| Madonna |
Pop
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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