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| Hard Candy | 
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| Artist: Madonna
Label: WEA/Reprise
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy Used: $4.85
You Save: $14.13 (74%)
New (72) Used (37) from $4.85
Avg. Customer Rating:  476 reviews
Sales Rank: 176
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 093624988496
UPC: 093624988496
EAN: 0093624988496
ASIN: B0015D3Z4O
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Factory sealed > 1st Class shipping within 2-3 days in bubble pack
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| Customer Reviews:
 A girl in a "Candy" store April 29, 2008
36 out of 47 found this review helpful
To hell with the likes of Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera: Madonna is and always will be the hottest female artist on the music scene. (Can you believe she's almost 50 years old?!) I didn't think the Material Girl could possibly top her last album, "Confessions on a Dance Floor" (which is probably my favorite Madonna album of all time), but I was wrong! "Hard Candy" is every bit as fabulous as I hoped it would be, and it's Madonna's sexiest album ever.
When I listened to "4 Minutes," the album's first single, I thought "Hard Candy" would have an overall hip-hop flavor to it. Luckily, I was wrong. Madonna's duet with Justin Timberlake is good, but it doesn't even begin to compare to the other tracks on this CD. "Hard Candy" is more of a dance album than anything else, with traces of electronica and, yes, a bit of hip-hop to boot. But have no fear, hip-hop haters of the world: This CD is awesome! It opens with "Candy Shop," a breathy pop number that sets the tone for the rest of this sexy album. "Give It 2 Me" is a fantastic dance track that's all about girl power. Other highlights include "Miles Away," which Madonna says was inspired by the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship with her husband, Guy Ritchie; "She's Not Me," a story of two women competing for the same man; "Incredible," my favorite track on the CD, which starts off as a bittersweet recollection of a former lover and quickly turns into a frantic craving for sex; "Dance 2 Nite," a slinky, mellow little number; and "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You," a sad reflection on a relationship gone wrong.
I cannot get enough of this album! It's energetic, powerful, and soulful...concrete proof that Madonna just keeps getting better and better! Run out and buy this CD so you can hear the magic for yourself.
 Hard (Candy) to Swallow May 12, 2008
29 out of 37 found this review helpful
Let me preface this review by saying that I am a big Madonna fan. I have loved her music through the years, and recognize not only her talent, but her influence on music and pop culture. That being said, this has to be one of the weakest, most boring albums I have heard in years. Not just bad for Madonna, but bad music all aorund. I have tried repeatedly to listen to every song on this album, but cannot get more than a minute into each before I have lost all interest. It is painful to listen to, and painful to think that someone of Madonna's stature, with all of her resources, can't come up with a better attempt than this.
The music is lifeless, and feels quite dated. The songs seem to blur into all sounding the same.Vocally, it sounds as though the producers did not know how to treat Madonna's voice. It comes across as high-pitched, straining, and amateurish.
Quite frankly, if this album was done by anyone other than Madonna, it would've been panned by the critics, and would've been lost to music history as another flop.
and it feels like home April 29, 2008
27 out of 38 found this review helpful
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, limited edition 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...?
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 this 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 forty of fifty) 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!
...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.
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)
Warner Music 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 singing 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.
13) 4 Minutes ~ Tracy Young House Mix Edit
14) 4 Minutes ~ Rebirth Anthem Mix Edit
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. 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!
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" 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...!
MADONNA 4 PRESIDENT April 29, 2008
27 out of 33 found this review helpful
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...!
It's like a whole album's worth of the "rap" on the song "American Life" May 6, 2008
26 out of 41 found this review helpful
Let me preface this by saying I am a huge Madonna fan. I have bought every one of her releases on or near the date of their release going back to "True Blue" when I was 10 years old. Over the years I have liked some of her albums more than others (wasn't a big fan of "Bedtime Stories" although it had some decent tracks and was bored by "Ray of Light" but really liked "Music", "Confessions", "Erotica" and "Like a Prayer"). Hell, I even thought "American Life" (the album, not necessarily the song about soy lattes, etc.) had its charms.
That said, this release is not just the WORST Madonna album I have ever heard, it is among the WORST albums that I have ever had the displeasure of listening to and/or owning (and I own over 2,000 cds). This is complete dreck. Why she would team up with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and The Neptunes NOW (in 2008) to make an album that sounds like it should have been released in 2004 is beyond comprehension. Granted, Madonna has never been as "cutting edge" as she has been given credit for being (i.e. "vogueing" was actually a fad that had passed by the time she released that song, 1994's "Bedtime Stories" was a retread of '92/'93 R&B, Vanilla Ice in the "Sex" book 2 years after he became a has-been was odd, and "Ray of Light" was about a year late on the electronica bandwagon). Nonetheless, she always seemed to have some strong music (and singles) to back up being a bit behind the trend-curve and was able to make it work.
This time around, there is nothing to recommend. The first track is completely insipid and a bit gross when you consider it is a nearly 50 year-old woman singing about letting you eat at her "Candy Shop" and later on down the line we hear another little ditty about how "sex with you is amazing" (repeated about 10,000,000 times, apparently in order to flesh out an entire track's worth of music with some sort of semblance of "lyrics").
The music is just like the album cover - ridiculous, cheap-looking (sounding), unimaginitive, stupid, awful, over-the-hill, washed-up and incredibly meritless. This woman has been around nearly three decades and has sold tens of millions of albums, and the best she could come up with for a producer was Justin Timbelake and his crew? If she wanted to have sex with Justin Timberlake, she should have just slipped him some GHB rather than waste an entire album's worth of sessions seducing him under the "guise" of attempting to make "music" with him and his "producers"). (That said, she must be one bad booty call, because from the sounds of this thing, he gave her the leftover rejects of his last two albums.)
Again, I have every CD this woman has ever released, including "special editions" of some, so I am not coming on here as some Madonna-hater looking to get my rocks off by ripping on her "homosexual music". But, this one really is a complete dog. It is the musical equivalent of "Shanghai Surprise".
Basically, to sum up, think of it this way -- remember how bad and embarrasing the "rap" on the song "American Life" was when you first heard it? Remember how you felt embarrased for her? Remember how utterly awful lyrics about pilates, hotties, and not being a "christian or jew" seemed? Now imagine that concept expanded to entire album's worth of material.
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