Madonna's seat at the Grammys...she will be next to Paul McCartney and right in front of her early producer,Niles Rodgers

I have heard the album, and I have to say, 25 tracks is a lot to digest in one sitting. My early thoughts...

1. Living For Love - Instant classic. I love it, and can't wait to see it live.
2. Devil Pray - I like this one a lot, too. A definite improvement on the demo.
3. Ghosttown - Great atmosphere. I've always loved when she lets her vocals get kind of deep and throaty, and she does that on this one.
4. Unapologetic Bitch - It's okay. I like the reggae vibe, but I'm not sure about the stuttery vocal delivery on the verses. Doesn't seem like a natural fit for her. I don't hate it, though.
5. Illuminati - I love her vocals on the spoken parts. Kind of dead and disinterested. I'm not sure I love what Kanye brought to the production. I may like the demo production a little better.
6. Bitch I'm Madonna - Guilty pleasure. There are moments when her silly vocals take me back to Barbie Girl by Aqua. I think it has a really cool production, too. I get why people hate it, though. The chorus makes me want to get up and move.
7. Hold Tight - Seems like a solid album track, but nothing I would want to play repeatedly. I do love that male voice that pops up in the background on this track and a few others.
8. Joan Of Arc - I actually really like the update on this one. The "I'm in the dark...yea" line kind of bothered me when I first heard it, and I didn't give it a proper chance. But hearing it again with the tempo change made me like it more. Especially when it picks up during the chorus.
9. Iconic - Who the fuck WANTS to hear Mike Tyson talking? I don't like this one. Corny.
10. HeartBreakCity - I still think this one is kind of corny, lyrically, but I think the production is much better than on the demo. And thank god she took out the "And I still feel shitty" line. Yikes.
11. Body Shop - I think this one is cute as fuck. I love the lyrics, and I love the sort of Eastern vibe it has. I don't like the new vocal take, though. It gets mumbly sometimes. I think I'll switch this one out with the demo on my playlist.
12. Holy Water - I just...can't...with this one. The lyrics are so fucking gross. I love what Kanye brought to the production, though. It has a great build to it.
13. Inside Out - I think I prefer the demo version of this. The distorted breakbeats on the new version do nothing for me. I much prefer the acoustic guitar strumming during the chorus that's in the demo. The new version does work better back to back with Holy Water though.
14. Wash All Over Me - The uptempo demo version is light years ahead of the album version, imo. Another one I'll have to switch out on my personal playlist.
15. Best Night - Another skipper for me. The production sounds like something Timbaland would have cranked out in 2003 or something. I do like the homage to Justify My Love toward the end, though.
16. Veni Vidi Vici - Another skipper. The lyrics are kind of cheeky, with all of the referencing of her old song titles. I like melody of the chorus, but not the verses, and I don't think they work well together. "I was constant as a northern star." Nice Joni reference.
17. S.E.X. - Ugh. More gross lyrics. Just stop it!! "Oh my god, you're so hot." Jeez, are we 12?
18. Messiah - Finally something with substance again. I love the orchestral flourishes on this, and I think it has the potential to be a great moment on the tour.
19. Rebel Heart - Love this one. Although, I'm going to have to switch out the final version for the demo, because she totally took out the "Rebel Heart" refrain!? Removing a main hook is never a good idea imo.
20. Beautiful Scars - The new version is mystifying, and I can't say I like it. IDK what this pseudo-disco is trying to do but it's not making me want to dance or continue listening. I'd rather have a cleaned up version of the demo.
21. Queen - Great intro, not sure about the song. Seems like a throwaway to me.
22. Borrowed Time - I really liked the demo verson of this one, but the new version not so much. I think she should've kept the Avicii vibe of the originals.
23. Grafitti Heart - Great tune! This one certainly deserves to be prominently featured on the album instead of being tacked on to the end of a super deluxe version. "Your imperfections - this world needs them." Great line. I'm not sure about the wall of synths on the new version's chorus, though.
24. Autotune Baby - The production is certainly interesting, though I'm not sure if I like it. I like the bridge and chorus better than the verses. There's something about the verses that give me a Bedtime Stories vibe. Maybe "I'd Rather Be Your Lover" ish? Can't place it.
25. Addicted - This was an early fave when the demos leaked, but she totally fucked up the final version. There was a harmonizing vocal effect she used in the demo on certain lines in the chorus, "one who broke my heart," "made me fall down on my knees and start to pray," and some others, that I totally loved. It gave the chorus this kind of ABBA vibe and now it's gone! Thank god I still have the demo.

Ultimitely, I think it's pretty bloated and could use a good trim but the stuff that's good on here is REALLY good. I can't wait to see it live. I'll have to go and refresh my drinks during Holy Water and SEX, though.

[Edited 2/5/15 22:30pm]

^^^I should have posted a review like you did; instead I'm posting as I listen. LOL Best Night is a nice song--everything works on it. Fits in with Erotic era Madonna IMO. This song segues very nicely into Veni Vidi Vici--which I love. More references to earlier works... This song works really well...even with the rapper; all the elements come together on this one.

Sex--I like the music production on this one better than the lyrics. Not my favorite.

[Edited 2/5/15 22:33pm]

Messiah is an absolutely beautiful song, lyrically and musically. I love the new version of it. A keeper.

[Edited 2/5/15 22:38pm]

Rebel Heart is such a strong song... Can identify with so many of the well-written lyrics--love the finger snaps, the guitars, the orchestration. A Madonna classic right here. Love this version.

Beautiful Scars is the kind of Madonna song that you want to hear and come to expect. It has everything. I think this one is my new favorite. Three great songs in a row--score! This may be an uneven epic album--but it is worth it with so many good songs. One can always edit Rebel Heart with the songs they want to hear... I'm glad she's putting so many out.

Queen is okay--it seems like filler on this stronger set of songs in the second half of the album--doesn't really fit.

Borrowed Time--strong substantive song with a message; adds to the social statement message she wants to include on this album.

Graffiti Heart--like the chorus hook "love is pain and pain is art". Fits with the second half of the album.

Autotune Baby--what a strange song! LOL I'm wondering about song placement on this album--I think I would have put this song elsewhere. Not my favorite.

Addicted--Love this song--reminds me of those songs I listen to over and over on Confessions. Just gotta get up and dance! Think I will! And that ends my first review (such as it is LOL) of Madonna's Rebel Heart. Can't wait for the physical super deluxe CD.

SchlomoThaHomo said:

I have heard the album, and I have to say, 25 tracks is a lot to digest in one sitting. My early thoughts...

1. Living For Love - Instant classic. I love it, and can't wait to see it live.
2. Devil Pray - I like this one a lot, too. A definite improvement on the demo.
3. Ghosttown - Great atmosphere. I've always loved when she lets her vocals get kind of deep and throaty, and she does that on this one.
4. Unapologetic Bitch - It's okay. I like the reggae vibe, but I'm not sure about the stuttery vocal delivery on the verses. Doesn't seem like a natural fit for her. I don't hate it, though.
5. Illuminati - I love her vocals on the spoken parts. Kind of dead and disinterested. I'm not sure I love what Kanye brought to the production. I may like the demo production a little better.
6. Bitch I'm Madonna - Guilty pleasure. There are moments when her silly vocals take me back to Barbie Girl by Aqua. I think it has a really cool production, too. I get why people hate it, though. The chorus makes me want to get up and move.
7. Hold Tight - Seems like a solid album track, but nothing I would want to play repeatedly. I do love that male voice that pops up in the background on this track and a few others.
8. Joan Of Arc - I actually really like the update on this one. The "I'm in the dark...yea" line kind of bothered me when I first heard it, and I didn't give it a proper chance. But hearing it again with the tempo change made me like it more. Especially when it picks up during the chorus.
9. Iconic - Who the fuck WANTS to hear Mike Tyson talking? I don't like this one. Corny.
10. HeartBreakCity - I still think this one is kind of corny, lyrically, but I think the production is much better than on the demo. And thank god she took out the "And I still feel shitty" line. Yikes.
11. Body Shop - I think this one is cute as fuck. I love the lyrics, and I love the sort of Eastern vibe it has. I don't like the new vocal take, though. It gets mumbly sometimes. I think I'll switch this one out with the demo on my playlist.
12. Holy Water - I just...can't...with this one. The lyrics are so fucking gross. I love what Kanye brought to the production, though. It has a great build to it.
13. Inside Out - I think I prefer the demo version of this. The distorted breakbeats on the new version do nothing for me. I much prefer the acoustic guitar strumming during the chorus that's in the demo. The new version does work better back to back with Holy Water though.
14. Wash All Over Me - The uptempo demo version is light years ahead of the album version, imo. Another one I'll have to switch out on my personal playlist.
15. Best Night - Another skipper for me. The production sounds like something Timbaland would have cranked out in 2003 or something. I do like the homage to Justify My Love toward the end, though.
16. Veni Vidi Vici - Another skipper. The lyrics are kind of cheeky, with all of the referencing of her old song titles. I like melody of the chorus, but not the verses, and I don't think they work well together. "I was constant as a northern star." Nice Joni reference.
17. S.E.X. - Ugh. More gross lyrics. Just stop it!! "Oh my god, you're so hot." Jeez, are we 12?
18. Messiah - Finally something with substance again. I love the orchestral flourishes on this, and I think it has the potential to be a great moment on the tour.
19. Rebel Heart - Love this one. Although, I'm going to have to switch out the final version for the demo, because she totally took out the "Rebel Heart" refrain!? Removing a main hook is never a good idea imo.
20. Beautiful Scars - The new version is mystifying, and I can't say I like it. IDK what this pseudo-disco is trying to do but it's not making me want to dance or continue listening. I'd rather have a cleaned up version of the demo.
21. Queen - Great intro, not sure about the song. Seems like a throwaway to me.
22. Borrowed Time - I really liked the demo verson of this one, but the new version not so much. I think she should've kept the Avicii vibe of the originals.
23. Grafitti Heart - Great tune! This one certainly deserves to be prominently featured on the album instead of being tacked on to the end of a super deluxe version. "Your imperfections - this world needs them." Great line. I'm not sure about the wall of synths on the new version's chorus, though.
24. Autotune Baby - The production is certainly interesting, though I'm not sure if I like it. I like the bridge and chorus better than the verses. There's something about the verses that give me a Bedtime Stories vibe. Maybe "I'd Rather Be Your Lover" ish? Can't place it.
25. Addicted - This was an early fave when the demos leaked, but she totally fucked up the final version. There was a harmonizing vocal effect she used in the demo on certain lines in the chorus, "one who broke my heart," "made me fall down on my knees and start to pray," and some others, that I totally loved. It gave the chorus this kind of ABBA vibe and now it's gone! Thank god I still have the demo.

Ultimitely, I think it's pretty bloated and could use a good trim but the stuff that's good on here is REALLY good. I can't wait to see it live. I'll have to go and refresh my drinks during Holy Water and SEX, though.

[Edited 2/5/15 22:30pm]

Gotta agree with you on Addicted; although I like the final version, I prefer the demo more. Also agree with your comment in bold above.

gonna listen to it on headphones right now,then write a thorough,track-by-track review like Schlomo did

1. Living For Love 4/5

2. Devil Pray 4.5/5

3. Ghosttown 5/5

4. Unapologetic Bitch 2.5/5

5. Illuminati 2/5

6. Bitch I'm Madonna 1/5

7. Hold Tight 3.5/5

8. Joan Of Arc 4/5

9. Iconic 3/5

10. HeartBreakCity 5/5

11. Body Shop 3/5

12. Holy Water 2.5 /5

13. Inside Out 5/5

14. Wash All Over Me 4.5 /5

15. Best Night 4/5

16. Veni Vidi Vici 3/5

17. S.E.X. 2/5

18. Messiah 5/5

19. Rebel Heart 4/5

20. Beautiful Scars 3.5 /5

21. Queen 3/5

22. Borrowed Time 3/5

23. Grafitti Heart 2.5 /5

24. Autotune Baby 1/5

25. Addicted 3/5

absolute trash that was not supposed to ever hear the audience: Illuminati, Bitch I'm Madonna, SEX, Autotune Baby.
good or very good songs: Living For Love, Devil Pray, Ghosttown, Joan Of Arc, Inside Out, Wash All Over Me, Best Night, Messiah, Rebel Heart.

the remaining 12 songs - just filler ... not terrible songs, just average and mediocre.

it could be a great album 11-12 songs: 9 in the list of good + Beautiful Scars, Queen, Addicted.I do not know why it was necessary to produce so many mediocre material.

overall 3.5/5 for me

I really want Veni Vidi Vici to be a single. I can only imagine how the video would look.

1 - Living For Love 3/5 (demo 5/5)

2 - Devil Pray 5/5 (demo 3/5)

3 - Ghosttown 5/5

4 - Unapologetic Bitch 4/5 (hell of a grower)

5 - Illuminati 4/5 (demo 5/5)

6 - Bitch I'm Madonna 2/5 (demo w/o Nicki 4/5 just not into it)

7 - Hold Tight 2/5 (demo 5/5 what happened here?)

8 - Joan of Arc 1/5 (demo 3/5 did Rocco add the cheap beat? David Banda?)

9 - Iconic 3/5 (demo 4/5 is the rapper speaking English?)

10 - HeartBreak City 1/5 (oh lawd)

11 - Body Shop 2/5 (demo 5/5 that cheap beat tho)

12 - Holy Water 5/5 (demo 1/5)

13 - Inside Out 2/5 (demo 5/5)

14 - Wash All Over Me 2/5 (acoustic demo 5/5)

15 - Best Night 3/5 (demo 5/5, they neutered this)

16 - Veni Vidi Vici 4/5 (demo 5/5 prefer the harder sound)

17 - SEX 3/5 (demo 1/5 golden turd)

18 - Messiah 2/5 (demo 5/5)

19 - Rebel Heart 5/5 (demo 3/5 yes! I was worried this would turn into either a Bruce Springsteen tune or a Kylie Minogue tune based on the demos)

20 - Beautiful Scars 2/5 (demo 5/5 nooooooooooooooooooo)

21 - Queen 4/5 (This one is for the Stans. Sad but true)

22 - Borrowed Time 3/5 (demo 3/5 lame tune)

23 - Graffiti Heart 1/5 (demo 5/5 wow they ruined this one!! sounds like a japanese nightmare)

24 - Autotune Baby 5/5 (i wanna be your little baby - Rebel's Impressive Instant)

25 - Addicted 2/5 (demo 5/5 neutered)

I was spoiled by the demos because I prefer pre-digital Madonna to digital Madonna. Her voice is mangled in the "official release" I love the raw/real quality of her voice in the demos.

"Living For Love" video in HD

SoulAlive said:

Madonna's seat at the Grammys...she will be next to Paul McCartney and right in front of her early producer,Niles Rodgers

.

And I also like that Annie is right behind them in the second row!

Annie is seated right next to Jay Z. and Beyonce.Remember a few months ago when she criticized Beyonce,calling her a "token feminist"? That might be an awkward situation,lol.

"I think you're confusing me with somebody else....I won't apologize for being myself"

SPIN Magazine's thoughts on the new album.....

'Rebel Heart' Tamed: Our ...bum | SPIN

They trimmed it down to a 12-track album.....do you agree with their analysis?

this was spotted at the Grammy rehearsals yesterday

SoulAlive said:

SPIN Magazine's thoughts on the new album.....

'Rebel Heart' Tamed: Our ...bum | SPIN

They trimmed it down to a 12-track album.....do you agree with their analysis?

I think there's more then only 12 album worthy tracks, and Two Steps Behind Me isn't one of them imo. On a related note, Veni Vidi Vici is starting to grow on me.

SchlomoThaHomo said:

SoulAlive said:

SPIN Magazine's thoughts on the new album.....

'Rebel Heart' Tamed: Our ...bum | SPIN

They trimmed it down to a 12-track album.....do you agree with their analysis?

I think there's more then only 12 album worthy tracks, and Two Steps Behind Me isn't one of them imo. On a related note, Veni Vidi Vici is starting to grow on me.

I agree.I don't see what's so great about "Two Steps Behind Me".Alot of fans love it,but it doesn't do much for me.

EWWWWWWWWAAAH!!!!!!

"I promise you it's not a sin...find salvation deep within"

it's like the early 90s all over again,when Madonna was bending over backwards to offend the religious conservatives

And let's think about what actual holy water might taste like. A liquid that countless random fingers have dipped in.

SoulAlive said:

"I promise you it's not a sin...find salvation deep within"

it's like the early 90s all over again,when Madonna was bending over backwards to offend the religious conservatives

I have to say that 92-94 were her absolute golden years for me. I could (and have) youtube-binged the fuck out of anything and everything from those couple of years. Talk show appearances, interviews, videos, ANYTHING. She was a bad bitch in every possible way.

LiLi1992 said:

I do not know why it was necessary to produce so many mediocre material.

I feel the same way, it seems she bent over backwards to please everyone. Half of the album is "coming of age/mature" songs, mainly ballads that we had a bit of on MDNA but otherwise not since American Life, the other half is incredibly immature "joke" tracks that artists half her age wouldn't record. What was the point of songs like Bitch I'm Madonna or Body Shop, she cannot even perform these live. Or what's the point in having a slow version of Wash All Over Me when between Iconic and Rebel Heart everything is so slow?

It really is her most urban album ever, I find that ironic after all the dirt she got for Hard Candy, which was more like a post-disco-early-80s homage dance album. Rebel Heart is chock full of hip hop beats and Madonna raps herself A LOT (on HC she basically did zero bar the "see my booty get down" bit), not to mention 3 different rappers featuring and Kanye producing a good chunk of the record. I appreciate her not doing another EDM album and not going back to an old producer (nor resorting to Dr. Luke/Max Martin or Fernando Garibay which had been my prediction some two years ago) but this is easily her "least Madonna sounding" record due to all that. And I won't even mention Ryan Tedder who is the biggest hitmaker she teamed up with since David Foster in 1995.

That said, there are several fantastic songs, like Devil Pray, Ghosttown, Joan of Arc, Holy Water or Inside Out and I'm sure there will be great live versions that elevate the weaker tracks! I also MUCH prefer the final version of Rebel Heart and is also one of my favs now.

What alot of fans don't wanna accept is...Madonna is into that type of music (urban R&B).She listens to stuff like Kayne,Drake,Nicki Minaj,Pharrell,and hip-hop.When she did Hard Candy,some people thought she was "selling out",but she has always been into that type of music.It's natural for her.I'm not surprised that she went that route with this album.I'm pleased with the results.This is her strongest album since COADF.

LiveToTell86 said:

It really is her most urban album ever, I find that ironic after all the dirt she got for Hard Candy,