Madonna‘s ascent to the throne as the Queen of Pop (which began roughly 20 years ago give or take, depending on which articles you read), happened as a result of her ability to reinvent herself as an artist, challenging taboos regarding gender and sexuality via the appropriation of underground cultural phenomenons and entertaining the world over with her extraordinary talent as a live performer. She also knocked out a decent song or two.

The reality, though, is that her latest studio album MDNA–the twelfth of her career overall–is not about reinvention: It’s about reclamation.

After just under three years spent behind the director’s camera of W.E.–her take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII–the Queen of Pop found herself going stir crazy, having spent months researching, writing and splicing pieces of her movie together in the editing room. (Or more likely, bossing around some poor schlub to carry out her demands.)

Coupled with a highly publicized divorce after 8 years from director Guy Ritchie in late 2008–a (somewhat) surprisingly still-raw subject that largely weaves itself throughout her latest record–Madonna’s current mantra du jour is best captured in her new album’s most defining lyric: “I need to dance.”

Read more »

Addicted to Madonna‘s MDNA? Join the club.

While you were busy gang banging, sinning and fucking up earlier this afternoon, the acoustic remix of one of the best songs on the record, “Love Spent” just leaked–and it’s absolutely phenomenal.

William Orbit‘s alternate take on the track–available only via pre-order of the deluxe edition of MDNA on iTunes–strips away the spacey electronica textures of the original, leaving room for some dreamy strumming guitar/banjo business (don’t worry, it works!). The new mix also includes an absolutely gorgeous chant between verses by Priscilla Renea, the talented songwriter behind tracks for artists like Rihanna (“California King Bed”) and Cheryl Cole (“Happy Hour”). A random addition for sure, but incredibly welcome nonetheless.

Simply put, it’s bliss.

LISTEN HERE.

MDNA will be released on March 26. (iTunes)

Earlier this evening, MDNA co-producer William Orbit appeared on the BBC World Services program The Strand to discuss his latest projects, including his work with Madonna.

Regarding the album, Orbit explained: “There’s some pretty hard, rocking tracks. There’s a very different variation of…styles. Mostly pretty savage, actually. The singles that have come out aren’t necessarily representative.”

In addition, the producer revealed that he and Madonna are still recording right now: “What she has decided to do is extra acoustic versions,” he said, explaining further: “Downbeat…kind of the banjo and things like that.”

Kind of surprising that they’re still recording now, no? I don’t know exactly how I feel about a banjo (hey, T. Swift!), but let’s hope those downtempo cuts make it onto a special version of the album regardless.

Regarding the singles: I do genuinely enjoy “Girl Gone Wild” (and, to a lesser extent, “Give Me All Your Luvin”), yet I can’t help but admit that I’ve been praying for something musically and thematically…well, more.

While I’ve continued to stand on a soapbox yelling about how Madge has the freedom to sing about poppin’ bottles of Tanqueray in the club and getting silly with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj (which she does!), Orbit’s words are a much-needed reassurance that the contents of MDNA will pack a much harder punch.

Here’s hoping the album’s got plenty more substance (and sonic excellence) in store for us.

A full video of the interview, courtesy of Madonnarama.

MDNA will be released on March 26. (iTunes)

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times just 24 hours before accepting the Golden Globe for Best Original Score for W.E.‘s “Masterpiece,” Madonna gave writer Rebecca Keegan a few new details regarding her upcoming twelfth studio album, MDNA.

For one, she confirmed a new track on the record: “Beautiful Killer,” an ode to french actor Alain Delon. “I’ve seen every movie Alain Delon’s ever made…he’s so charismatic,” she told the newspaper.

Madonna also spoke a little bit more about the sound of the record, explaining how the sound differs between producers:

“I feel like all the records on the radio right now have a homogenized quality to them,” she said in The Times interview. “I’ve made a huge effort to try and not sound like everybody else. The music that I’ve done with William is quite introspective, whereas Martin’s is more ironic and funny and upbeat. There’s a really up aspect to it and a really fun aspect to it.”

Thus the light and the dark motif she’s been talking about: There will be heavier moments like Orbit‘s “Masterpiece” and lighter moments like Solveig‘s “Gimme All Your Luvin’.”

For more, make sure to read the full article. The Superbowl is on February 5.

While we hungrily await (and/or remain anxious about) the final version of “Give Me All Your Love,” the lead single off of Queen of Absolutely Everything Madonna‘s upcoming twelfth studio album, a new song has just arrived to briefly satiate the cravings–and it’s a “Masterpiece.”

The brand new ballad, which leaked in low quality yesterday, will be featured in Madonna’s upcoming film, W.E. The track was co-penned by Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry, who’s penned everything from Kylie Minogue‘s “Put Yourself In My Place” to Britney‘s “Touch Of My Hand.”

“And I can’t tell you why/It hurts so much/To be in love with a masterpiece,” Madonna croons. While it’s difficult to fully appreciate the production on this William Orbit-produced ballad because of the low quality leak, the song’s minimal beat and lush, sweeping strings sound immense so far. Plus, Madonna’s vocals are absolutely lovely!

The track also gives me some “To Have And Not To Hold” vibes, one of the album tracks included on Madonna’s impeccable 1998 release, Ray of Light (and another Madonna/Orbit production.)

Nothing fails when it comes to Madonna and balladry, and “Masterpiece” is no exception: I love everything about this–from the lyrics (“From the moment I first saw you/All the darkness turned to white/An impressionistic painting/Tiny particles of light”) to the gorgeous, understated instrumentation.

I’m SO excited to hear this one when it’s released properly!

EDIT: A 13-second clip of the final version has surfaced, including a taste of the full orchestra. If the rest of the song plays this beautifully, “Masterpiece” might just be one of my new favorite Madonna ballads of all time.

Madonna’s 12th studio album will be released in 2012. (iTunes)

Last night, William Orbit took to Facebook to reflect on his hectic life during the past few weeks/months while recording in New York City with The One and Only Queen of Everything, Madonna. According to the producer, the job was done in a “nondescript” studio above a music shop just off of Times Square. Can you even believe that?

It’s really an interesting ramble in full, especially (of course) when he manages to talk about “M”:

But feeling like that we’ve part of a special moment in all of our careers. Including M’s. Who, I have to say has amazed me anew in unexpected ways during the last few months.

Orbit later reveals in the note that Madonna’s album will be mastered at the end of the month (!)–an incredibly early finish for the album. Perhaps the release date will be sooner than April or May as originally forecasted?

It was great earlier tonight to head downtown and see all the wonderful folk at my management company (AAM). Andy Kipnes (my manager) and Ross Donadio also discussed with me my new Strange Cargo album which is all but finished. And some other song projects that I will pick up one once M’s and my new album are mastered at the end of this month.

Judging by the early single selection, the early album mastering, and the overwhelming positivity buzzing around the production team working on the album, it seems as though Madonna’s entire camp is nothing less than confident about this new era. A good sign, without a doubt.

“Give Me All Your Love”–the lead single from Madge’s upcoming album–will be one of the songs performed during her Superbowl performance in February.

For now, we must (attempt to) wait patiently. This is the calm before the storm.

You might want to call me BRADtannica at this point.

First of all, has anyone else noticed this? Merely an observation, not hinting at anything:

※ Madonna‘s seventh studio album was Ray of Light.

※ It was released in March of 1998.

※ It was largely produced by William Orbit.

※ The album photography was done by Mario Testino.

Thanks to DaveWithAK on the BMK Forums for pointing out the many connections!

But onto the real stuff.

Remember when I said there’s plenty to come? I wasn’t lying.

While I can’t quite officially reveal the single title to you, please…

DON’T HOLD IT AGAINST ME.

Are you ready for what’s next?

Oh, and before you start Heavy Breathing…remember where you read this one FIRST.

I tweeted this one yesterday, but I feel like no one was around to notice. I have to start pretending I have a life on the weekends…

Anyway–flashback post!

Back in 1999, Britney performed her cover of Cher‘s “The Beat Goes On” live at the World Music Awards. (WATCH)

Though visibly nervous (only 18 at the time!) and stuck with one of the worst wigs of her career (a foreshadowing for the 2007 VMA’s and onward), the Holy Spearit managed to absolutely nail the track with her superb, deeply under-appreciated natural lower vocal range.

I love me some B Girl signature baby voice (“3,” “If U Seek Amy”), but DAMN do I love it when she lets that soulful sound shine! “Let Go,” anyone?

With William Orbit and Rusko on board for Album #7, here’s to hoping that Brit Brit can bare it all on a few numbers as well.