Search - Jade 4 U :: Rave Madonna

Lords of Acid Singer Dishes Out Positively Uplifting Vibes

09/15/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1994 and produced alongside Lords of Acid teammates Praga Khan, Carl S. Johansen and J.K. Majick, Jade 4 U's Rave Madonna plays like an evening at a cabaret in space. Fans of LOA probably wouldn't enjoy most of Rave Madonna's positive, brightly uplifting themes ("Messenger of Love", "Set Your Body Free"), although fans of her work as Digital Orgasm may consider this the unofficial follow up to DO's sole release, It, as it's in a very similar vein. Standout tracks include the techno-showtune glamour of "You Got the Magic" and the hilarious, mannner-of-fact lyrics of "So Good to Be Me". One of Rave's most entertaining surprises is "Be My Baby", done in 50's do-wop style, yet still surrounnded by Jade's usual arrangements of breakbeats and techno stabs. As with her previous work with tracks such as "Startouchers" and "Phantasia Forever", the theme of flight is a recurring issue on Rave Madonna. "Cruising on the Wings of Love" is a great tune that ebbs and flows from house to techno with ease and carries with it an irresistably catchy chorus. However, it is on "Lift Me Up" that Rave Madonna earns its place as a must-have record for fans of 4 U's work. The song begins a capella, with the lyrics pleading "Take me up/ Show me the way/ Lift me up" as strings and drums begin to build in the background. The song travels straight up until reaching a plateau where Jade cries repeatedly "I never felt that I knew how to fly". You have to hear it to understand how powerfully the line is delivered... it's enough to make a grown man cry. Rave Madonna's one setback is the overall production of the tracks, which have not aged entirely well since 1994. Even the best of Rave's tunes are hindered by overplayed samples and over-familiar sounds. You can tell it was written in the early 90's just by its overall feel. Still, in a few more years the samples and synths will no longer be as familiar and Rave Madonna will be considered a techno classic... and rightfully so."