Madonna (like Minaj) is one of the artists of my lifetime, in the sense that her work makes my constant existential crises worth it. A lot of people lost faith in her ability to produce a solid body of work post Hard Candy (which is my second favorite Madonna album after COADFII), and I can’t blame them as Rebel Heart felt a bit ill-timed, and Madame X… TBH I didn’t listen to that one.

Regardless, the first installment of Confessions on a Dance Floor is undeniable, and was my first conscious Madonna album cycle experience. I still remember how exhilarating it felt to hear/watch Hung Up for the first time. Other moments, like Die Another Day, Frozen, Nothing Really Matters, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (from the motion picture: Evita, which my dad put me onto alongside Man of La Mancha?? ironically, he loves musicals), Get Into the Groove, Love Profusion, Human Nature, Celebration, and Me Against the Music, are all equally undeniable, and a testament to her trademark reinvention and flawless, willful execution.

Respectfully, Esther blew her entire discography out of the water with Confessions II. It's not uncommon for new artists to get shelved after 1-3 low-performing singles, or completely change their sound/look/message to appease a crowd that doesn't even know wtf they want or what's GOOD for them. The immersive global experience that is Confessions II is a modern miracle, and a testament to the power of music and a stalwart approach to cultural direction. I truly believe that these songs are gifts and challenges to us all. A bit of an admonishment to go harder. Take more creative risks. Build a legacy that we can pull from—reincarnate from.

It’s so raw that when everyone is obsessed with clocking obscure references and recreating pop-culture iconography, Madonna references herself, and then outdoes the reference both visually and sonically.

You’ll hear it on the pod, but this is Alicia’s (@blkmdnna) first Madonna rollout, and it’s so special to witness literal music history with my sister. While our favorite tracks differ, we both agree that the BEST thing about this entire experience is the album. I will never get over this.

Long Live Stuart Price. Long Live Madonna.

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