Yes, it’s a mix of young and old, people of different backgrounds and cultures, and even some drag queens… she’s always supporting minority communities.
***RBS STORY TIME!!*** ...RBS has got a 'secret'......but, not anymore...... ; ) ... - ..back in Aug. / Sept. 1994, I went to a Record store called 'Sounds' in the East Village NYC; It had a brownstone -like stoop, where a lot of People loved to sit, eat & talk.... - ...I left, and went to walk down the stairs, and 3 Guys were sitting there, arguing about a tune from U2; I jumped in and corrected them, to show them the tallest guy was right....The guy thanked me, & introduced himself as 'Jason', and we went our separate ways....THEN, he appeared at another Record Store I frequented, and we spoke again.... - ...he told me he was a Model, and he had to split, 'cause he had a gig to do....I paid it no mind, because I seen Models ALL- THE -TIME (at that time).....then, somewhere in October(?), the Madge Video for "Secret" drops.....OH MY GOD, Jason's the Love interest in the Video! (6:27) - ...he said NOTHING to me about working with Madonna! ...I seen him another time at the 2nd Record store, and I CUSSED him out for not telling me! ...ha-HAA!! ...he's a good Kid, LOVES Indie Rock, and I saw him sporadically here & there, until 1998..... ...P.S. the Jacket he's wearing (in the Nightclub) is the same one I saw him in the day of the Video shoot...he literally had to have jumped a train and shot up to Harlem that Day! ...ha-HAA!!
Happiness lies in your own hands is the secret……after the drama/backlash of the Erotica era, this worked. I remember Molly Meldrum saying don’t count Madonna out. 90’s Madonna is gorgeous .
Radio stations all over kept playing ‘Secret’ in high rotation, this was 1994 and it peaked at #3 on the Billboard chart. Madonna does R&B music so well 😍
I just turned 16 in 1994, I remember clearly the releasevof this gem and was surprised it didn't reach #1 (#3) because it's that good of ❤felt song. I alao love the club remixes of Secret, you'll ❤ it too, there's even remix video for it. Secret is timeless and so street, Madonas back at her roots!
Two others songs was too massive for that, ''I'II Make to Love You'' by Boyz II Men (at his 11th week at n.1) and ''All I Wanna Do'' by Sheryl Crow (at her fifth week at n.2).
We’d been seeing Madonna in the tabloids and on TV, feeling out a new style as she hung out at basketball games and dated Tupac and Dennis Rodman… So when this video was released it felt consistent with her life, but not in a forced tourism way. As you said, she has always dated and featured men of colour in her life and work, and had many friends from across the spectrum of race and culture, so this is more of a return to the deeper New York feel for her. Harlem is such a beautiful, photogenic part of NYC, and they did it proud with this stunningly soulful cinematography and casting a wonderful range of people… especially the guy playing Madonna’s gorgeous boyfriend 😍 Ooo gimme all your secrets! Personally though, I felt a lot of warmth from this video. My father had died the year this came out, and because he was a jazz musician, he would talk in glowing terms about jazz luminaries and the places they came from, so the band and the whole setting of this video gave me warm feelings of my Dad. I interpret the baby at the end as a narrative twist on people’s assumptions of what Madonna is looking for in life, and a reflection of her own thoughts turning more toward potential motherhood. When you rewatch the video, keep an eye out for all the hand gestures featured. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Riffing on the line “happiness lies in your own hands”, Madonna and director Melodie McDaniel developed the metaphor into an endlessly repeated motif in the video 🤲
I was 13 when this came out. Song was a radio hit and the video was so alluring, creating an urban world I could not relate to but found gritty and beautiful. She looked beautiful and modern in a hip hop white lady way, but also 1970s. If you watched The Duece a few years ago, similar vibe. I could tell she was now a grande dame of pop, older than TLC and Mariah who seemed young and fresh. But Madonna seemed wise and deep and sensual in a way they did not.
interesting pov as especially as someone who was younger. during the erotica era i wondered about that alot. like how did the youth you had propelled her to stardom - how did the second generation of youth at the time feel about her
At this time in Madonna’s life; she was becoming more spiritual . She was starting to study the Kabalah which deals with the law of the universe and thing that she was realizing is that the energy that you give out; the Universe will return it to you. Therefore, because of the fact that she repeats the words “ happiness lies in your own hands “ I believe that she is referring to The Law Of Attraction which is the concept that the book “ The Secret “ is based on
Absolutely loved this video. I was 13 almost 14 when it was released. The grittiness of Harlem worked very well with the sound of the song. This was the beginning of a string of amazing clips made for this album. Personally, the best videos of any M era. I saw her on Thursday in Chicago and the Bedtime Stories album was represented with a part of Human Nature and an extremely cool version of Bedtime Story. This was a number one song in Canada and Switzerland. The remix went #1 on the US.Dance Club chart (which she holds the title of 50 #1's) and #3 on the Billboard 100.
The video was shot in a depraved part of New York, who she lived in her young years at the end of 70's. Because at this period of her life, when she shot the video in september 1994, many critics noted the video was seem her first time her intention to have a mother when she shot the video, and it's noted at the close of the video. She became a mother in 1996, when her daughter was born. The video was know to her to celebrate also the black community in a good way without prejudice and was a major playing in MTV with others urban artists like TLC, Boyz II Men or Toni Braxton. Melanie McDaniel directed this video. But because of the bakclash of the ''Erotica'' era, unlike the past eras, Warner made very little promotion for this album and Madonna not make a lot of interviews during this era unlike ''Like a prayer'' or ''Erotica'' era who she was interviewed a lot. The album debuted worse then ''Erotica'' the first weeks (for example in US, ''Bedtime Stories'' selling least then ''Erotica'' the first week and also debuting at n.3, while ''Erotica'' debuting at n.2), but the success of this song and ''Take a Bow'' made a longevity on the album and ending to have a little better impact then ''Erotica'' (''Erotica'' was sold 6 millions to date and ''Bedtime Stories'' sold 8 millions to date).
You’re right that this is the first time you’ve seen her walking in the city since borderline. This is a call back to her roots, and she’s walking through Harlem. Also, I don’t believe that nose ring is real. In the 90s, you could get them with magnets, so you didn’t actually have to pierce. I enjoy your reviews, and your singing as well. ♥️
The video depicts her transformation or rebirth but also depicts her search for unconditional love in the form of motherhood........ her need to bestow all of the spirituality and internal instincts to a child. I believe that her need for a child was a therapeutic or healing thing for her experience of losing her mother so early. The "Secret" was all of the new lessons in spirituality that someone or something was teaching her ans/or inspiring her. It's interstate to note that there was a spirituality book out at the time that was EXTREMELY popular caled "The secret".
No.1 hit in Brazil, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and on the European chart. In the US, peaked at no.9 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart and was blocked from no.1 on the Hot 100 by Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do" and Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" (on its 11th week at no.1 out of the 14 weeks it held on to the top position)
I hope you enjoyed seeing mid-90s era Harlem. This is one of my favorite videos because it's like a photo essay of a time and place that seems like it still exists but not at the same time. Madonna was definitely "softening" her image post-Erotica, but in true Madonna fashion, her version of "softening" isn't "soft".
Empress, didn't Madonna have the nose piercing on the album cover too? I still remember the first time I saw this video really well. The single and the video came out on the same day - a couple weeks before the full album came out - on my 18th birthday on October 4, 1994 - I was a senior. MTV had been advertising the premiere date for the video and even mentioned what times during the day they would be airing it. So I got up at 6 AM on a school day and watched the official very first airing of "Secret." I suppose it was worth it for the memory hahaha! There was one thing that caught my attention when I watched it. Remember back during Playground and Erotica era when you said Madonna was starting to look 90's and who is this 90's lady? For me, this video was my first realization that Madonna really was getting older, like for real, not the teeny bopper boy toy anymore. And then I noticed a lot of the media saying the same thing over the next couple of weeks, only they were so mean about it. It's like Madonna wasn't being controversial right now so we're just going to talk about how "old" she looks. Even Beavis and Butthead made a joke about it. Watching this again now, no she doesn't look 20 anymore but she still looks like a beautiful young lady, doesn't she? What were people even thinking?
Ah, her age at play! Thanks for bringing that up in a real context. I remember during the erotica era I mentioned that the youth of the time prolly started viewing her as older. Thanks for bringing this up from your pic back then
Loved it from first listen! When she hums part of the chorus, it’s usually a top 10 all-time Madonna song for me. See also: Frozen. The guy showing off his abs is the late, great Michael K. Williams, who would go on to play Omar on The Wire.
This is the first song & video I knew from her, the first era I went through. It has a ver special place in my heart. The Jean Harlow-style was still present here and of course her support to the black and latino communities, as usual. She was dating 2Pac in this period too.
Don’t forget Madonna did walk the gritty streets in Papa don’t Preach 😆. I loved this song on first listen and thought the video was great. At the time I wasn’t a fan of her look. I preferred the more glam Madonna but in retrospect I love the change and seems an updated version of her early street style.
I loved her look at the time. It is actually very glam. Also reminds me of Courtney Love. And since she tried to sign Hole to Maverick I wouldn’t put it passed Madonna to have a bit of Courtney influence here.
The aesthetics of this video fits the song perfectly🔥🔥. The moving mole or sometimes the disappearing mole mmm hmm. Shows the beauty of Harlem especially in black and white. Empress, again it has worked so well for you to separate the music from the visuals👏🏿.
I think they had to re-shoot the street scenes with her as the first time they didn’t like how she look, so they changed her hair and make up completely. You can find some pics of it here in the internet. I remember when I listen to it the first time, and it was when I saw the video for the first time as well. It was like a bomb. New style, new look and it was so good. I love that album so much!
Omg, I can't believe I got a shot out from Empress! I said I couldn't tell "La isla bonita" and "Take a Bow" were by the same artist. You absolutely just made my day!
I think she looks gorgeous in this video, and I loved it when I first saw it at 13. It was a perfect (and you used the word!) SUBTLE way to start the Bedtime Stories video cycle while still showing she was Madonna. That smoky eye, the nose ring, the black-and-white cinematography - it's not as dynamic as other videos, but it WORKS.
I was impressed with both song and video of Secret when I first saw and heard it. To me it seemed like she was maturing while still being Madonna. It made sense. The video inaugurates a great string of videos from the album. The videos for the 4 songs from Bedtime Stories that were made into videos are the strongest set of music videos Madonna did for an album. Artistic, entertaining, all memorable.
10s for song and video and this reaction. I love the Bedtime Stories album, probably my fave by her, never gets old. The singles and videos were among her best as well. Great era, extended by 1995 Something To Remember era. There are great Remixes to this song as well as Remix Video for the Club Mix. Very funky
The video was shot in Harlem. She originally was supposed to have curly hair (like the Q Magazine December 1994 cover), but changed it. Please check out the song "Let Down Your Guard". It was released only in Japan as the b-side to the maxi single of Secret.
You understood the "secret". Her new boyfriend already has a child -- and he's afraid of how she might react with the news. The 90's were a different time, single parents were not as common as they are today. Love seeing you fall in love with the Bedtime Stories era. It's one of the best albums of her career, especially on VOCALS....
Was looking forward to this reaction Empress and you did not disappoint of course! 😃 I always wondered what the “secret” was as well but I always loved the urban, diverse imagery of this video and also thought the way it was filmed black & white was perfect for the laid back mid tempo groove of the song. Now looking forward to your Take a Bow video reaction! 😁
Theres a video for the Junior's Luscious Club Edit with different scenes from the same shoot as well. . The other videos were in order of release, Take A Bow, Bedtime story and Human Nature. Can't wait for your next reactions.
Both the song and the video remain all time favs! The nose ring was new for the Bedtime Stories era, she also pierced her very famous bellybutton lol. She’s wearing a “Madonna” necklace in the video - which was years before SJP wore one in Sex & the City. No idea what the secret was in the video - assuming it’s the boyfriend and perhaps the kid? Every video for this album are 🔥🔥👏
@@EmpressReacts Some aspects of the show haven’t aged well, so it’s probably not something you need to check out lol. Also, not implying Madonna invented the trend, but definitely knew what was cool.
Hey, Great song chocie to review!, i remember seeing the video, and remember the chorus and the B & W music video, it was a stand out of madona, empress you always have a beautiful singing voice yourself, so impressive, many regards, Ian & Zey :)
Yes to Borderline allusion! I just realized it before you said it- 3:08 when she is standing in the leather top looking annoyed. It was giving me outside pool hall in borderline. 😂 ❤ Love this jam. Love Borderline! ❤
I like to play this video after Justify My Love, she put her suitcase in the club, changed Trenchcoat, not underwear and just chilling out after her wild night. The underwear she washes in Bad Girl😂
I think she had a nose ring on letterman and in I’ll Remember. I was a little disappointed with the video when it came out just because it was so tame compared to the Erotica videos, which had big storylines (Bad Girl, Deeper and Deeper), pushed the envelope (Erotica), or used the latest technology (Rain). I came to appreciate this video and album much later on. Of course we’ll see the storylines, envelope pushing, and tech in future videos so not to worry!
Can you imagine I really was disappointed when this song came out, Empress??? But I did and can't believe it nowadays. I guess I was so used to pop or dance Madonna that I needed some time to like this R&B stuff, but soon I did. It was the same experience I had with Eurythmics "Would I Lie To You" in spring 1985. To hear this after all that electronica stuff by them was too much for me. I needed to learn to embrace different kinds of music, I guess.
@@EmpressReacts Yeah it’s a head-scratcher but I’m guessing she wanted a softer launch into this era and a greater focus on the music after the pandemonium over the visuals going into the previous era.
I think you misunderstood my post. I'm talking about a remix video. Yes, the Fever music video uses a different mix than the album version, but the Junior Vasquez remix of Secret has its own unique music video which includes clips not seen in the original music video. This was a new concept back then.
Hi empress , and baby empress ❤️. It is true she wanted to showcase Harlem In the 90’s because she felt the architectural elements and culture were so beautiful ( this was said in an interview way before gentrification) She has always loved the brown and black community. From the beginning of her career until now. I’m Latino, so I’m brown. There is some debate then and now about appropriating the culture, but for me it comes across sincere and like she really admires the beauty in non white culture. I’m flattered actually and touched. What do you think empress ? Do you feel like it’s a legit admirer of our culture or do u think she did it for clout or maybe both? Lastly, I think she does look older ( big difference between 30-35, and again 40-45 - I speak from experience) but she at the time of this video exudes sexuality and a grown woman beauty , I remember thinking she had the best legs. They must had been waxed , before waxing was a thing. I think this video is very chic
One of my favorite videos of all time. She looks fresh sounds 🔥 the guitar 🔥 besides nose ring she has the belly button pierced. Her nose ring debuted with letterman short hair interview. Peter Shue was supposed to comeout in the video as the male lead. Madonna waspaying 300k. He had gotten busted by FBI and blames Madonna. But if you hear the interview he did it was his own fault.the city walking Borderline, papa dont preach and besides Secret we have maybe 2 more walking videos.
@@EmpressReacts Peter Shue was a huge drug lord like Haitian Jack in NYC. He says Madonna wanted to gave his kid. When Madonna founded Maverick she was trying to direct movies so she bought the rights to a former DEA woman who was responsible for bringing drug lords down. Madonna was developing the movie and wanted Shue to be part of it so he introduced them and told him who she was. Moral of the story that former dea met with Shue on a separate party and was crying to him how she was broke and needed $$ for an emergency. Shue went ahead and give her a big amount no more than 100k and then that former DEA started the investigation on him on how he got that $$$. When tbe investigation started Madonna offered him 300kto start on the video. He declined because his girlfriend did not let him because she didn't like Madonna. To me he could have used that $ to say he was part of the entertainment industry and will get cash deals but he refused to come out in the video according to him Madonna begged him several times. Story short he lost hiz case went to federal prison and now he blames Madonna for introducing him to the DEA. He claims she set him up.
I was slightly disappointed the first time I saw the video because Madonna still seemed to have remnants of her Erotica/'Dita'-era look. I wanted her go back to her vampy, pre-1992 dark eyebrows and beauty mark above the lip look. It took me a long time to get used to her with light eyebrows. It just seemed so un-Madonna.
I have no idea what the video is about! It could be about alot of things! After all these years she never reveal ed what it was. I saw a Trans women, a mixed women. I'd definitely had some to do with the different colors of black. It could be about an interracial relationship. Idk, I always grasped at straws lol. Good jazz vibe in the lounge though!
What do you think the ‘secret’ was? That she had a child, that her boyfriend had a child, that her boyfriend was black? I wonder if this was M giving a clue that she was dating Tupac… hmmm… 🔟🔟🔟 obviously!
I think she said she wanted to make a video showing all the beautiful people of Harlem.
Yes, it’s a mix of young and old, people of different backgrounds and cultures, and even some drag queens… she’s always supporting minority communities.
***RBS STORY TIME!!*** ...RBS has got a 'secret'......but, not anymore...... ; ) ...
- ..back in Aug. / Sept. 1994, I went to a Record store called 'Sounds' in the East Village NYC; It had a brownstone -like stoop, where a lot of People loved to sit, eat & talk....
- ...I left, and went to walk down the stairs, and 3 Guys were sitting there, arguing about a tune from U2; I jumped in and corrected them, to show them the tallest guy was right....The guy thanked me, & introduced himself as 'Jason', and we went our separate ways....THEN, he appeared at another Record Store I frequented, and we spoke again....
- ...he told me he was a Model, and he had to split, 'cause he had a gig to do....I paid it no mind, because I seen Models ALL- THE -TIME (at that time).....then, somewhere in October(?), the Madge Video for "Secret" drops.....OH MY GOD, Jason's the Love interest in the Video! (6:27)
- ...he said NOTHING to me about working with Madonna! ...I seen him another time at the 2nd Record store, and I CUSSED him out for not telling me! ...ha-HAA!! ...he's a good Kid, LOVES Indie Rock, and I saw him sporadically here & there, until 1998.....
...P.S. the Jacket he's wearing (in the Nightclub) is the same one I saw him in the day of the Video shoot...he literally had to have jumped a train and shot up to Harlem that Day! ...ha-HAA!!
such a good story!!! when are we doing the user interviews
Happiness lies in your own hands is the secret……after the drama/backlash of the Erotica era, this worked. I remember Molly Meldrum saying don’t count Madonna out. 90’s Madonna is gorgeous .
Radio stations all over kept playing ‘Secret’ in high rotation, this was 1994 and it peaked at #3 on the Billboard chart.
Madonna does R&B music so well 😍
I just turned 16 in 1994, I remember clearly the releasevof this gem and was surprised it didn't reach #1 (#3) because it's that good of ❤felt song.
I alao love the club remixes of Secret, you'll ❤ it too, there's even remix video for it.
Secret is timeless and so street, Madonas back at her roots!
Two others songs was too massive for that, ''I'II Make to Love You'' by Boyz II Men (at his 11th week at n.1) and ''All I Wanna Do'' by Sheryl Crow (at her fifth week at n.2).
We’d been seeing Madonna in the tabloids and on TV, feeling out a new style as she hung out at basketball games and dated Tupac and Dennis Rodman… So when this video was released it felt consistent with her life, but not in a forced tourism way. As you said, she has always dated and featured men of colour in her life and work, and had many friends from across the spectrum of race and culture, so this is more of a return to the deeper New York feel for her. Harlem is such a beautiful, photogenic part of NYC, and they did it proud with this stunningly soulful cinematography and casting a wonderful range of people… especially the guy playing Madonna’s gorgeous boyfriend 😍 Ooo gimme all your secrets!
Personally though, I felt a lot of warmth from this video. My father had died the year this came out, and because he was a jazz musician, he would talk in glowing terms about jazz luminaries and the places they came from, so the band and the whole setting of this video gave me warm feelings of my Dad.
I interpret the baby at the end as a narrative twist on people’s assumptions of what Madonna is looking for in life, and a reflection of her own thoughts turning more toward potential motherhood.
When you rewatch the video, keep an eye out for all the hand gestures featured. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Riffing on the line “happiness lies in your own hands”, Madonna and director Melodie McDaniel developed the metaphor into an endlessly repeated motif in the video 🤲
Also Madonna was form Detroit which has a large black population so it’s not like this was far from people she grew up with.
😂 so Madonna was doing for the nba what taylor’s doing for the nfl 😂. And noted about the hand gesture
I was 13 when this came out. Song was a radio hit and the video was so alluring, creating an urban world I could not relate to but found gritty and beautiful. She looked beautiful and modern in a hip hop white lady way, but also 1970s. If you watched The Duece a few years ago, similar vibe. I could tell she was now a grande dame of pop, older than TLC and Mariah who seemed young and fresh. But Madonna seemed wise and deep and sensual in a way they did not.
interesting pov as especially as someone who was younger. during the erotica era i wondered about that alot. like how did the youth you had propelled her to stardom - how did the second generation of youth at the time feel about her
And that Madonna walk 😍
At this time in Madonna’s life; she was becoming more spiritual . She was starting to study the Kabalah which deals with the law of the universe and thing that she was realizing is that the energy that you give out; the Universe will return it to you. Therefore, because of the fact that she repeats the words “ happiness lies in your own hands “ I believe that she is referring to The Law Of Attraction which is the concept that the book “ The Secret “ is based on
🔥
Awwww able to watch two Madonna reactions from my beautiful Empress 💗
😍😍
My favorite Madonna video and song along with I'll Remember.
As a New Yorker raised in Spanish Harlem; I love the vibe of this video because I can identify with it
🔥
Absolutely loved this video. I was 13 almost 14 when it was released. The grittiness of Harlem worked very well with the sound of the song. This was the beginning of a string of amazing clips made for this album. Personally, the best videos of any M era. I saw her on Thursday in Chicago and the Bedtime Stories album was represented with a part of Human Nature and an extremely cool version of Bedtime Story. This was a number one song in Canada and Switzerland. The remix went #1 on the US.Dance Club chart (which she holds the title of 50 #1's) and #3 on the Billboard 100.
My fisrt album that i bought - Bedtime......
The video was shot in a depraved part of New York, who she lived in her young years at the end of 70's. Because at this period of her life, when she shot the video in september 1994, many critics noted the video was seem her first time her intention to have a mother when she shot the video, and it's noted at the close of the video. She became a mother in 1996, when her daughter was born.
The video was know to her to celebrate also the black community in a good way without prejudice and was a major playing in MTV with others urban artists like TLC, Boyz II Men or Toni Braxton. Melanie McDaniel directed this video.
But because of the bakclash of the ''Erotica'' era, unlike the past eras, Warner made very little promotion for this album and Madonna not make a lot of interviews during this era unlike ''Like a prayer'' or ''Erotica'' era who she was interviewed a lot. The album debuted worse then ''Erotica'' the first weeks (for example in US, ''Bedtime Stories'' selling least then ''Erotica'' the first week and also debuting at n.3, while ''Erotica'' debuting at n.2), but the success of this song and ''Take a Bow'' made a longevity on the album and ending to have a little better impact then ''Erotica'' (''Erotica'' was sold 6 millions to date and ''Bedtime Stories'' sold 8 millions to date).
Patrick Demarchelier was in charge of the cover photo session.
@@Matuteilcapo You're right, it's my error, sorry for that confusion. I made the correction.
Interesting!
I just love how she looks during this era especially in this video ❤❤
You’re right that this is the first time you’ve seen her walking in the city since borderline. This is a call back to her roots, and she’s walking through Harlem.
Also, I don’t believe that nose ring is real. In the 90s, you could get them with magnets, so you didn’t actually have to pierce.
I enjoy your reviews, and your singing as well. ♥️
I think it is real. She rocked that for a while and at this point magnetic jewelry wasn’t widespread. Hot topic was still edgy.
I think she walked in the streets of NYC on La Isla Bonita and Papa Don’t Preach as well 🤓
@@tommypicklez8285 Oh yeah… PDP was filmed in NY! I forgot about that. But La Isla Bonita was filmed in Los Angeles.
It was real because she talked about taking it out and the hole was still there a long time after.
@@bensellers7151 Ok 👍🏼
The sophisticated grown woman Papa Don't be preachin WALK lol!
😂😂that’s right
The video depicts her transformation or rebirth but also depicts her search for unconditional love in the form of motherhood........ her need to bestow all of the spirituality and internal instincts to a child. I believe that her need for a child was a therapeutic or healing thing for her experience of losing her mother so early.
The "Secret" was all of the new lessons in spirituality that someone or something was teaching her ans/or inspiring her. It's interstate to note that there was a spirituality book out at the time that was EXTREMELY popular caled "The secret".
Whoa! Great interpretation
No.1 hit in Brazil, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and on the European chart. In the US, peaked at no.9 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart and was blocked from no.1 on the Hot 100 by Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do" and Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" (on its 11th week at no.1 out of the 14 weeks it held on to the top position)
I hope you enjoyed seeing mid-90s era Harlem. This is one of my favorite videos because it's like a photo essay of a time and place that seems like it still exists but not at the same time. Madonna was definitely "softening" her image post-Erotica, but in true Madonna fashion, her version of "softening" isn't "soft".
😂💯
There’s a dance mix video to Secret too. Kinda fun to watch.
can't wait to see
Empress, didn't Madonna have the nose piercing on the album cover too? I still remember the first time I saw this video really well. The single and the video came out on the same day - a couple weeks before the full album came out - on my 18th birthday on October 4, 1994 - I was a senior. MTV had been advertising the premiere date for the video and even mentioned what times during the day they would be airing it. So I got up at 6 AM on a school day and watched the official very first airing of "Secret." I suppose it was worth it for the memory hahaha! There was one thing that caught my attention when I watched it. Remember back during Playground and Erotica era when you said Madonna was starting to look 90's and who is this 90's lady? For me, this video was my first realization that Madonna really was getting older, like for real, not the teeny bopper boy toy anymore. And then I noticed a lot of the media saying the same thing over the next couple of weeks, only they were so mean about it. It's like Madonna wasn't being controversial right now so we're just going to talk about how "old" she looks. Even Beavis and Butthead made a joke about it. Watching this again now, no she doesn't look 20 anymore but she still looks like a beautiful young lady, doesn't she? What were people even thinking?
Ah, her age at play! Thanks for bringing that up in a real context. I remember during the erotica era I mentioned that the youth of the time prolly started viewing her as older. Thanks for bringing this up from your pic back then
I’m impressed that you’re young and really know your Madonna! Good to see her music can live on for generations. 😀
Thanks! I’ve literally been on a journey since 2020. Feel free to check out my Madonna playlist
@@EmpressReacts I’ve been watching them all! So much fun.
Loved it from first listen! When she hums part of the chorus, it’s usually a top 10 all-time Madonna song for me. See also: Frozen.
The guy showing off his abs is the late, great Michael K. Williams, who would go on to play Omar on The Wire.
I thought that was him
This is the first song & video I knew from her, the first era I went through. It has a ver special place in my heart. The Jean Harlow-style was still present here and of course her support to the black and latino communities, as usual. She was dating 2Pac in this period too.
Don’t forget Madonna did walk the gritty streets in Papa don’t Preach 😆. I loved this song on first listen and thought the video was great. At the time I wasn’t a fan of her look. I preferred the more glam Madonna but in retrospect I love the change and seems an updated version of her early street style.
I loved her look at the time. It is actually very glam. Also reminds me of Courtney Love. And since she tried to sign Hole to Maverick I wouldn’t put it passed Madonna to have a bit of Courtney influence here.
So true!
The aesthetics of this video fits the song perfectly🔥🔥. The moving mole or sometimes the disappearing mole mmm hmm. Shows the beauty of Harlem especially in black and white. Empress, again it has worked so well for you to separate the music from the visuals👏🏿.
Great comment..he beat me to it! It's gets better than this ha!
I agree 💯
I think they had to re-shoot the street scenes with her as the first time they didn’t like how she look, so they changed her hair and make up completely. You can find some pics of it here in the internet. I remember when I listen to it the first time, and it was when I saw the video for the first time as well. It was like a bomb. New style, new look and it was so good. I love that album so much!
Oh 😮
Brilliant song. 🔥🔥🔥 Brilliant music video. 🔥🔥🔥
🔥
Omg, I can't believe I got a shot out from Empress! I said I couldn't tell "La isla bonita" and "Take a Bow" were by the same artist. You absolutely just made my day!
Hey boo!!! It was you 😘😘 sorry i forgot your name
@@EmpressReacts No worries! 😘😘 😘
I think she looks gorgeous in this video, and I loved it when I first saw it at 13. It was a perfect (and you used the word!) SUBTLE way to start the Bedtime Stories video cycle while still showing she was Madonna. That smoky eye, the nose ring, the black-and-white cinematography - it's not as dynamic as other videos, but it WORKS.
I totally agree!
She came back super laidback, cool
as hell, love this video!!🙌🏽
There were pictures of her on the set of the video with curly poofy hair but she decided to go with the hairstyle you see in the video
Interesting! So they brushed those curls out
I was impressed with both song and video of Secret when I first saw and heard it. To me it seemed like she was maturing while still being Madonna. It made sense. The video inaugurates a great string of videos from the album. The videos for the 4 songs from Bedtime Stories that were made into videos are the strongest set of music videos Madonna did for an album. Artistic, entertaining, all memorable.
I was hooked the first time I heard this and still am!! One of my fave Madonna songs❤❤❤🔟🙌🏻
10s for song and video and this reaction. I love the Bedtime Stories album, probably my fave by her, never gets old. The singles and videos were among her best as well. Great era, extended by 1995 Something To Remember era. There are great Remixes to this song as well as Remix Video for the Club Mix. Very funky
Can't wait!
The video was shot in Harlem. She originally was supposed to have curly hair (like the Q Magazine December 1994 cover), but changed it. Please check out the song "Let Down Your Guard". It was released only in Japan as the b-side to the maxi single of Secret.
Noted
You understood the "secret". Her new boyfriend already has a child -- and he's afraid of how she might react with the news. The 90's were a different time, single parents were not as common as they are today. Love seeing you fall in love with the Bedtime Stories era. It's one of the best albums of her career, especially on VOCALS....
Ah thanks for the context
Was looking forward to this reaction Empress and you did not disappoint of course! 😃 I always wondered what the “secret” was as well but I always loved the urban, diverse imagery of this video and also thought the way it was filmed black & white was perfect for the laid back mid tempo groove of the song. Now looking forward to your Take a Bow video reaction! 😁
Theres a video for the Junior's Luscious Club Edit with different scenes from the same shoot as well. . The other videos were in order of release, Take A Bow, Bedtime story and Human Nature. Can't wait for your next reactions.
I love the dance remix video!
Also the house tracks from secret are very good Junior Vasquez Sound Factory house mix check it out.
Both the song and the video remain all time favs! The nose ring was new for the Bedtime Stories era, she also pierced her very famous bellybutton lol. She’s wearing a “Madonna” necklace in the video - which was years before SJP wore one in Sex & the City. No idea what the secret was in the video - assuming it’s the boyfriend and perhaps the kid? Every video for this album are 🔥🔥👏
SJP had a SJP chain or a Madonna chain? 😂
@@EmpressReacts SJP had a Carrie chain in Sex and the City 😂
@@mjb78 interesting! I’ve heard of the show and movies but have never watched
@@EmpressReacts Some aspects of the show haven’t aged well, so it’s probably not something you need to check out lol. Also, not implying Madonna invented the trend, but definitely knew what was cool.
Hey, Great song chocie to review!, i remember seeing the video, and remember the chorus and the B & W music video, it was a stand out of madona, empress you always have a beautiful singing voice yourself, so impressive, many regards, Ian & Zey :)
Wow thanks!
top 3 favorite Madonna song and video.
Yes to Borderline allusion! I just realized it before you said it- 3:08 when she is standing in the leather top looking annoyed. It was giving me outside pool hall in borderline. 😂 ❤ Love this jam. Love Borderline! ❤
yaaaas! we're such a vibe
This is such a beautiful video. Her makeup isn't Kevyn Aucoin in this video. She worked with him for a video on "Ray of Light".
Ah, well shoutout to the mua
I like to play this video after Justify My Love, she put her suitcase in the club, changed Trenchcoat, not underwear and just chilling out after her wild night. The underwear she washes in Bad Girl😂
😂😂
One of my favourite Madonna videos and songs. Glad you love it ❤
So good!
Sushi was getting rolled by Rodman in the beginning of this era, before she goes completely blonde.
😂😂so she’s not completely blonde hear?
I think she had a nose ring on letterman and in I’ll Remember. I was a little disappointed with the video when it came out just because it was so tame compared to the Erotica videos, which had big storylines (Bad Girl, Deeper and Deeper), pushed the envelope (Erotica), or used the latest technology (Rain). I came to appreciate this video and album much later on. Of course we’ll see the storylines, envelope pushing, and tech in future videos so not to worry!
The Wonder Bra (1994)
Oh 😂
When I saw the video I decided to get my nose pierced too
😂cool
Can you imagine I really was disappointed when this song came out, Empress??? But I did and can't believe it nowadays. I guess I was so used to pop or dance Madonna that I needed some time to like this R&B stuff, but soon I did. It was the same experience I had with Eurythmics "Would I Lie To You" in spring 1985. To hear this after all that electronica stuff by them was too much for me. I needed to learn to embrace different kinds of music, I guess.
she kept the nose ring in for a little while, probably like 6 months or so..
Oh so just a phase 😂
Very simple but tasteful video. This one had a lower budget so that they could go all out for the next two videos from this era.
Interesting! The biggest hit off the album and her career had the low budget video 😂
@@EmpressReacts Yeah it’s a head-scratcher but I’m guessing she wanted a softer launch into this era and a greater focus on the music after the pandemonium over the visuals going into the previous era.
Also, I believe the remix video was the *first* MTV remix video premiere but don't quote me on that.
No, ''Fever'' video was a remix.
I think you misunderstood my post. I'm talking about a remix video. Yes, the Fever music video uses a different mix than the album version, but the Junior Vasquez remix of Secret has its own unique music video which includes clips not seen in the original music video. This was a new concept back then.
❤❤❤
Hi empress , and baby empress ❤️. It is true she wanted to showcase Harlem In the 90’s because she felt the architectural elements and culture were so beautiful ( this was said in an interview way before gentrification) She has always loved the brown and black community. From the beginning of her career until now. I’m Latino, so I’m brown. There is some debate then and now about appropriating the culture, but for me it comes across sincere and like she really admires the beauty in non white culture. I’m flattered actually and touched. What do you think empress ? Do you feel like it’s a legit admirer of our culture or do u think she did it for clout or maybe both? Lastly, I think she does look older ( big difference between 30-35, and again 40-45 - I speak from experience) but she at the time of this video exudes sexuality and a grown woman beauty , I remember thinking she had the best legs. They must had been waxed , before waxing was a thing. I think this video is very chic
I think a combo of both
Sad she didn't perform this Friday night when I saw her :/
😥
One of my favorite videos of all time. She looks fresh sounds 🔥 the guitar 🔥 besides nose ring she has the belly button pierced. Her nose ring debuted with letterman short hair interview. Peter Shue was supposed to comeout in the video as the male lead. Madonna waspaying 300k. He had gotten busted by FBI and blames Madonna. But if you hear the interview he did it was his own fault.the city walking Borderline, papa dont preach and besides Secret we have maybe 2 more walking videos.
Who is Peter Shute?
@@EmpressReacts Peter Shue was a huge drug lord like Haitian Jack in NYC. He says Madonna wanted to gave his kid. When Madonna founded Maverick she was trying to direct movies so she bought the rights to a former DEA woman who was responsible for bringing drug lords down. Madonna was developing the movie and wanted Shue to be part of it so he introduced them and told him who she was. Moral of the story that former dea met with Shue on a separate party and was crying to him how she was broke and needed $$ for an emergency. Shue went ahead and give her a big amount no more than 100k and then that former DEA started the investigation on him on how he got that $$$. When tbe investigation started Madonna offered him 300kto start on the video. He declined because his girlfriend did not let him because she didn't like Madonna. To me he could have used that $ to say he was part of the entertainment industry and will get cash deals but he refused to come out in the video according to him Madonna begged him several times. Story short he lost hiz case went to federal prison and now he blames Madonna for introducing him to the DEA. He claims she set him up.
@@JohnJohn-xw8kj oh plz he was dumb for giving that woman that large amount of money especially knowing her background
Didn't she had the piercing when she was with David Letterman?
Yeah she did
Mmmm mmmm.
3 secrets: Harlem like beautiful place, happiness and possible the child of bf 🧏🏻♂️
Interesting
This song is a masterpiece. There was rumours this was a ode to masturbation. “Happiness lies in your own hand…”.
😂😂yall were so nasty
I was slightly disappointed the first time I saw the video because Madonna still seemed to have remnants of her Erotica/'Dita'-era look. I wanted her go back to her vampy, pre-1992 dark eyebrows and beauty mark above the lip look. It took me a long time to get used to her with light eyebrows. It just seemed so un-Madonna.
Now she doesn’t even have the mole anymore lol
Omg love hearing this! Most ppl are saying the just accepted the “new” her but I know som people had to miss some parts of the “old “ her
I have no idea what the video is about! It could be about alot of things! After all these years she never reveal ed what it was. I saw a Trans women, a mixed women. I'd definitely had some to do with the different colors of black. It could be about an interracial relationship. Idk, I always grasped at straws lol. Good jazz vibe in the lounge though!
😂right
What do you think the ‘secret’ was? That she had a child, that her boyfriend had a child, that her boyfriend was black? I wonder if this was M giving a clue that she was dating Tupac… hmmm… 🔟🔟🔟 obviously!
My babys got a Secret, i always thought it was that her boyf had a child
But none of these seem like secrets so to speak especially the child because they were pretty big, maybe if it was a newborn by another woman
Taylor swift would never make this type of video
❤❤❤