Search - Madonna :: Hard Candy Special Edition [Candy Box]

Full of flavor, though a bit bittersweet

i didn't ask | Washington, DC | 05/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"SUMMARY: Madonna's final album for Warner Brothers is by no means her best, but it's a fitting swan song for the artist who anchored the label for the past quarter-century. A lot of the reviews for this album are missing the mark, either overzealous in its defense, or obtusely critical in the hope of shining the spotlight on another artist. 'Hard Candy' is a mixed bag of true gems and questionable choices, but it's quintessentially Madonna.



WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: When Madonna hits the mark, no one does it better, and even her detractors would be hard-pressed to name another artist of her caliber. Despite what others have said, no two Madonna albums are the same, which is why she has remained one of the most relevant artists in the past twenty-five years. While a few of the songs here are reminiscent of earlier works (in a good way), they're also very much current and a part of her ever-evolving musicality. 'Hard Candy' is thus at once an homage and a contemporary statement. There's no shortage of danceable material here, and few artists are willing to take the chances in which Madonna revels.



WHY YOU WON'T: Several of the tracks are overproduced, and Madonna's vocals are all but lost in their delivery. Noticeably absent is the vocal maturation she has consistently displayed since Evita. Her voice is high and thin - as it was in the early days, and which is unfortunately drawing comparisons to Britney Spears (who really is nothing more but a poorly-conceived clone) - but she mostly makes it work for these tracks. 'Candy Shop' is truly an abysmal song, despite its irony, and was a poor choice to open the album. The less said about '4 Minutes', the better, but don't make the mistake of judging the entire CD by its lead single - the whole of 'Hard Candy' has a distinctly different flavor than this disposable track.



BOTTOM LINE: Madonna is not interested in repeating herself, so fans who are expecting 'Confessions II' will be vastly disappointed. Many are proclaiming that Madonna is simply reproducing the recent efforts of the bevy of pop songstresses (Mariah, Britney, Christina, Nelly, Gwen, etc.) currently populating the landscape. Not true. She was here long before them and, in the cases of many of them, will be here long after they fade away; it is they who owe a debt to her. Those who understand Madonna, however, and who get her sense of humor, her irony, her deliberateness, and who know enough to look beneath the deceptively simple lyrics, will be pleased to add this to their collection. Standout tracks include 'Heartbeat' (which should be the next single), 'Miles Away', 'She's Not Me', and 'Devil Wouldn't Recognize You'."

Madonnas new album Hard Candy is sweet music but no Ray of L

Porfie Medina | Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA | 04/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Madonna brings us her latest album Hard Candy and it does not disappoint. The album is full of dance club hits with a splash of r and b mixed in. This is another good album from the biggest selling and Most Successful Female Recording Artist In History. I meant to give this album 4 out of 5 stars but I can not change it. If you are expecting a genius record like Ray of Light, Music, Confessions, or American Life (yes that was a great NOT political album at all) you will be disappointed, but if you are looking for fun care free music you will really enjoy this.





CANDY SHOP is a great song to start off the album. The song is a very energetic song that is similar to the version that was leaked months ago, but this one has more beats and layers added to it. She seems to be having a blast singing this and brings back lots sexual innuendos for this song. Madonna sings "All the suckers are not all we sell in the store. Chocolate kisses so good you'll be beggin' for more. Don't pretend you're not hungry I've got plenty to eat. Come on in to my store cause my sugar is sweet!" This is a great song that will get you in the mood for the dance club or for working out at the gym. I do wish the album would have opened with a stronger song though because this one is a bit weak for an opening song.



4 MINUTES was the first single from Madonna's Hard Candy album. The song is a very energetic radio friendly track that stays in your head. After being ignored by U.S. radio stations with her last 2 albums American Life, and Confessions on A Dance Floor, Madonna decided to take a different direction and work with hit makers Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. The result forced radio to no longer ignore Madonna and 4 Minutes became her most radio friendly hit in years. Madonna sings "I want somebody to speed it up for me then take it down slow there's enough room for both." The song peaked at 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Madonna's 37th top ten hit pushing her past Elvis Presley as the artist with the most top 10 hits in history. 4 Minutes hit 1 on the Hot 100 Digital Song charts and is expected to bring her total sales for the single to over 1 million in just 5 weeks out it being out.



GIVE IT TO ME is the next single to be released. The song also has a catchy beat that will sure get the dance floor crowd going. Once the chorus starts the club feel kicks in with the synths and Madonna sings "Give it to me, Yeah No one's gonna show me how. Give it to me, Yeah No one's gonna stop me now." This is a great choice as the second single and shows Madonna still can come out with one heck of a killer dance tune! The remix that is on the Hard Candy Deluxe edition from Itunes is a great remix, and makes me wish believe the remixes of some of these songs might just outshine their originals.



HEARTBEAT is one of my many favorite tracks on the new album. The song opens with a heartbeat sound and some synths, and has an amazing beat. The song has a great r and b/dance feel to it and is sure to heat up the charts and the clubs. Madonna sings "This complicated life I try to do my best. I always tell myself it's all just a test. For me it's an escape cause dancing makes you beautiful." Heartbeat is classic Madonna in top form and one of the best songs on the album! I wish Madonna would have stayed more in tune with songs like this on the new album.



MILES AWAY is the closet thing to a ballad on the album. It starts out with a guitar and then turns in to an upbeat song with some sad lyrics in which Madonna sings "When no one's around then I have you here. I begin to see the picture, it becomes so clear. You always have the biggest heart, when we're six thousand miles apart." This is one a beautiful slow songs Madonna, but lacks the power of her true ballads.



SHE'S NOT ME has a funky beat to it in which Madonna describes is about the ultimate jilted lover. Madonna sings "She started dying her hair and wearing the same perfume as me. She's started reading my books and stealing my looks and lingerie." This Madonna song brings us back to those Thief of Hearts Erotica days.



INCREDIBLE is another great song that I really dig. It has a very positive message and an amazing rhythm. Madonna sings "Remembering the very first time you caught that some ones' specials eye. And all of your care dropped, and all of the world just stopped." The song takes a interesting turn at the 3 minutes and 53 second mark when the synths once again kick in and the song gets a little more dancy. I think if the song jumps around a bit too much, and if it would have stayed more consistent or been shortened by a minute or two it would have made the song that much better.



THE BEAT GOES ON is a much better version than the song that was leaked a few months ago. This is a groovy song that seems to have a Marvin gay feel to it. Kanye West makes a special rap cameo on this track and it surprisingly works really well. Madonna sings "You don't have the luxury of time you've got to say what's on your mind. Your head lost in the stars, you'll never go far it's time for you to read the signs." This is another song I ended up enjoying even though it has a rap sequence in it.



DANCE 2NIGHT is a mellow song with a funky 80's retro beat to it is which Madonna once again sings with Justin Timberlake. Madonna sings "You don't have to be beautiful to be understood. You don't have to be rich and famous to be good. You just gotta give more more more than you ever have before." When the song reaches the 4 minute and 22 second mark it sounds like something off of Justin Timberlake's last album. Good song but something seems to be missing and it just seems to be a bit too bland for what we have come to expect from Madonna.



SPANISH LESSON has a very urban tribal beat to it. To me this is the albums weakest song and my least favorite song on the album. The beat is very interesting to say the least but the silly lyrics and the beat just don't seem to do it for me. Madonna sings "If you do your homework maybe I will give you more. When you do your homework get up on the dance floor." I think this song takes away from the quality of the album, and wish there would have been a better song put in its place.



THE DEVIL WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE YOU is a song a lover who can fool everyone but their partner. The song has samples of thunderstorms and rain that add to the very dramatic beat of the song. Madonna sings "Waiting underneath the stars there's something you should know. The angels they surround my heart telling me to let you go." This is a song that takes close listening to the lyrics to really appreciate this gem. The song sounds very similar to Justin Timberlakes "Cry Me a River."



VOICES is a slow song about a person who seems to enjoy playing with others emotions. Very nice beat with Madonna singing in a monotone sort of voice. Madonna sings "First you say you love me. Then you wanna leave me. Then you say you're sorry you play the game so well. I bought your illusion you're the greatest salesman. How could I refuse you when you sold it to yourself?" To me this is one of the weaker songs on the album and one of my least favorites.





The album is very good, but it is no Ray of Light. By no means is this a bad album, but she has had better ones. After listening to it just seems like Madonna's voice is all over the place. I know the girl can sing, (think Ray of Light, Express Yourself, You'll See) but it seems like here her voice is not showcased to the best of its abilities, and comes across at times as very teeny bopper and a just plain weak. I love Madonna and really wanted to give the album five stars, but in all fairness she has done better albums and I expected more from her. I will say it's hard to believe Madonna has been with us forever changing and evolving for over 25 years. Very few artists have had the staying power this woman has had. It is nice to see someone who has not become a victim of celebrity, but a true survivor who leads a clean life and is one heck of a business woman. Even as she approaches 50 she still teaches us all that it's never too late to become a better version of yourself!!!







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MADONNA 4 PRESIDENT

JGC | 04/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a career that spans the course of 3 decades, countless number one singles, 6 world tours, over 2 dozen motion pictures, more than 60 music videos, 21 full-length records, dozens of books, 3 long-running stage productions, multiple lovers, 2 marriages, millions and millions of fans from as far as the eye can see, tens of thousands of magazine covers, and more than half a ton of bleach, not to mention truckloads of conical braziers, gold teeth, rosaries, lacy bustiers, crucifixes, bolero jackets, oversized hoop-earnings, navy blue berets, cowboy hats, henna tattoo, Louis Vuitton Murakami bags, custom-made Hermès wrap-around sunglasses and in her newest incarnation ~ Black Chanel Boxing Gloves...Is it any wonder that the Maven who invented the word WANNABE, who is everyone's favorite High-Holy Priestess of Re-Invention...is The Most Celebrated Person on the Globe...?



Queen Madonna never does anything that is less than flawless, nor does she ever do anything that is less than a complete and total ostentatious exhibition. HARD CANDY is certainly no exception to the rule because it's a spectacle! Like a really huge bulging...jawbreaker, Madonna's newest CD is a sugary mouthful that's always hard and ready and still very delicate and soft to the touch! At first, it may appear tart, but the more you play with it, the sweeter it tastes! All you need are a few Altoids and maybe a Malrboro for afterwards. ...On this CD Madonna gets down like never before, as she sings about what she loves, loathes and lusts.



What's wrong with not leaving anything to the imagination? As far as I'm concerned: Absolutely Nothing. With her huge oblong-shaped golden championship belt and her legs spread apart and her mouth partially open, this innocent bystander fantasizes that this pulchritudinous purrer would jump out and spring to life. The New Madonna (my goodness, if I got a buck every time someone referred to Madonna as "the new Madonna" I'd be a very rich person) is almost uncontrolled and maybe even vulgar in her initial appearance; but the more I gaze at the pictures inside "Hard Candy," the more I see my muse. This is such a youthful and energetic Madonna who's just beginning to explode and boil over with severe sensuality. ...You know, there's an ugly rumor going around about Madonna (we all know that the poor thing has been called everything in the book and has been accused of sleeping with every warm body on the planet,) this time they're claiming she's 49. Can that really be true? It can't be, because she doesn't look a day over 29.



On this 12-track studio-album, her final studio CD from Warner Music (note to self: there will be a greatest hits CD out at the end of the year!), Madonna includes her worldwide hit, 4 Minutes! 4 MINUTES is Madonna's singing-anthem with her new BFF, Justin Timberlake; they both sing about how they'd like to save us all. And if that's not enough, last moth, Madonna made headlines around the world when she proclaimed that she wanted to "save Britney!" It's not easy, but if anyone can do it I'm sure it's Madonna. "4 Minutes" is a quick track that is very easy to listen to (it's no wonder Z-100 plays her lead-single every hour and every day!) The single has already reached number one in more than a dozen countries around the world, it's just a matter of time for it to top the Billboard Charts in the US. Everyone, please stand by while Madonna takes off, straight to the top of the pops.



Madonna opens the CD singing: I'll be your one stop (one stop) Candy Shop... This song reminds me of an intricate illusion because it is so magical. Actually, Madonna's entire CD is talismanic because as usual she is courageously treading new waters for the very first time; without blinking once! Some of the other stand-alone tracks on this CD are: "Miles Away," "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" and "Give It 2 Me." Just like all the other songs on this CD, these are the types of tracks you would expect to hear at your favorite club, on MTV or even coming out of someone's hooked-up fire-engine red Mustang as they come rolling by. Because these songs totally have such a universal message that draws you and I in, while appealing to everyone else in between.



HARD CANDY TRACKS

1) CANDY SHOP - 4:15 (produced by: Madonna & Pharrell Williams)

This song reminds me of Madonna's hugely successful single "Hung Up." But in "Candy Shop" Madonna uses the sounds of synths and electronic equipment, her lyrics are both strong and funny. As usual Madonna is often using innuendo as she sings "Don't pretend you're not hungry, there's plenty to eat..."



2) 4 MINUTES - 4:04 (produced by: Madonna, Timothy Mosley, Nate Hills & Justin Timberlake)

(featuring Justin Timberlake)

This is one of my very favorite songs on the CD for all the same reasons why the entire world loves it. 4 Minutes is fast and beautiful and breathtaking. Madonna's theme de jour on this track is love and s-e-x! This song totally sounds futuristic; I wouldn't be surprised if my grandbabies listened to this song.



3) GIVE IT 2 ME - 4:47 (produced by: Madonna & Williams)

Both Warner Bros. and Madonna are very interested in using this song as the 2nd single for "Hard Candy," because it helps bridge the gap between Madonna's older sound and newer sound. On this track, Madonna's pure bubblegum pop as she sings "if you can handle it, undress me..."



4) HEARTBEAT - 4:03 (produced by: Madonna & Williams)

This is such a fantastic studio album track because it has the potential to be a number 1 single. It has such a catchy hook but it's not one that will knock you out too soon.



5) MILES AWAY - 4:48 (produced by: Madonna, Mosley, Hills & Timberlake)

It's ethereal, mid tempo and guitar-heavy. It has that fabulous hand clapping bit during the middle which reminds everyone that Madonna's an original who sets her own rules.



6) SHE'S NOT ME - 6:04 (produced by: Madonna & Williams)

OMG so much like "Thief of Hearts." Madonna sings about someone who's obsessed with her and who dresses like her, but there can only be one Madonna!



7) INCREDIBLE - 6:19 (produced by: Madonna & Williams)

A ravishing slow ballad which reminds me of what Madonna said in her "Something to Remember" CD, "it's about the music & it's always been about the music."



8) BEAT GOES ON - 4:26 (produced by: Madonna, Kanye West & Williams )

(featuring Kanye)

This song has come a long way since it was first leaked to the net, last summer. Fans will appreciate the album track much more because it's totally reminiscent of New York's underground disco life of the 70's and early 80's that Madonna was so much a part of. Kanye is such a superior singer, producer, entertainer who both compliments and adds to something already perfect!



9) DANCE 2NITE - 5:03 (produced by: Madonna, Mosley, Hannon Lane & Timberlake)

Madonna has totally retrogressed to her "you can dance" days with this record because it's totally hedonistic and pleasurable and danceable. Although it does have somewhat of a dark feel to it.



10) SPANISH LESSON - 3:37 (produced by: Madonna, Williams)

Madonna opens the song with, "Yo te quiero means I love you." This is a fast-moving Spanish/English track. As Madonna's fans know already know, she has a passion and a talent for sining in Spanish.



11) DEVIL WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE YOU - 5:09 (produced by: Madonna, Joe Henry, Mosley, Hills & Timberlake)

Madonna purrs "Over and over you're pushing me onto the floor and I keep coming back for more" in her sexy sweet-sounding melody that is all too familiar by now. This song isn't exactly a ballad but it does have a somewhat somber tone, as it opens.



12) VOICES - 3:39 (produced by: Madonna, Mosley, Hills, Lane, Timberlake)

This is perhaps Madonna's most out-there track. She saved the most unique and personal song for the end, with lyrics like "Are you walking the dog or is that dog walking you.



These 2 remixes are included on the Special Edition: 4 Minutes ~ Tracy Young House Mix Edit & 4 Minutes ~ Rebirth Anthem Mix Edit...! And, RING MY BELL - 3:54 ~ is included on the Japanese CD.



These songs all fit together precisely and have such an urban-retro sound that's almost coercive; this reviewer wouldn't be surprised if Madonna took up cage fighting in her next video. Even though Madonna worked with a slew of optimal producers, "Hard Candy" still has a very raw feeling that is almost reminiscent of Erotica, because there's such a dark sonance to it. But like Ray of Light this CD does offer some hope of a new beginning as well, because of its sleek sound that's polished, edgy and very fast-moving. Of course if you go to your local record store (do they still call 'em record stores?) you'd find this CD in the pop section because that's just what Madonna's been for all these years; popular. However, on "Hard Candy" she mixes just a touch of disco, R&B, hip hop, hard rock and maybe even a dash of Catholic Guilt for good measure!



Always the tireless perfectionist, Madonna would never stop until she amassed a complete and total masterpiece. Compared to her last CD, 05's blockbuster Confessions on a Dance Floor, Madonna really had an abundance more to get off of her music-loving chest on "Hard Candy." This is a dance record, but more than that, it's an inner-reflection to the catalyst's heart. When asked about the differences between these 2 CD's recently, Madonna said: On "Confessions," which I wrote all the lyrics to, I wanted to stay away from anything serious... and with this one I wanted to dig deeper and go to a different place. For me, it's a true collaboration, intellectually and artistically.



Here she comes, are you ready for her? To Kick off "Hard Candy" Madonna will be performing some of her latest, greatest hits at Roseland, tomorrow, for a special invitation-only concert; for only her luckiest fans. The Roseland concert will be streamed on MSN, and she'll also be performing at 2 other special events in London and Paris. If you miss her don't worry though because Madonna plans to kick off her Hard Candy World Tour at London's Wembley Stadium next September. Hello...Gorgeous. Ester is Back...! ..Music stores like the Virgin Megastore in NY, London and LA are giving away free gifts to celebrate the release of "Hard Candy." And, there's a ton of stuff for "4 Minutes" as it was simultaneously released around the world, at the same time as HARD CANDY! There are about a trillion different CDs, records and lots of other promotional items in commemoration of "Hard Candy." Here are just some of the merch you could expect to see from everyone's favorite Goddess of S-E-X:



Hard Candy Special Edition CD w/ Candy Box: Besides, the standard album, as well as all of the singles & remix CDs for "4 Minutes", there's also an awesome limited edition CD for the full-length album. Warner Music has faithfully released limited edition CDs since "Ray of Light" (prior to that, they only did it intermittently in certain countries or only on a promotional basis,) and the one for HARD CANDY is the very best! I'm crazy about this because it is so unique and well put together and it actually includes extra pictures and that cool little candy box! Also, the new limited edition CD is finally priced at sell-through prices (in the past they would always be at least thirty five or higher) and it's finally offered up quickly at the same time as the regular CD is offered! ...This also includes 2 remixes of "4 Minutes!!" And there's a very beautiful booklet with over 30 pages!! This is exactly what fans want! Get this and keep it sealed!



"Hard Candy" Limited Edition "Candy Box" CDs overseas: In addition, there will be a limited edition for Japan, the UK and Australia. But (with the exception of the Japanese lyrics/characters) these CDs will be no different from the US limited edition release and these will likely not be available on Amazon (however, you can find them on eBay or through esprit.)



"Hard Candy" Commercial CDs from Asia: There is an awesome CD from Taiwan which includes a Taiwanese lyric booklet and a pull-out picture that some sellers are calling a "poster." There's a very rare CD from China which is pressed in very limited quantities. And there's a Singaporean CD which is also very similar to the US release. In addition, there is also a Japanese CD which includes the lyrics to the songs (in English & Japanese) which Amazon is offering. The Japanese CD also includes the bonus track "Ring My Bell." Although, none of these other CDs will be offered on Amazon, but you can find them on eBay.



"Hard Candy" Commercial CDs from Europe, Australia & South America: These aren't very special and are nearly exactly the same as the US CD. Amazon will not be offering any of these CDs, except for 1 which is pressed by WEA ; only die-hard collectors would get this, though.



Hard Candy 3-LP Vinyl w/ CD: This includes the full-length album on 3 special edition vinyls, 2 of the LPs are "candy colored," and this also includes the full CD, as well!



"Hard Candy" Cassette Album: This is again something for only die-hard collectors. The US & the UK stopped manufacturing cassettes at least 5-6 years ago. However, this album is available on cassette in Malaysia and Thailand. These will not be sold on Amazon, but you may be able to find them on eBay.



Hard Candy downloads & bonus tracks : This includes bonus remixes for "4 Minutes" as well as the tracks "Ring My Bell" (through iTunes) & "Give it to Me."



Promotional-Only LPs, CDs & other items: There is a US & UK promo LP. In addition, I am told that there is a very rare promo LP w/ gatefold from Japan. And there's a promo CD from the US, as well as a lot of other items such as acetates and promotional CDs for "4 Minutes." There will also be a picture disc released for at least one of the singles and WEA may also put the full long play on p/d as well. You may be able to find some of these items on eBay, or a better place is through esprit.



You will experience merriment of emotions which run the gamut of abhorrence to delectation as you listen to this record, "Hard Candy." This is the reason why Madonna is not just an artist, but the Defining Pioneer. With her freshest work of art, this modern-day iconoclast is asking the question, giving the answer and simultaneously luring the listener into her den of pleasure, all at once...!



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