The 2003 release of American Life reminded me of Madonna’s 1992 album, Erotica and the the whole SEX book controversy.
As that infamous coffe table book shocked all, her music was quickly dismissed in the dark until a few years after when many critics admittedly claiming the album as one her best.
11 years later I’m afraid history is repeating itself...the war related video that had even Madonna herself halting release of and THE KISS later this year with Britney Spears.
Despite American Life’s Billboard chart debut at #1, it seems to have come nowhere near the success as her earlier Ray of Light and Music albums.
I would advise to overlook the situation. On American Life, Madonna is honest, mature, strong, somber and vulnerable, all at the same time.
Her voice, quite simply, has gotten better with age and she’s learned how to control it very well. Except for the title track and the James Bond track, Die Another Day, all songs blend very well together.
Did I mention Madonna plays guitar on majority of the album?
Hollywood is very catchy, and who better to speak on the subject. Love Profusion is a great mix of rock, pop and vocals. I was most impressed by the semi-ballad, Nothing Fails... it’s Live To Tell meets Like A Prayer with a twist of Don’t Tell Me. Probably one of her best ever. Bottom-line...2003 marks Madonna’s 20th year in the music industry and with 150 million albums sold to date, maybe it is about the music. So don’t wait years later to appreciate this album, listen to it now. AND while you’re at it, pick up a copy of Erotica!