This is a great example of M & M’s version of electrocoustica or acoustitronica – but whatever you choose to call it, it’s simply gorgeous. I believe this is what she was trying to achieve when she said she wanted to bring a warmth and a greater depth of emotion to electronic music – this song absolutely nails it for me. The lyrical theme is one that she has revisited many times in her work in various ways, but at it’s heart and put most simply, it’s about being true to yourself and your beliefs. The only thing that would make this song even more perfect would be an amazing bridge but I don’t really feel that it even needs one. Her voice is just wonderful throughout but especially with the weaving harmonies and background vocals at the end. This part always floors me as it brings the song to an emotional climax before the final layered word when everything stops and it’s just her harmonized voice singing “Gone.” It’s a spectacular and dramatic ending to the album and my favorite closer of all her albums so far.

What do you think of this song? Does it give you faith or turn you to stone?

When I first heard this song, it made me feel very nostalgic for some reason. It was something about the melody, her voice, and the carefree lyrics that brought me back to the eighties Madonna. It instantly became one of my favorites from MDNA and 1 year later, it still makes me feel good when it comes on. Although, it is a typical Solveig production and sounds a bit like some of his other work, there’s is something still so “Madonna” about it and I don’t think it would have worked the same if someone else sang it. When she sings, “It’s here I begin my story,” I do feel like she is almost reflecting on her own career and making her peace with it all and realizing it’s all a part of what made her what she is. I don’t think it’s as strong as any of her big eighties hits and I don’t think it will go down as a classic by any means but I do think it is a great escape song and a throwback to that feeling of just having fun with no strings or baggage attached.

What do you think of this song? Turn it up or turn it off?

It’s been 15 years and I still continue to be blown away when listening to this song. I remember my first time hearing this song so vividly – it was mysterious, beautiful, eerie, and absolutely hypnotizing. As soon as I heard those dramatic opening strings which were then soon followed by the electronic drum flourishes, I knew this was something special. Her voice is absolute perfection – there’s a detached quality to it that works with the theme so well in the verse but there’s also an incredible warmth and fullness in the chorus that envelops the listener and doesn’t let go even as the song fades out. The multi-layered vocals at the end of the song are also partcularly stunning and my favorite part of the song. The lyrics are also very well written and a perfect compliment to the music and made many a fan wonder why it took her so long to get back to writing with Pat Leonard. Their musical chemistry is undeniable and in my opinion he is the best songwriting partner she has ever worked with. This song always stops me in my tracks and takes me back to the magical time that was the ROL era. I remember a college friend remarking that they liked the song but didn’t think it was very” Madonna” and I remember saying, “but that’s Madonna – she’s never what you expect” and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What do you think of this song? Does it melt your heart or leave you feeling cold?

This song was pretty much a 180 from the American Life album – Madonna was ready to dance again. This song is pure fun and practically dares you not to want to tap your feet and sing along. The Abba sample is just perfect – enough to pay homage, but not too much that the song loses its originality. The seventies disco scene is certainly an inspiration in this song and the Confessions album as a whole and convincingly so. Madonna sounds nostalgic but also manages to also sound young and fresh at the same time – no easy feat. The lyrics here are pretty basic and she even recycles some from LAP’s Love Song of all places but they suit the playfulness and attitude of the song just fine. I love the chant of “Time goes by so slowly” and the slow building musical break before the final choruses is just genius. Judging from the recent interpretations on tour, I think it works best in its original form – why mess with perfection, right?

What do you think of this song? Hung up or Hang it up?

One of her most melancholy and beautiful songs.  From its music box like beginning to its last gasp of “wishing you were here with me”, the song captivates throughout but without theatrics or gimmicks, just pure emotion.  Her voice is truly stunning whether in her upper or lower register and the use of her background vocals is a perfect touch which serve to lift the song all the more.  Though it was written for the film, A League Of Their Own and fittingly so, I can’t help but think there is a deeper personal meaning for her in it as well.  There are several references to someone in her past that is no longer with her which quickly brings to mind her Mom who she lost as a young child.  There is also images of remembring your past and not forgetting where you came from. She has never performed this song live but I keep hoping (most likely in vain) that she decides one day to use it during the acoustic section of one of her tours – would be a showstopper in my opinion.

What do you think of this song?

Probably one of her weakest album openers, but a catchy tune nonetheless. I can see why it opens the Hard Candy album and also the S & S tour. It serves as a great intro song and a taste (no pun intended) of what is to come. While there are the obvious sexual references to lollipops and such, I think her candy shop can also mean all the different musical styles she has explored and all her many incarnations over the years. Thinking of the song this way does help me to appreciate it more but I don’ t really see it as an enduring song for me. Although, I must admit, the MDNA version really breathed new life into it and showed that it could be a more versatile song than it initially might appear. If she had put that much effort into the original, I think it would have been a better song and gotten more respect. I do love the ” My sugar is raw” bit though regardless!

What do you think of this song? Sweet or sour?

This is one of the songs that stood out for me when I first listened to Confessions for the first time and is still a favorite of mine today. I could picture it in a Broadway or movie musical and when I saw the Confessions performance I felt that even more. I think it’s a great anthem for her although it’s a little more understated and not quite as in your face as some of her other songs of this type and therefore tends to slip beneath the radar and is also I think a bit underappreciated. She sings with a great confidence and this type of song really suits her voice and plays to her strengths. Though there are some cliches, I think there are also some great lyrics as well. The Confessions performance is so well done – so simple yet so arresting and she totally sells it – a personal highlight of that show for me. An awesome yet somewhat quiet ending to an otherwise non stop dance album – it’s the kind of the song you might sing alone when everyone else has gone home I suppose.

So what do you think of this song? Do you like it…or not?

This is Madonna having fun and being playful which is always welcome. It’s a light, fun song and although I absolutely loved Ray of Light, it was a nice turn from the seriousness of most of that record and showed that the collaboration between her and Orbit was capable of yielding another sound and vibe. Musically, although there are electronic elements, it harkens back to the psychedelic sounds of the 60′s and 70′s and fits in perfectly with the world of Austin Powers. Lyrically, she speaks of a chance meeting with a person who is strange to her yet familiar at the same time. She knows this relationship spells danger but she also is attracted to it for that very reason. M always seems to hit a home run with her soundtrack songs and this one is no exception. The song is infectious and defies you not to smile and sing along.

What do you think of this song?