Unlike her other efforts, Like a Prayer combined live instruments with studio trickery. “Promise to Try” is a stark, naked ballad about the death of her mother and “Dear Jessie” is a frothy, baroque pop ditty that evokes childish wonder and dreams. “Till Death Do Us Part” is a bubbly new wave number which chronicles a disastrous and abusive relationship and “Oh Father” explores her complicated relationship with her father.
“Express Yourself” is an affectionate tribute to Sly and the Family Stone as is the chunky “Keep It Together.” What sets Like a Prayer apart from her other work, up to that point, is that Madonna also shows off a fierce vulnerability. The title track is a gorgeous juxtaposition of the profound and the profane – shotgun guitar riffs clash beautifully with a heavenly gospel choir. Though True Blue was ambitious, Like a Prayer is the closest thing to an art pop record that an artist as mainstream as Madonna will produce. Like a Prayer (1989) – arguably Madonna’s finest hour, Like a Prayer proved her naysayers wrong when they accused the singer of being a producer’s product, or a one-hit wonder. Will her new work reflect the instability around us, as her American Life record did? Will she pivot away from social commentary and craft a record of escapism? Madonna is at her best when she’s working with a sympathetic producer and/or songwriter who brings out her joy, passion, and vulnerability.
Madonna is reportedly working on new music – it’ll be interesting to see what she produces. American Life) there are still isolated moments of gems that made for great listening. When I say “worst” though, it’s relative because even at her less engaging (i.e. Madonna turns 60 today and to celebrate her life and work, I’ve ranked her albums from worst to greatest.
0 kommentar(er)
