Following does not need a big introduction, because the artists itself is so big, it does not demand an introduction whatsoever. I know, this was some sort of introduction. Oh well. So, I remember when American Life, the album by a legendary pop icon, provoked a lot of controversy even before it was dropped. People from Warner Bros forced Madonna to return to the studio and produce the whole album all over again because the first version was too computerized, especially her voice. They thought that such an album would not be commercial enough. It was the first time in Madonna’s long career that she listened to the orders and went back to studio. The irony is that autotuned, hyper-computerized music started ruling a decade later.
The second controversy attached to American Life was the video for the title track. At that time, United States was invading Iraq, and Madonna’s video was showing video samples of that invasion. Over night, Madonna’s video became hot topic all over the globe due to its political connotation, and it was forbidden in USA. In the substitute for the video, Madonna appears only in front of a single camera.
Anyway, the release of the album raised a lot of eyebrows. The anti-war and all-American-pop-consumerism connotation was despised by civilized Europe. Although it was not commercially successful, American Life presented Madonna in a new, praise-worthy light. It was an independent, intimate and personal album, very straightforward when it comes to lyrics. Still, it had that Madonna moment – talent for controversy. Most of the melodies were supported by guitars, so American Life was perceived as the last part of her guitar-driven trilogy of albums (Ray Of Light and Music).
During this era, Madonna still had a nose for the selection of brilliant collaborators who were able to turn their professional and artistic visions into successful projects. This album also sees a miraculous producer, French wizard Mirwais Ahmadzai. It wasn’t until Hard Candythat Madonna failed with the list of her producers.
The whole record is based on a strange mix of slightly desperate aim to determine musical sensibility and club culture influences. The tone was very confessional here, and it subsequently gave birth to Confessions On The Dancefloor, which was the last good album by Madonna. Title track American Life was extremely catchy, and I even enjoyed her rapping part. Madonna knows how to get under your skin. In Love Profusion, she says she got you under her skin as well.
The layers of each song become prominent the more you listen to the album, and that is why she should eternally be grateful to Mirwaisan. Hollywood is probably the biggest hit off this record. Ironic lyrics made it a smash all over the globe, especially in the remixed version. Nothing Fails revealed a softer side of bitchy and cocky artist, but my favorite was always Mother and Father. She puts things in its right place here, but in her unique way.
You can love or hate Madonna, but this woman reinvented pop culture. Although I did not appreciate the last decade of her career, American Life is a reminder that she could strike again anytime.
