Theo’s Hard Candy review
On Friday morning, “Hard Candy“, the long awaited new album, finally went on
sale in the Netherlands. Obviously I was there when the record stores
opened, so here’s my song by song rundown, my presonal review of this
fantastic new Madonna album!
• Candy Shop
Hot! Sexy! Fierce! Welcome to her store, she’s got candy galore! If
there’s anyone who could be my ‘one stop candy shop’ it would be her!
What a smashing way to start of the album. The mood is there, it’s 9
in the morning but I’m feeling as if I’ just walked into a crowded
club!
• 4 Minutes
We all know this one, but it doesn’t make it less of a killer song! 4
Minutes could easily rank between my long list of favourite Madonna
singles. It’s great to finally have this one as part of the bigger
collection, instead of just the single.
• Give It 2 Me
Very good choice to release this as the second single. I’m sure this
one will get the floors filled. Madonna’s voice sounds amazing, in a
somewhat high pitch. She sings she can ‘go on and on and on’.
Listening to this song, I can do the same!
• Heartbeat
This could easily become my favourite song of the album. Again,
Madonna sings in a high voice for the chorus, and a bit lower for the
verses. Also there’s a little bridge where she raps a little bit (but
not like on American Life). Sounds very hot, could easily become a
single.
• Miles Away
I’ve heard so much about this song already, and it more than live up
to its expectations. If she decides to release a slow song as a
single, I’d say it should be this one. Also, the lyrics are a great
answer to all the stupid fucked up papparazzi constantly writing she
and Guy are divorcing.
• She’s Not Me
Is there any song on this album that could not become a #1 hit single?
If there is, I have yet to hear, cause She’s Not Me again rocks the
house! It’s like a modern version of Thief Of Hearts from the Erotica
album. Madonna sounds nasty and mean, just the way I like her best!
• Incredible
A really nice feel good song! This is the one you need to hear while
lying on the beach when the sun shines, there’s no worries and
everything’s great. One of the reasons I love Madonna so much, is the
fact she always makes me happy, no matter how shitty things go. This
song is definitely another justification for my love for her!
• Beat Goes On
The only thing that sounds like the version that was leaked about half
a year ago, is the chorus. Kayne West is featured on this song and I
have to say the co-working suits Madonna fine! The sticker on the
front cover of the album mentiones this song as well, so I guess this
will be another single!
• Dance 2Night
Another duet with Justin Timberlake. Did I mention already I’ve always
been a big fan of Justin’s music? I’ve got both of his solo albums
(Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds) and listen to them all the time,
so for him and Madonna to work together is like a musical dream come
true! Love this song!
• Spanish Lesson
La Isla Bonita with an urban beat, is the best way to describe this
one. For the upcoming tour, this could be a good first encore, to get
the crowd sweaty and dancing, and warmed up for the finale, which
hopefully will be Give It 2 Me! SOund a lot like a Nelly Furtado song.
If I need to pick one, I’d say this is my least favourite of the
album.
• Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You
Why why why didn’t she sing this during the Re-Invention Tour, like
she seemed to be planning. This song is an instant fan favourite! One
of the best ballads she’s ever done. I’m totally in love with this
song!
• Voices
A perfect way to end the album. ‘Who is the master and who is te
slave?’, is one of the lyrics. Well, Madonna, I have no problem with
being you slave! Thank you for another fantastic album! I cannot wait
for the tour!!!
Theo van Dijk, Groningen, the Netherlands.
