American Life
Madonna
Maverick Records 2003
Review by Jade Esteban Estrada
For over two decades Madonna has held the world's attention as one of the original media artists. No doubt she will be remembered in future years as one of the more candid poets of our day. In her latest musical offering American Life, the Material Girl performs a raw and brutally frank commentary about current American philosophy and social conditions. Although other musical artists have sung the songs of troubled times, hearing Madonna sing them is like listening to the woes from a best friend.
Produced by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzai (the sound behind the previous Music CD), the musical experience is at first unsettling in lyric content. "Should I lose some weight? Am I going to be a star…I'm just trying to live the American dream and I just realized that nothing is as it seems." The first track is strong and musically compelling.
"Hollywood" is easily the making of a classic anthem that may be used to epitomize modern day Tinsel Town. " Love Profusion " possesses a hypnotizing musical line is sexy and desperate. Ahmadzai has artfully stayed true to the original style of Madonna's yearning tones while still introducing his sharp and distinct musicality.
"Nothing fails" returns to the sensitive side passing on sage advice earned from harsh experience. The religious vibe that has been present in all of her previous albums has matured and is present.
"Static Process" is easily the best track on the CD. Sweet and vulnerable, Madonna sings about the need to change one's personality in an effort to be loved while " Mother and Father " and " Die Another Day " follow with strong mid-tempo dance tracks. The strength of the spoken rap sections of select songs may be unexpected to the listener. This keeps the journey fresh.
"Easy Ride" is the final song that reveals yet more undiscovered, seemingly unvoiced truths that one might not have realized they needed to hear.
"American Life" is a necessary item to store in your CD collection as a tribute to one of the great poets of our day and possibly--one of your very best friends.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a New York-based writer. Visit him online at www.GetJaded.com or www.JadedDirections.com.
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