Natalie Hanassab
Madonna’s latest album, “Hard Candy,” proved once again that she is invincible and that there are no boundaries surrounding her music.
With its American debut April 29, the album sold 100,000 copies on its first day of release in the U.S. alone, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Compared to Madonna’s previous albums, “Hard Candy” has more of a hip-hop feel, along with a pop and dance vibe. After all, the record was produced by some of music’s hottest and most talented names, including Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, the Neptunes and Nate “Danja” Hills.
The album sparked some great reviews among her critics. According to “Rolling Stone,” the album is the work of “a songwriting team of American chart royalty” that helped her “revisit her roots as an urban-disco queen.”
“Hard Candy” definitely has a dance-club kind of sound. Of course, Madonna’s songs are always heard at clubs, but this one is sure to get a different kind of reaction from clubgoers.
Timberlake, who co-produced the album and makes a vocal appearance, explained just the type of vibe it brings.
“It’s like ‘Holiday’, with an R&B groove,” he said. “It’s an R&B/op/dance record, but it’s still Madonna.”
Madonna’s current single is “4 Minutes” featuring Timberlake. It was released March 17 and became her first Top 10 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 since “Hung Up” in 2005.
It’s tough to keep from dancing when it comes on because of its catchy and energetic beat.
Also, the collaboration of Madonna and Timberlake is without a doubt striking. It’s with one of the world’s legendary artists and a legend in the making.
The record has gone so far as to even including rapper Kanye West in one of the tracks.
The unique and flavorful sound of “Beat Goes On” shows that there is nothing Madonna cannot do. West’s tasteful rap at the end of the song adds a magic touch that concludes the song with perfection.
“Hard Candy” marks Madonna’s 11th studio album, not including her greatest hits albums and her movie soundtracks.
The album is an absolute must-have for Madonna fans and those who enjoy this unique, new genre of music that she has formed.
Her new single, “Give it 2 Me,” will be released in July, along with its music video which will feature Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes.
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