
12. Voices
13. Ring My Bell (Bonus Track)

'4 Minutes' and 'Give It 2 Me' are two of the best songs from 2008 in my opinion. I heard them just once and I immediately went crazy after them. They both are up-tempo electro dance anthems, like most of the tracks on the album.

The R&B influence comes from songs like 'Voices', 'Spanish Lesson', 'She's Not Me' and 'Miles Away'. These are not as much electro as the other tracks and mostly display Madonna's stripped down vocals with background vocals. A particular stand out amongst these tracks is the song 'Spanish Lesson', there is just something so amazing about this track. This track is pure genius, in every aspect from song-writing to production. I was really surprised when this track was not released as a single. 'She's Not Me' is another shiner you need to lend your ear to.'

'Devil Wouldn't Recognize You' was the track which immediately caught my eye and later on my ears. The title is just so odd that it makes you curious. A smooth ballad walking along the lines R&B and pop, it's crazy awesome! There is a reason Madonna is celebrated world-wide and tracks like this and '4 Minutes' clearly explain why is that so!

'Candy Shop' is another worthwhile mention. It is clearly in sync with the theme of the album. Madonna sings about her diversity in music relating it to the sweet world of candy. And yes, it is as catchy as the rest!

There really isn't much to say about this creation. As most, if not all, Madonna album it's honed and toned to perfection. Of the two major dance album released last year, Madonna's Hard Candy definitely takes the cake!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)