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Madonna - Hard CandyBuy Madonna - Hard Candy from HMV.co.uk as part of our promotion. Free delivery and usually despatched in 24 hours.
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Average User Rating: 60% (137 Reviews) | |
| 5 / 5 | Overwhelmingly surprised
BA Wilson "Brad" (Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA) - 28 April 2008 To be honest, after hearing that Madonna had teamed up with Timbaland, I was rather apprehensive about the release of "Hard Candy". Admittedly, I am not entirely a hip-hop fan, although I did enjoy the album "Loose" by Nelly Furtado, also produced by Timbaland. "Hard Candy" was released a day earlier in South Africa (Sunday, 27 April) and, after listening to it, I can only say that Madonna has definitely exceeded my expectations. In fact, to be honest, the last album that made me smile this much was an album released almost two decades ago - "Like a Prayer". I could perhaps also throw "Ray of Light" in here too. Although Madonna has scored some major hits since "Like a Prayer", like "Vogue", "Deeper and Deeper", "Frozen", "Ray of Light", "Music" and "Hung Up", she has not since then produced an album as exhilarating as this. I thoroughly enjoyed "Confessions on a Dance Floor", but there were only really three or four potential singles from that album. "Hard Candy", I can assure you, contains at least six potential singles, and that is no lie. I don't quite think it was accurate to describe "hip-hop" as the main influence on this album. Sure, there are definite hip-hop stimuli, but fans both old and young will find the material far more dance-oriented than it has been made out to be. In fact, there is something for everybody on "Hard Candy". Some tunes have a definite 80's groove, 70's disco and stomping 90's dance. Madonna has certainly proven her staying power with this album. The album opens with the tune "Candy Shop". With no disrespect at all towards Madonna, this sounds very much like a track from Nelly Furtado, from her album "Loose". The song is definitely not the strongest on the album, but is indeed catchy with repeated lyrics declaring 'Sticky and sweet, sticky and sweet'. "4 Minutes" was for me personally, a bit disappointing. I suppose I expected a bit more for a first single release. However, it has proven popular on the world charts, reaching the top 3 in more than 30 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Africa and France. The third album track, "Give it to me", really put a smile on my face and will put a smile on the world charts too. It is undeniably catchy - a stomping dance track with a beguiling chorus that sticks permanently in your head. This is a definite third or fourth single release and will likely be a huge hit. "Heartbeat" mixes hip-hop with both 80's synth and early 90's trip beats. Not a possible single, but the track is honest, in your face and hummable. Madonna also tests the upper realms of her pitch potential, and succeeds with ease. "Miles Away" - oh wow! Beautiful guitar, deep grooves, alluring lyrics and oh so captivating. This is Madonna at her poetic best! 'You always love me more...miles away' is clearly an ode to her sometimes long-distance relationship with Guy Ritchie. This begs to be released as a single. "She's Not Me" is a dig at some floozy who has clearly upset Madonna enough to proclaim that 'she doesn't have money; she'll never have what I have'. However, this description in no way illustrates what a breathtaking track this is - single number three or four without a doubt. This track sounds like something that could belong on a 'teen movie' soundtrack, especially towards the middle when we are greeted by a bubblegum, up-tempo surprise. It has incredibly catchy lyrics and the bassist deserves a gold medal. This is yet another stomping club track and fans of European singer, Mika, will also be very impressed. However, Madonna makes this 'single' her own. "Incredible" is a synth-based, hip-hop-mixed, fresh tune. Definitely not a single but, again, could likely become catchy with time. "Beat goes on" is, for sure, single release number two. What a fantastic job Madonna and Kayne West have done on this track. I'm apt to say that this is my favourite track on the album, and my favourite in many years. The chorus is so captivating, I have no doubt in my mind that this will be Madonna's biggest number one for many years. It's a beautiful dance groove that can simply be described as "mesmerising". If I do dare criticise this track, it would have to be the minute-long "rap" in the middle of the song, which appeared to be out of place. The remaining four tracks, "Dance 2Night" (reminds me of Wham's "Young Guns (Go for it)", "Spanish Lesson" (the weakest track), "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" and "Voices" can mostly be regarded as pleasing. The only possible single release here though would be "Devil Wouldn't Recognise You", a catchy ballad that gets better with each listen. Well done, Madonna. She will indeed surprise many, many people with this album. This album might not be regarded as Madonna's best, but it certainly beats "Bedtime Stories", "Music" and "American Life". It has come at the right time, and is polished, immaculate and enthralling.... Read Full Review » |
| 1 / 5 | Donate the money you would have spent on this to a worthy cause
A. Kinch "Calembel" - 5 May 2008 Firstly, the cover. Why does Madonna persist in thinking that a picture of her with her legs apart would draw anyonyone into to buying one of her albums? I'm as red blooded as the next man, but, please lady... Cover up! You're to old to be doing this. It's just... Wrong! Fools like me who have really liked her over the years will blindly go out and buy her music because it's her! She certainly wont be pulling many new fans with this image flagged accross the cover. Well not the sort she would like anyway. This is the first time time I've been compelled to put my thoughts to paper in critism of an album, so strong do I feel about this. I'll be short. This album is completely up itself. Totally self indulgent. All involved here are so obviously so "Cool" and are having such a good time. Did no-one have the guts to stand up and say "No this is a mistake, we can't release this". This is music with no heart and certainly no soul. This is all so contrived and totally predictable. Im no great songwriter but still could do better than this in my sleep! Madonna used to have the ability to identify and run with really good songs. Sadly, no more it seems. Believe me when I say, you will have heard all this stuff before. Many time times in fact if you are into this type of material. Honestly, save your money, or go have a drink or two, you'll feel better than I do having spent my cash on this drivel.... Read Full Review » |
| 3 / 5 | Bound and Gagged
- 27 April 2008 To an extent Madonna has always been responsible - for better or worse - for her own artistic product. Throughout a career that has consistently challenged itself and has had the daring to venture into previously untrodden territory at its very core there is always the same essence. An overriding sonic bleeding together of the sacred, the carnal and the dancefloor can be detected in all of her output (particularly since 1989's flawless "Like A Prayer") irregardless of which technical wizard is producing her work. Therefore it is unfortunate that few of the elements that make Madonna's music what it is, are found on "Hard Candy". As a conceptual opening track, "Candy Shop" is notable only for being an unoriginal and painfully obvious innuendo. The skitting minimalist beats, complemented with irregular stabs of monster synth, are typical of the Pharell Williams sound that has long since been over-exposed. Thankfully a higher dose of pop saccharine is on offer with "4 Minutes". Its marching horns and consciousness-raising lyrics successfully evoke Madonna at her most ethereal and Timberland at his most expertly excessive. Upcoming single "Give It To Me" slides along nicely to its own Urbanized Disco-funk though possess neither the depth nor the memorability of a classic Madonna single. In contradistinction, standout track "Heartbeat" (the baseline of which is ingeniously based on an actual heartbeat) glistens sultry like a reflecting mirror-ball. A musical and lyrical tribute to past Madonna floor-fillers (particularly "Lucky Star" and "Into The Groove") it ranks among her best in recent years. The hypnotic, Ice-cool groove of "Miles Away" is one of very few moments of introspection on "Hard Candy", lyrically suggesting her incompatibility with a lover unable to express his feelings to her directly. One can only speculate it was written for Guy Ritchie. Nile Rodgers homage, "She's Not Me" marks the best of Madonna's work with Williams. A definite No.1 if released, it's disco sensibilities, which four minutes in the song melt into full-on club (complete with four to the floor bass and dubbed vocals), could have easily sat along the track listing of "Confessions on a Dancefloor". "Incredible" is anything but. Its feather of a melody and throwaway lyrics would not have made the cut of recent offerings from Gwen Stefani and Nelly Furtado. Likewise, "Beat Goes On" is surely nothing new or unique which is tragic considering that its initial version (which was leaked onto the Internet last summer) was promising. An uninspired rap from Kanye West does little to salvage what is essentially forgettable filler. The charming "Dance 2night" is wonderfully reminiscent of "Holiday" though with the addition of Justin Timberlake shouting "GO" in time with a disco-esque synth that would have done The Whispers proud. The least that is said about the cringe worthy "Spanish Lesson" (unfortunately the title is literal) the better. Though its flamenco-inspired bass is admirable, anybody familiar with the magical "La Isla Bonita" will be sorely disappointed. The album peaks with "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" a dark and atmospheric ballad with Timberland turning out his finest production talents. Madonna's ethereal vocal and brooding lyrics represent what is the core of her artistry, an artistry which elsewhere on "Hard Candy" has been subjected to an overly-familiar production. Similarly closing track, "Voices" is taken directly from the spirit of Madonna."Who is the master and who is the slave" she sings philosophically over an haunting yet danceable swamp beat. Interestingly, the dominance/submission lyrical theme of "Voices" aptly summarizes the contents of the entire album... In a body of work which has been hallmarked by its creator's dominance and control, "Hard Candy" sees Madonna handing over the reigns and in the process looses her own musical identity. Granted it has its moments of crowd pleasing magic ("Heartbeat", "She's Not Me") and personal confessions ("Miles Away", "Devil") though the tired and predictable formulas of production employed here lack the innovation and defiance that set Madonna above her rivals and pretenders. Unfortunately rather than raising the standard for her contemporaries Madonna (in a move that would have been unthinkable even 7 years ago) follows, in what is a disappointing attempt to connect to an Urban audience. Perhaps, with this being her final recording for WarnerBros, she decided to take the easy road. So until next time we can help ourselves to an exquisite back catalogue and pray that Madonna returns to her spiritual roots. ... Read Full Review » |
| 1 / 5 | just horrible
F. Sevriens "Fred Sevriens" (The Hague, Netherlands EU) - 5 May 2008 If I'd like "hip hop" or "urban" or "r&b" I'd maybe buy this album. But I don't like those kinds of music (well, actually I don't even consider those sounds music), so I'll forget that Madonna ever made this piece of crap. I just cannot understand that people who loved the beautiful Confessions album also like this uninspired drivel. Please Madonna, go back to your pop / disco roots and leave hip hop / urban / r&b to the kids who don't know any better! (For the record: I rated this album 1 star because it is not possible to give it minus 5 stars.)... Read Full Review » |
| 1 / 5 | ABSOLUTELY APPALING!
B. Walker "Ben Walker" (Aberdeen, Scotland.) - 15 May 2008 I have attempted to like this album. I have listened to it countless times. But it has to be the worst cd i have ever bought. I am an obsessive madonna fan, and have even managed to find small pleasures in her poorest album 'I'm Breathless.' I have loved Madonna since about the age of 13 and even been at the front row of her Confessions Tour, but this album is DIRE!! Not one track stands as even being good. At best 4 minutes is average. Whilst Candy Store is throughly disgusting, to quote, 'I've got turkish delight baby and so much more... sticky and sweet,' enough of the inneundo Madonna, we've heard it all before with erotica, and quite frankly I am almost vomitting at the connotations of these lyrics... 'Give it to me,' sounds like a mid 1980s gay porn soundtrack, whilst hearing Justin Timberlake squeak,' hey Madonna I'm taking you to the club,' at the beginning of Dance Tonight, makes me cringe with shame. This album is nonsense, absolute rubbish. The one song which had the promise to be somehting special is ruined with the desperate plea of menopausal woman screeching; 'See my booty get down', NO MADONNA I'D RATHER NOT! ... Read Full Review » |
RRP
£16.99
Release Date
28 April 2008
Price Range
£4.97 - £12.43