What Culture: 50 Albums That Defined the 90s

[HolidayGuy]

Not a ranked list, but chronological order.

Note: Obviously, LAP was an album that gave her credibility, as well. But, because of the controversy and such, some may not have gone near it.

http://whatculture.com/music/50-albums-that-defined-the-90s.php/44

Ray of Light Madonna

Madonna’s 7th studio album is where she truly gained credibility, and appreciation from music critics and music buyers, who wouldn’t have gone near one of her previous releases. It nearly didn’t turn out the way it did, but then Madonna’s manager and partner in her record label, Maverick Records, Guy Oseary, had an epiphany. After failing to connect with several other producers that were not getting where the singer wanted to go with ‘Ray of Light’, he told her to call William Orbit. What a stroke of genius that idea was. A big fan of his own work, namely the ‘Strange Cargo I and II’ albums, she set up a meeting and of course, he jumped at the opportunity to work with the world’s most famous female singer. The Englishman seemed to understand exactly the head space Madonna was in at the time and together the two constructed ‘Ray of Light’, with its predominantly, electronic and ambient sound, very much aping a lot of the Trip Hop that was extremely popular at the time. Orbit has said on many occasions that he is very grateful to Madge, for seeing what nobody else saw in him at the time, and giving him a global platform for his work. Since ‘Ray of Light’, high profile work has come thick and fast, in his direction.

Madonna had taken intensive vocal coaching, in order to expand her vocal style and abilities, due to her lead role in the 1996 movie, ‘Evita’. Also, the same year, the birth of her daughter, Lourdes, had given her a whole new outlook on life. She became very into Kaballah and Hinduism and started practicing yoga and meditation. Her new found spiritualism, influenced the overall lyrical and musical feel of this album. Although, usually introspective, with her words, it was noted that she had never been so candid before, and that her approach was much more mature than in the past. A good example of this new found perspective is perfectly encapsulated on the delightful, ‘Nothing Really Matters’. The new timbre in her voice is obvious all over the albums 13 cuts, but when the delicately dark and beautiful lead single, ‘Frozen’, was released, it was glaring, and many a man fell in love by just hearing her singing. The new aspects in her voice also really suited her new ‘Mother of the Earth’ vibe that she had going on.

Funnily enough, the albums title track, and second single, is, by some distance, the weakest track on display. It was a smash hit internationally though, almost doing as well as ‘Frozen’. She even sings in Sanskrit, for the song ‘Shanti/Ashtangi’, and is very convincing. Orbit’s talent for mixing guitars with electronica is superbly exploited on, ‘The Power of Goodbye’. The song has an absolutely sublime synth/string refrain and the vocal melody in the chorus, is easily one of Madge’s most memorable and moving. Closing track, ‘Mer Girl’, deals with mortality and the death of her mother, and is a logical way to close the record.

‘Ray of Light’, has sold 16 million copies, worldwide, and has been named by Madonna, as the favorite of her releases. With her vision, and Orbit’s know-how and collaboration, it made her as relevant, if not more so, as she was at her peak in the 80′s. As well as still being celebrated as a Pop-artist, now more specialist corners of the music press took notice, as well as high-brow, broadsheets, all unanimously agreeing that the album was an instant classic.

[Django]

LAP was technically from the 80s I think. Anyways, I prefer Erotica.

[Mistachristopha]

LAP was technically from the 80s I think. Anyways, I prefer Erotica.

i prefer erotica as well, compared to lap. but ray of light, and erotica is def. a close tie for me as favorite(as well as the first album)

[neutrocks]

i prefer erotica as well, compared to lap. but ray of light, and erotica is def. a close tie for me as favorite(as well as the first album)

But this isn't about what is your fav album. This is about an album that brought new life into Madonna's career. With ROL, she was far more introspective, open and personal than she's ever been. LAP was the first album where it seemed she was reaching to be a bit more introspective and personal. Of course, it's nothing compared to ROL, but she was at the height of her career with LAP. Erotica (at least for me) was more about pushing the enevelope with being sexually provocative. Erotica (the album) is definitely poetic in certain aspects, especially lyrically. It really gave us a glimpse that she was able to write semi-profound lyrics, rather just simple catchy pop songs.

[Django]

It's predictable that Ray Of Light would make it on this list. But really, for me that era is when Madonna was less interesting. I love the album, videos and stuff but her persona... uff... so boring compared to the Madonna from 1990-1995. This may be offtopic, but i really need to put it out.

I feel free now

[Chimera]

10 Sexiest Music Videos Ever Made Dishonourable Mention

Telephone – Lady Gaga

Okay, we get it, you clearly do not have a penis, unless it’s particularly good at hide and seek. That doesn’t mean you have to cavort around like Madonna with very little on, looking all wiry and lithe. I prefer Gaga when she’s got her ridiculous, Elton John style costumes on, not when she’s trying to be sexy, throwing aggressive dance shapes that would definitely not woo anyone on a dancefloor in real life.

Anyway, back to what we’re all here for and on to the sexy videos.

10 Sexiest Music Videos Ever Made

2:- Justify my love

10 Utterly Outrageous Music Videos That Caused Major Controversy

2.- Like a Prayer: Madonna

[HolidayGuy]

Well, the comment was "appreciation from music critics and music buyers, who wouldn’t have gone near one of her previous releases"- that would include LAP. But, I guess it's not saying that she hadn't had acclaim before, just that this was an album that won everybody over.

[Mattress]

"Acclaaaaaaaaaaaaaim...

feel in on m'fingertips, hear it on m'window paim..."

[Je5u5]

And it's true. Ray of Light was pretty much universally acclaimed and introduced Madonna to a new generation of fans.

Doesn't mean it's her best one from the decade but ut definitely was the one that made a bigger impression in terms of music.

[Guest]

10 Sexiest Music Videos Ever Made Dishonourable Mention

Telephone – Lady Gaga

Okay, we get it, you clearly do not have a penis, unless it’s particularly good at hide and seek. That doesn’t mean you have to cavort around like Madonna with very little on, looking all wiry and lithe. I prefer Gaga when she’s got her ridiculous, Elton John style costumes on, not when she’s trying to be sexy, throwing aggressive dance shapes that would definitely not woo anyone on a dancefloor in real life.

Anyway, back to what we’re all here for and on to the sexy videos.

10 Sexiest Music Videos Ever Made

2:- Justify my love

10 Utterly Outrageous Music Videos That Caused Major Controversy

2.- Like a Prayer: Madonna

[dollhouse]

I prefer her other albums.

[Chuck82]

Not a ranked list, but chronological order.

Note: Obviously, LAP was an album that gave her credibility, as well. But, because of the controversy and such, some may not have gone near it.

http://whatculture.com/music/50-albums-that-defined-the-90s.php/44

Ray of Light Madonna

Madonna’s 7th studio album is where she truly gained credibility, and appreciation from music critics and music buyers, who wouldn’t have gone near one of her previous releases. It nearly didn’t turn out the way it did, but then Madonna’s manager and partner in her record label, Maverick Records, Guy Oseary, had an epiphany. After failing to connect with several other producers that were not getting where the singer wanted to go with ‘Ray of Light’, he told her to call William Orbit. What a stroke of genius that idea was. A big fan of his own work, namely the ‘Strange Cargo I and II’ albums, she set up a meeting and of course, he jumped at the opportunity to work with the world’s most famous female singer. The Englishman seemed to understand exactly the head space Madonna was in at the time and together the two constructed ‘Ray of Light’, with its predominantly, electronic and ambient sound, very much aping a lot of the Trip Hop that was extremely popular at the time. Orbit has said on many occasions that he is very grateful to Madge, for seeing what nobody else saw in him at the time, and giving him a global platform for his work. Since ‘Ray of Light’, high profile work has come thick and fast, in his direction.

Madonna had taken intensive vocal coaching, in order to expand her vocal style and abilities, due to her lead role in the 1996 movie, ‘Evita’. Also, the same year, the birth of her daughter, Lourdes, had given her a whole new outlook on life. She became very into Kaballah and Hinduism and started practicing yoga and meditation. Her new found spiritualism, influenced the overall lyrical and musical feel of this album. Although, usually introspective, with her words, it was noted that she had never been so candid before, and that her approach was much more mature than in the past. A good example of this new found perspective is perfectly encapsulated on the delightful, ‘Nothing Really Matters’. The new timbre in her voice is obvious all over the albums 13 cuts, but when the delicately dark and beautiful lead single, ‘Frozen’, was released, it was glaring, and many a man fell in love by just hearing her singing. The new aspects in her voice also really suited her new ‘Mother of the Earth’ vibe that she had going on.

Funnily enough, the albums title track, and second single, is, by some distance, the weakest track on display. It was a smash hit internationally though, almost doing as well as ‘Frozen’. She even sings in Sanskrit, for the song ‘Shanti/Ashtangi’, and is very convincing. Orbit’s talent for mixing guitars with electronica is superbly exploited on, ‘The Power of Goodbye’. The song has an absolutely sublime synth/string refrain and the vocal melody in the chorus, is easily one of Madge’s most memorable and moving. Closing track, ‘Mer Girl’, deals with mortality and the death of her mother, and is a logical way to close the record.

‘Ray of Light’, has sold 16 million copies, worldwide, and has been named by Madonna, as the favorite of her releases. With her vision, and Orbit’s know-how and collaboration, it made her as relevant, if not more so, as she was at her peak in the 80′s. As well as still being celebrated as a Pop-artist, now more specialist corners of the music press took notice, as well as high-brow, broadsheets, all unanimously agreeing that the album was an instant classic.

[Gaudet]

Not a ranked list, but chronological order.

Note: Obviously, LAP was an album that gave her credibility, as well. But, because of the controversy and such, some may not have gone near it.

http://whatculture.com/music/50-albums-that-defined-the-90s.php/44

Ray of Light Madonna

Madonna’s 7th studio album is where she truly gained credibility, and appreciation from music critics and music buyers, who wouldn’t have gone near one of her previous releases. It nearly didn’t turn out the way it did, but then Madonna’s manager and partner in her record label, Maverick Records, Guy Oseary, had an epiphany. After failing to connect with several other producers that were not getting where the singer wanted to go with ‘Ray of Light’, he told her to call William Orbit. What a stroke of genius that idea was. A big fan of his own work, namely the ‘Strange Cargo I and II’ albums, she set up a meeting and of course, he jumped at the opportunity to work with the world’s most famous female singer. The Englishman seemed to understand exactly the head space Madonna was in at the time and together the two constructed ‘Ray of Light’, with its predominantly, electronic and ambient sound, very much aping a lot of the Trip Hop that was extremely popular at the time. Orbit has said on many occasions that he is very grateful to Madge, for seeing what nobody else saw in him at the time, and giving him a global platform for his work. Since ‘Ray of Light’, high profile work has come thick and fast, in his direction.

Madonna had taken intensive vocal coaching, in order to expand her vocal style and abilities, due to her lead role in the 1996 movie, ‘Evita’. Also, the same year, the birth of her daughter, Lourdes, had given her a whole new outlook on life. She became very into Kaballah and Hinduism and started practicing yoga and meditation. Her new found spiritualism, influenced the overall lyrical and musical feel of this album. Although, usually introspective, with her words, it was noted that she had never been so candid before, and that her approach was much more mature than in the past. A good example of this new found perspective is perfectly encapsulated on the delightful, ‘Nothing Really Matters’. The new timbre in her voice is obvious all over the albums 13 cuts, but when the delicately dark and beautiful lead single, ‘Frozen’, was released, it was glaring, and many a man fell in love by just hearing her singing. The new aspects in her voice also really suited her new ‘Mother of the Earth’ vibe that she had going on.

Funnily enough, the albums title track, and second single, is, by some distance, the weakest track on display. It was a smash hit internationally though, almost doing as well as ‘Frozen’. She even sings in Sanskrit, for the song ‘Shanti/Ashtangi’, and is very convincing. Orbit’s talent for mixing guitars with electronica is superbly exploited on, ‘The Power of Goodbye’. The song has an absolutely sublime synth/string refrain and the vocal melody in the chorus, is easily one of Madge’s most memorable and moving. Closing track, ‘Mer Girl’, deals with mortality and the death of her mother, and is a logical way to close the record.

‘Ray of Light’, has sold 16 million copies, worldwide, and has been named by Madonna, as the favorite of her releases. With her vision, and Orbit’s know-how and collaboration, it made her as relevant, if not more so, as she was at her peak in the 80′s. As well as still being celebrated as a Pop-artist, now more specialist corners of the music press took notice, as well as high-brow, broadsheets, all unanimously agreeing that the album was an instant classic.

YES YES and further YES indeed!

Thank you

:clap: :clap:

[LikeAPrayer]

Much as I love ROL and that era as a whole, in retrospect, it's probably her least controversial and thus safest era image-wise. Hence why it was the era that finally got her some acceptance from snotty critics and industry insiders.

She was perhaps pushing the envelope for a pop star musically, but her public persona had mellowed and she was now pushed forward as a mother with a spiritual awakening. She was no longer threatening to anyone as she has been in most era up to this point.

With this era, she had finally gotten over the last remnants of the Sex Book backlash that had been plaguing her image and public person for a few years preceding it (despite Bedtime Story, Something To Remember, and Evita being attempts to move past it).

[svperstar]

Safe or not, it was *new* for her. And challenging, especially for a woman who had established a career by provoking. Here, there was a certain peace in her demeanor that resonated in the music, and it fueled the perspective of her sound being "ahead" of the times (a distinction that would follow her in subsequent albums). I fucking love the record, and always will.

Having said that, the above write-up is a mess.

[qaz]

ROL is my all time favorite Album. I was so blown away when I first listen. It has inspired me in so many ways. I should thank her for recording The Power of Goodbye.

I cant believe it is almost 15 years old.

[Mad_On_Her]

As much as I love Ray Of Light, I still think it's hugely overrated. The constant bleeps and electronic noises in the songs is annoying. Also, I don't like the vocal style. It's too pretentious. I prefer Erotica by a long shot to me everything about that album says Madonna! Probably put Bedtime Stories on par. I think overall Madonna's other 90's albums are better or equally as good shame they get missed out and Ray Of Light gets all the praise.

[Plaything]

ROL is not overrated at all. It's even underrated. It should have won all awards in the world (ok maybe not all but definitely the Grammy for Album of the Year!). And it should have outsold such basic pop albums like Come on over by Shania F*cking Twain.

[HolidayGuy]

This was a one-person list, so it won't be included at the AM site. But, always good to see ROL get some love.