Hello all! Let me first start off by saying, I am SO sorry for slaughtering my pronunciation of "Lourdes", thank you for all the jokes in the comments though. Additionally, I mixed up numbers and state "Ray of Light" came out in 1988 when I meant to say 1998. I flop hard on pronunciation and numbers, which are both equally important. Forgive me 🙏 🥴
Madonna made too much of an impact, today’s generations just cannot understand. She’s the biggest female artist of all time, and her influence on culture and music can never be overestimated. I love her so much.
While I LOVE Ray of Light, she most certainly did not invent the "mature album" for female artists, that is to ignore all of the pivotal work of female recording stars before her.
Her best album in my opinion, it could have been even better had it been included Has To Be, what a gorgeous song. Mer Girl is an underrated masterpiece.
@@nathanbradleyf777 after that i feel she lost touch with what is quality electronic music, running into tragic EDM sounds. With Ray Of Light, William Orbit was popular in the charts but that's such a different time. Top 40 style charts have lost much of what they had and the music they do contain is pretty low grade mainstream shite a lot of the time, in terms of dance music
Ray of Light is not only mentioned by critics as one of the best pop albums ever created, but it is also a trendsetter. It was because of it that Electronica and Techno music started to be incorporated in the work of many pop artists, Madonna was always a trailblazer and so ahead of the time in each and every one her albums. I feel so disappointed that many people from this generation try to invalidate her legacy and influence as she totally paved the way for female pop artists and other musicians, and supported minotiries like LGBTQ+ when it was a big risk for her to do so, the ageism towards her is just absurd.
@@eduardochavacano Super pop isn't apart of the album. I love new york has cheesy lyrics but the production is the best on the album. Even Madonna said I love new york was her favorite on the album. Hung up wasn't trying hard at all. It felt natural for Madonna. 4 minutes was trying hard
@Marvin Morawski Lol you're clearly deaf. As the album progresses, it gets more mellow and the lyrics get more deep. It's a masterpiece because the production is amazing but it also has amazing lyrics towards the end. The songs blend really well together as well.
Madonna is one of the last few MEGA ICONS left. She wrote the book for women in pop music. Everyone after her has just been taking notes from that book. I can't wait for her coming biopic!!!!!!!
@@pinkpunk2689 yeh Cher was good well she still-good and many other female artists Debbie Harry etc before Madonna , but Madonna took it to the the nxt level . She’s the most successful female singer of all time has had so many hit singles , albums, tours she’s broken records . The biggest solo touring artist of all time . Madonna changes her styles so much in her appearance and in her music style. Her videos , her tours all these things and challenging people , believing in everything she does not afraid to try something new and if it doesn’t work she’s bck again with something different. Obviously there’s always other artists pop or film stars that Influence other artist . Which Madonna is aware of and always acknowledges people before her and who’s influenced her . I think Madonna was just a completely different artist
from 1989 -2006 Madonna was in her classic period. Everything she did was innovative, her Tours was Grande, her Videos were Iconic, Her albums were groundbreaking. Madonna was a pioneer during this period and to me deserve more praise for her work.
The Titanic soundtrack cock blocked ROL from the #1 spot. That being said it was the higher opening ever for a female at that time in terms of opening week numbers.
In fact, the title track ''Ray of Light'' debuting at her hightest peak, at n.5 in Billboard Hot 100. This will be her higher debut of her career. ''Frozen'' also debuting at the top 10 the first week in Billboard hot 100, at n.8, before reaching in n.2 few weeks later. The two songs was her highest debut of the charts of her career.
Most of the Younger Generations don't understand who and What Madonna is. They all looked at her as an 'old wannabe'. They never know how Brutal her influence were. How she change the game for women. How she paved the way for new artists. How she Unapologetically put Gayness in the Mainstream... And how she broke taboos. I cannot imagine the world without Madonna. (yo girl also make my own music... It would make me so happy if u guys take a look)
Yes 👏 Being young myself, I can only imagine growing up as she emerged into the industry. I can only read about it now and watch interviews, but what an interesting thing it would have been to literally experience her shape pop culture and music - not just hear about it.
I'm glad you brought up the "'Shallow' moment". I saw the same sort of parallel with Gaga and Madonna when they transitioned into being seen as more "respectable"
Love this Comment🥰 ROL was all about enlightenment & growth & 24 years later it really has stood the test of time...I love every second of it including all the videos Lyrics & blips...👑
I loved ROL. Every song, each single and music video from that album is perfection. Too bad it's been almost 23 years ever since, and she hasn't released an album nearly as ambitious and beautiful vocally or musically. I guess it was once in a lifetime masterpiece.
Every artist I think has that ONE album that either stands out to fans, critics or both in a way that none of their other works can. I think that's what makes music so special; you never know when an artist will create something so meaningful, and neither do they. Even if that "meaning" isn't replicated, because I don't believe it ever can be, it makes it all that much more special.
Absolutely agree with all yv said here...it feels like the past 10 years b4 it were all leading up to ROL @40... I also love how Rebel heart was a good rtn2form (after the Luke warm MDNA) & how well it lead to the epic Madame X which I absolutely love & respect 🌹
You know just HOW GOOD this album is? As someone who is not a fan of pop music or Madonna in general, i absolutely love this album. It's pretty close to perfection. For years i had been a fan of the title track, Frozen and Power of Goodbye and now as i finally listened the whole thing through, i had to buy it right away (as i still collect cd's) I can't get enough of this record!
I have listened to a few tracks off the album for about a month. They sound amazing. I have really been getting into Madonna. I really need to listen to her albums. This video came at the right time. Her Erotica 2005 confessions version is an underrated almost unknown masterpiece.
You def need to listen to more of her records! I’m much more of an “older” Madonna fan so of course I recommend “Like A Virgin” and “True Blue”. Her recent “Madame X” is interesting for sure, and “Rebel Heart” is a great listen.
@@adamd6648 I got into Madonna because of "Rebel Heart". I went through a period where I really didn't like it, but have revisited it recently and fell in love all over again!
If Madonna was just desperate to have #1 singles, why would she released a single written by Bjork???? Bjork doesnt make hit songs! But Madonna spent millions on Video of a Bjork song.
Bjork was the greatest revolution of that time. Madonna was desperate to collaborate with her. Ray of ligth was Madonna's attempt to do something close to what Bjork was doing
I wished you talked more about the songs and vids! Her imagery shift was amazing and I loved the way it for her music. Thanks for this vid, Madonna deserves so much
OMG OMG OMG.... U don't know how happy I am right now! Ray of Light is the best pop album for me. The reinvention, the intricacies, the production, the artistic control, the thematic spectrum, the creative dimension, the maturity, the innovation, the revolutionariness, the cohesion even though the album explores different genres.... WHAT A HIGH ART!
It really did change her! I can only imagine how motherhood may impact a woman, especially one in the music industry! Interested to see with so many artists announcing their pregnancies and having children, how it may change their music!
What made the ROL era even more impressive was that the album came out in 1998, just as the teen pop scene led by Britney, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera and N Sync was breaking out,.and Madonna was already 40 y.o. Still, the Queen prevailed, and even managed to break Electronica into the mainstream, even amidst the barrage of Max Martin productions flooding the airwaves, and younger acts literally half her age were nipping at her heels.
You didn’t mention I’ll Remember which charted at number 2 and was number one on the adult contemporary charts and sold 500,000 copies in a year. Released in March 1994 before Bedtime Stories. This was the song that turned things around for Madonna.
Ahh, you're so right! I was focused upon more full body of works instead of individually released tracks. Thank you for bringing this up; definitely will make me pay more attention to things like this going forward!
@@popdissected4400 Thanks so much. Really appreciated the video as it really documented well those different periods and how she was able to reinvent herself. ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Pop Dissected, this is the last time I will be making a request in the comments because I know about your patreon. But I just really want to put this request in. “Yoko Ono and if she deserves/doesn’t deserve the hate she gets” Personally I think that she is a good artist and most things people accuse her of are fake. With a few exceptions.
I love seeing all your suggestions! You’ve given me so many wonderful ideas, and they don’t go ignored. Trust, many of your ideas will become videos :)
Janet Jackson was the first female artist in history to have the biggest debut in sales with over 350 thousand units for the Janet album then came Madonna. It’s important to note that, otherwise people will have it confused as per who did what and first.
Just like the Madame X era. A daring experimental Record. Her battle is now ageism and with One bad performance at Eurovision people are ending her career again and again. She was suppose to sing 2 different singles in the Eurovision contest but, was force by the organization to not sing any controversial material like the song God Control which she switch to the song Future. I believe she was sabotaged by the technical people just because Madonna supports Palestine’s. Yes albums today don’t sell like they use too. Her last two albums didn’t receive any radio just because she 60. A blockbuster albums sales today is considered 1.5 million. Madonna with her last two efforts with no major promotion managed to sale north of 500.000 each.
Wow, I didn't know all of that! Speaking of sales, it's interesting to think how Madonna has lived through so many different consumptions of music; cassettes, CDs, streaming and the resurgence of vinyls!
@Aaron Glover As of August of 2020, "Madame X" sold 169,000 adjusted units in the United States. variety.com/2020/music/news/madonna-interscope-records-leaves-1234729735/ However, in July of 2019 it was reported the record sold 300,000 units worldwide. news.madonnatribe.com/en/2019/madame-x-breaks-the-300k-sales-mark/ However in August of that year, the Twitter account 'chartdata' reported it had sold 440,000 copies. twitter.com/chartdata/status/1167240517974933504?lang=en
i had no idea Madonna wanted to perform God Control at the Eurovision, future was a terrible addition with that idiot rapper who didn't want to be there, they should have had Maluma, he would have been able to give a eurovision worthy performance and he actually enjoyed working with Madonna and praised her, that rapper from future literally said on tv that he didn't like madonna growing up lol
Still love Ray of Light to this day. For 2 years we had constant radio play and video play of all the singles in Aus . Frozen #5, Ray of Light #6, Drowned World/Substitute for Love #16, The Power of Goodbye #33, Nothing Really Matters #15. On average the singles spent 8 weeks in the Top 50. Would love to see their individual chart run for the ARIA Top 100. Maybe I can contact ARIA and see if they provide the info for free.
Here are some links that may help you with finding more information on her chart run in Australia. For the last link, you're able to set any time frame on the chart to see when singles charted and hit their peak. It also provides data for the singles' position the week before and how long it was on the chart. australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Madonna web.archive.org/web/20190327145510/pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20120416-0000/Issue1154.pdf web.archive.org/web/20201017075224/www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart
I also have an impression that her compilation "Something to remember" was meant to underline that he's also a singer - kinda like a foundation to "Ray of Light"? Keep me straight here if I don't get something :)
Yes! It was put out with the intent of audiences to focus on her music - not the controversy that overtook her during the early 90s. Her own statement in regards to the compilation was... "So much controversy has swirled around my career this past decade that very little attention ever gets paid to my music. The songs are all but forgotten. While I have no regrets regarding the choices I've made artistically, I've learned to appreciate the idea of doing things in a simpler way. So without a lot of fanfare, without any distractions, I present to you this collection of ballads. Some are old, some are new. All of them are from my heart."
This is an real experimental record in her career. Listen to those sounds, the lyrics of the songs, her incredible image from "Frozen" to "The Power of goodbye" on the videos, all of these goes through an incredible journey that I had not experienced before. It was really amazing all that we've gone through during 1998 and 1999. In addition, presenting the songs on her later Drowned World Tour was incredible despite she was promoting another album. The decision of working together with William Orbit was the she could have done. Years have just gone by and still is my favourite album among all. )I(
Really an excellent dissection/analysis. I’ve been a fan since Day One and am a Deep Thinker about all things Madge, and I truly enjoyed this insightful trip down memory lane and the enlightening perspective passage of time affords
I totally get that perspective! I think we sometimes overlook albums that are more, as you described, "risky, versatile, inventive" because they aren't as conventional as we may like.
Erotica was sooo underated wtf !!! It's not my fav but it's definitely her best work !! She was so groundbreaking with that masterpiece !!! Ray of light is super ☺️😍❤️
I found out today (February 2023) that this perfect Madonna record that I've loved for dozens of years (well, 2 dozen) is a cover!! Original is "Sepheryn" in 1971 by UK folk duo Curtiss Maldoon (you can find it on youtube). Wow!
Erotica is such an important record. One of the most revolutionary of all time. It has been acknowledged as such - so why is the general public so slow to realise it 😔
The GP takes time to realize the great music they once shunned 🤷♀️ Which is why I love seeing #JusticeFor ... whatever album trending on Twitter because people are recognizing so many records that were once overlooked!
RAY OF LIGHT was Enlightenment @40....I feel the past 10 years b4 it were leading to this epic moment that's my fave M era 1989-1999 ✅True blue was 80s magic, LIke a prayer was Iconic 2005s Confessions was ground breaking & if we fast fwd 10 years i have so much love & respect for 2015 'Rebel Heart' 🥰& especially 2019s Madame X 😍 I welcome the next chapter 👑
She might have paved the way for electronic mainstream music in America, but it was already huge in the UK and Europe, which I spose is why she worked with mostly English producers on it. Interestingly, she asked Goldie to work on the album and he said no....which is why there are little drum'n'bass elements scattered through it. Can you imagine if ROL had been a D'n'B album??? I'd have loved it, but I doubt it would have been as huge! lol
Everything these girls are doing now is a generic copy of what Madonna has already done. Not to knock anybody but it's the truth. Every pop star owes Madonna & Michael Jackson thanks. Without those 2 in particular music & culture would look very different today and not nearly as exciting..
Not too long ago, well maybe it was, I was contemplating going to a Madonna concert here in ATL. When I came across how much tickets were going for I realized that concert tickets had gone through the roof ... I was out. I had another friend who attended a Madonna concert up north and waited two hours for her to get on stage. Yeah two hours. He said he'd never go to another one of her concerts again.
I’m biased because I’m a Madonna fan. I ‘discovered’ her in 2004 when I was 15 and when I came across Express Yourself, it pushed me to come out as gay. To me, that song was just: “express yourself, say who are - say it now and and say it LOUD!”. But I totally get her Erotica phase. She was in her early 30s then, as I am now. And it was around the time I turned 30 that I only properly started thinking about sex. In my 20s it was just something I did that I liked. But since turning 30, I think more about the sort of sex I want, the people I want to do it with and the situations in which I’d like it occur. So I think Madonna’s Erotica phase was just an artistic expression of a natural mental evolution of that sometimes happens to people around the time they turn 30 🤷🏻☺️
It's true. One thing I've learned while making videos on this channel is how many incredible artists I've overlooked for so long, and never realized how they impacted modern music!
I listened to literally every song on every album on Spotify recently to see which songs to give a hear to (and which albums to give a heart to, I only do that for the 10's - usually albums that all songs are heart, but that isn't necessarily required) - and American Life and all of the albums after might just surprise you with the at least 3-5 quality songs you will favorite. Even a "bad" Madonna album is good if not great. (Madonna's tens for me are all three of her 90's albums - Erotica, Bedtime Stories, and Ray of Light - as well as Confessions; the two in-between the three and the one is also much greater than I think people remember or realized based on not listening to all of their songs). PS - On a side note - Sudan Articles latest album is a ten.
Excellent video! Thank you for acknowledging Madonna's relationship with the LGBTQ Community. It truly is a shame that people were much more close minded during the Erotica era. One day you should do a video on Cher's Believe. I find it interesting that both Believe and Ray of Light were released around the same time and both of those records redefined these women's careers. Just a thought.
Since Madonna came on to the scene in the early 80s critics called her a one-hit wonder and that she would burn out. She’ still Queen of Pop and outselling concerts like no one.
Hello all! Let me first start off by saying, I am SO sorry for slaughtering my pronunciation of "Lourdes", thank you for all the jokes in the comments though. Additionally, I mixed up numbers and state "Ray of Light" came out in 1988 when I meant to say 1998. I flop hard on pronunciation and numbers, which are both equally important. Forgive me 🙏 🥴
Please. No worries. I really love all your videos and we are all human Come on ❤️
Ok, you redeemed yourself on the release date for ROL, I posted and gave you shit in fun only. Lol
the fact madonna went from "sex" to "enlightened" will never not be iconic
Facts.
Harry Helmut was the brother of Winky Helmut who later changed his name to Helmut Winkey while Harry changed his name to Helmut Hood"
did you forget about bedtime stories
@@hilaryhongkong bedtime stories was the “to” part
@@ethypoo 💀💀💀
Madonna made too much of an impact, today’s generations just cannot understand. She’s the biggest female artist of all time, and her influence on culture and music can never be overestimated. I love her so much.
True, I don't understand why Michael is hugely relevant and popular and loved among even the newer generations, but madonna isn't.
@@NotJoegoldberg I still love her, I have at least 6 CD’s by her.
@@NotJoegoldberg that’s cause she is still alive. Wait until after she is dead. They will all kiss her ass, like they do with MJ.
@@umberto9963 Exactly , People Don't Appreciate Artist Until They Are Gone 😕
Don't forget cher
she invented the ''mature album'' for females artists, you should make more videos about her, we owe her so much
We do! She really paved the way for many of our modern female artists.
While I LOVE Ray of Light, she most certainly did not invent the "mature album" for female artists, that is to ignore all of the pivotal work of female recording stars before her.
@@IDontWantThisStupidHandle she didn’t invent it but she helped popularize it
she didn’t invent anything. 🤣
'Confessions on a Dance Floor' is art, too. ♡
Her best album in my opinion, it could have been even better had it been included Has To Be, what a gorgeous song. Mer Girl is an underrated masterpiece.
Absolutely!
Confessions was perfection. The album, the look, the tour were all flawless. After that.....not so much.
@@nathanbradleyf777 after that i feel she lost touch with what is quality electronic music, running into tragic EDM sounds. With Ray Of Light, William Orbit was popular in the charts but that's such a different time. Top 40 style charts have lost much of what they had and the music they do contain is pretty low grade mainstream shite a lot of the time, in terms of dance music
@@spangol87 Instead of leading she started following.
I love Madonna videos !! Please don't stop making them. She is a revolutionary artist that we don't talk enough about.
AMEN
She is the best she is one of my idols
I'll never stop 😃 She really is THE moment, and we all owe her, as well as many incredible artists, a lot of credit!
@@popdissected4400 PLEASE do a video around The MDNA era. including the album and the controversy surrounding the MDNA world tour
@@limecrime187 I'd love to!
Ray of Light is not only mentioned by critics as one of the best pop albums ever created, but it is also a trendsetter. It was because of it that Electronica and Techno music started to be incorporated in the work of many pop artists, Madonna was always a trailblazer and so ahead of the time in each and every one her albums. I feel so disappointed that many people from this generation try to invalidate her legacy and influence as she totally paved the way for female pop artists and other musicians, and supported minotiries like LGBTQ+ when it was a big risk for her to do so, the ageism towards her is just absurd.
Agree 100% 👏
Ray of Light is a MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think many would say Confessions on a Dancefloor was pop perfection also.
Absolutely !
The holy trinity : Like a Prayer, Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dance Floor.
Confessions had some shitty tracks like Super Pop and I Love New York. And Hung Up was trying too hard.
@@eduardochavacano Super pop isn't apart of the album. I love new york has cheesy lyrics but the production is the best on the album. Even Madonna said I love new york was her favorite on the album. Hung up wasn't trying hard at all. It felt natural for Madonna. 4 minutes was trying hard
@Marvin Morawski Lol you're clearly deaf. As the album progresses, it gets more mellow and the lyrics get more deep. It's a masterpiece because the production is amazing but it also has amazing lyrics towards the end. The songs blend really well together as well.
We need more Madonna videos, this generation need to know about her impact on today’s society.
I'm hooked on learning about Madonna. Definitely thinking when I do another video on her, I'm gonna jump into the 80s :)
@@popdissected4400 Omfg yes
Madonna is one of the last few MEGA ICONS left. She wrote the book for women in pop music. Everyone after her has just been taking notes from that book.
I can't wait for her coming biopic!!!!!!!
Her biopic will be amazing! I can’t wait either!
Also to think that without her we may still be stuck in that annoying 70’s music where pop wasn’t very good.
Cher ???
@@pinkpunk2689 yeh Cher was good well she still-good and many other female artists Debbie Harry etc before Madonna , but Madonna took it to the the nxt level . She’s the most successful female singer of all time has had so many hit singles , albums, tours she’s broken records . The biggest solo touring artist of all time . Madonna changes her styles so much in her appearance and in her music style. Her videos , her tours all these things and challenging people , believing in everything she does not afraid to try something new and if it doesn’t work she’s bck again with something different. Obviously there’s always other artists pop or film stars that Influence other artist . Which Madonna is aware of and always acknowledges people before her and who’s influenced her . I think Madonna was just a completely different artist
she is the Only Mega Icon!
Madonna can never be "Over"
Period....tea.
She’s just the way people don’t let woman to be. UNSTOPPABLE.
The song Frozen still give me chills. The vídeo is ICONIC! Definitely her best álbum!
Yessss!
The same with “The Power of Good-bye”
Frozen & The Power Of Goodbye are flawless. Its pure art
from 1989 -2006 Madonna was in her classic period. Everything she did was innovative, her Tours was Grande, her Videos were Iconic, Her albums were groundbreaking. Madonna was a pioneer during this period and to me deserve more praise for her work.
Yesss 👏 Without a doubt!
I can't believe that neither the album nor the title track went number one! That just shocks me!
I can’t get that neither, a wonderful and catchy song like ROL deserved to get to number one spot.
The Titanic soundtrack cock blocked ROL from the #1 spot. That being said it was the higher opening ever for a female at that time in terms of opening week numbers.
In fact, the title track ''Ray of Light'' debuting at her hightest peak, at n.5 in Billboard Hot 100. This will be her higher debut of her career. ''Frozen'' also debuting at the top 10 the first week in Billboard hot 100, at n.8, before reaching in n.2 few weeks later. The two songs was her highest debut of the charts of her career.
It still sold 16 million records worldwide
@@NovaContext that's a myth. It sold 20M, according to her own page
Most of the Younger Generations don't understand who and What Madonna is. They all looked at her as an 'old wannabe'.
They never know how Brutal her influence were. How she change the game for women. How she paved the way for new artists. How she Unapologetically put Gayness in the Mainstream... And how she broke taboos.
I cannot imagine the world without Madonna.
(yo girl also make my own music... It would make me so happy if u guys take a look)
Yes 👏 Being young myself, I can only imagine growing up as she emerged into the industry. I can only read about it now and watch interviews, but what an interesting thing it would have been to literally experience her shape pop culture and music - not just hear about it.
I personally believe this era just stamped her as the Queen Of Pop
Facts 💅
Madonna Is still the queen of pop
Period 👑
I'm glad you brought up the "'Shallow' moment". I saw the same sort of parallel with Gaga and Madonna when they transitioned into being seen as more "respectable"
Yes!!! Absolutely!
Same! I'm one of the few Madonna fans that also likes Lady Gaga.
She dropped her persona and opened up her soul, and that's why this album resonated so powerfully.
Love this Comment🥰 ROL was all about enlightenment & growth & 24 years later it really has stood the test of time...I love every second of it including all the videos Lyrics & blips...👑
I loved ROL. Every song, each single and music video from that album is perfection. Too bad it's been almost 23 years ever since, and she hasn't released an album nearly as ambitious and beautiful vocally or musically. I guess it was once in a lifetime masterpiece.
Every artist I think has that ONE album that either stands out to fans, critics or both in a way that none of their other works can. I think that's what makes music so special; you never know when an artist will create something so meaningful, and neither do they. Even if that "meaning" isn't replicated, because I don't believe it ever can be, it makes it all that much more special.
Absolutely agree with all yv said here...it feels like the past 10 years b4 it were all leading up to ROL @40... I also love how Rebel heart was a good rtn2form (after the Luke warm MDNA) & how well it lead to the epic Madame X which I absolutely love & respect 🌹
I listen to this album alllll the time. Truly a timeless masterpiece. The title track Ray of Light is also my GO TO dive bar song lol.
Yesssss!
You know just HOW GOOD this album is? As someone who is not a fan of pop music or Madonna in general, i absolutely love this album. It's pretty close to perfection. For years i had been a fan of the title track, Frozen and Power of Goodbye and now as i finally listened the whole thing through, i had to buy it right away (as i still collect cd's)
I can't get enough of this record!
I have listened to a few tracks off the album for about a month. They sound amazing. I have really been getting into Madonna. I really need to listen to her albums. This video came at the right time. Her Erotica 2005 confessions version is an underrated almost unknown masterpiece.
You def need to listen to more of her records! I’m much more of an “older” Madonna fan so of course I recommend “Like A Virgin” and “True Blue”. Her recent “Madame X” is interesting for sure, and “Rebel Heart” is a great listen.
Erotica is such a good album!!! Pure art
@@popdissected4400 I’ve listened to Rebel heart actually and loved it. Such an underrated album.
@@adamd6648 I got into Madonna because of "Rebel Heart". I went through a period where I really didn't like it, but have revisited it recently and fell in love all over again!
@@adamd6648 I think you should listen to all her albums chronologically. You’ll love it.
If Madonna was just desperate to have #1 singles, why would she released a single written by Bjork???? Bjork doesnt make hit songs! But Madonna spent millions on Video of a Bjork song.
Who knows 🤷♀️ Sometimes artists are 'desperate' for a No. 1, other times it can just happen organically!
bjork was pretty massive during the early and mid 90s
Björk is on like 20 levels higher than Madonna could ever be and I know that as a Madonna stan
Bjork was the greatest revolution of that time. Madonna was desperate to collaborate with her. Ray of ligth was Madonna's attempt to do something close to what Bjork was doing
I wished you talked more about the songs and vids! Her imagery shift was amazing and I loved the way it for her music. Thanks for this vid, Madonna deserves so much
She does, and no worries, I will absolutely be talking more about Madonna in the future!
Ray of Light is definitely my favorite Madonna album and even my favorite album in general :)!
OMG OMG OMG.... U don't know how happy I am right now! Ray of Light is the best pop album for me.
The reinvention, the intricacies, the production, the artistic control, the thematic spectrum, the creative dimension, the maturity, the innovation, the revolutionariness, the cohesion even though the album explores different genres.... WHAT A HIGH ART!
Yess!!
@@popdissected4400 just so you know... I'm a fan of your channel and I'm from the Philippines. Keep on making great video contents!
we love the fact the u spoil us with quality videos 🤍 keep going king we love you 😭
Thank you so much 🥺❤️ Sending you lots of love!
Bedtime Stories is my absolute favorite Madonna Album and severely underrated. Thank you for including it in this video.
Of course!
Bedtime Stories was always my favorite too. That lush R&B sounds so good with her voice. I love every track on it.
Erótica Is a total BOP
PERIOD!
I think that this is her best album, period. She took sounds from underground movement and molded them into her best art pop opus.
Facts!
Her collaboration with William Orbit is what made Ray of Light so groundbreaking.
Agreed!
Ray of Light is her best album. Motherhood was the best thing that ever happened to this woman.
It really did change her! I can only imagine how motherhood may impact a woman, especially one in the music industry! Interested to see with so many artists announcing their pregnancies and having children, how it may change their music!
What made the ROL era even more impressive was that the album came out in 1998, just as the teen pop scene led by Britney, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera and N Sync was breaking out,.and Madonna was already 40 y.o.
Still, the Queen prevailed, and even managed to break Electronica into the mainstream, even amidst the barrage of Max Martin productions flooding the airwaves, and younger acts literally half her age were nipping at her heels.
You didn’t mention I’ll Remember which charted at number 2 and was number one on the adult contemporary charts and sold 500,000 copies in a year. Released in March 1994 before Bedtime Stories.
This was the song that turned things around for Madonna.
Ahh, you're so right! I was focused upon more full body of works instead of individually released tracks. Thank you for bringing this up; definitely will make me pay more attention to things like this going forward!
@@popdissected4400 Thanks so much. Really appreciated the video as it really documented well those different periods and how she was able to reinvent herself. ❤️❤️❤️
I really missed you 😭🥺 i'm so happy you're back
Awww, thank you so much ❤️
@@popdissected4400 🥰❤
YOU'RE BACK!
Yassss!
i created a shrine out of a copy of ray of light my ex boyfriend gave me
Omg!!
YASSSSS FINALLY!! Someone is doing a video about Ray of Light!!
😇😇😇
Ray of light came out in 1998
So not 88 like said? Lol
I know 😅 I misspoke. Thank you though.
Hi Pop Dissected, this is the last time I will be making a request in the comments because I know about your patreon. But I just really want to put this request in. “Yoko Ono and if she deserves/doesn’t deserve the hate she gets” Personally I think that she is a good artist and most things people accuse her of are fake. With a few exceptions.
I love seeing all your suggestions! You’ve given me so many wonderful ideas, and they don’t go ignored. Trust, many of your ideas will become videos :)
@@popdissected4400 Thank you
Janet Jackson was the first female artist in history to have the biggest debut in sales with over 350 thousand units for the Janet album then came Madonna. It’s important to note that, otherwise people will have it confused as per who did what and first.
Erotica is her best album, argue with the wall.
I’d say is one of the best cause it is gold. But ray of light it’s something else
like a prayer says hi
@@juliajones2318 Erotica says goodbye
@@cinnamongirlbyldr like a prayer is her magnum opus+ erotica is just too long
it's not
Her best album. Period.
Art. Just....ART 👏
Madonna needs to come back with an album like this very Mature and spiritual
I'd love that!!
This is the album that inspired me to make music, thankyou moby, brian eno and william orbit - the masterminds behind the sound of this album.
I'm so glad this record inspired you !
I love Ray of light! Definitely my favorite Madonna Album!
Yesss 👏
“Nothing really matters” is my favourite song from this album. Ray of light was huge in 1998 I remember.
Erotica is a literal work of PURE ART
Absolutely!
Just like the Madame X era. A daring experimental Record. Her battle is now ageism and with One bad performance at Eurovision people are ending her career again and again. She was suppose to sing 2 different singles in the Eurovision contest but, was force by the organization to not sing any controversial material like the song God Control which she switch to the song Future. I believe she was sabotaged by the technical people just because Madonna supports Palestine’s. Yes albums today don’t sell like they use too. Her last two albums didn’t receive any radio just because she 60. A blockbuster albums sales today is considered 1.5 million. Madonna with her last two efforts with no major promotion managed to sale north of 500.000 each.
Wow, I didn't know all of that! Speaking of sales, it's interesting to think how Madonna has lived through so many different consumptions of music; cassettes, CDs, streaming and the resurgence of vinyls!
@Aaron Glover As of August of 2020, "Madame X" sold 169,000 adjusted units in the United States.
variety.com/2020/music/news/madonna-interscope-records-leaves-1234729735/
However, in July of 2019 it was reported the record sold 300,000 units worldwide.
news.madonnatribe.com/en/2019/madame-x-breaks-the-300k-sales-mark/
However in August of that year, the Twitter account 'chartdata' reported it had sold 440,000 copies.
twitter.com/chartdata/status/1167240517974933504?lang=en
@@popdissected4400 I meant world wide. Correction Madame X didn’t get past past 500.000 u units WW. Rebel Heart did.
i had no idea Madonna wanted to perform God Control at the Eurovision, future was a terrible addition with that idiot rapper who didn't want to be there, they should have had Maluma, he would have been able to give a eurovision worthy performance and he actually enjoyed working with Madonna and praised her, that rapper from future literally said on tv that he didn't like madonna growing up lol
@@ColinsCity Maybe Maluma wasn't available for Eurovision. But I'd rather choose him over that rapper called Quavo.
Madonna is amazing! I love it when Pop Dissected does one of her records! 💕
Thank youuuu, I hoped you enjoyed!
Erotica was initially panned by critics, but it's gained a lot of recognition since and it's now considered one of the best albums.
This album is a masterpiece. Madonna’s best and one of the best of all time.
Alexa, play "Iconic" by Madonna off "Rebel Heart"
the power of good bye is such a good tune. also dnace madonna is a great vibe!!!
Yess!
Ray of Light is one of my favorite Madonna albums
It's wonderful..!
I loved it! Could you make a video about Madonna in the 80's?
Yesss!!! I would LOVE to!
I know I'm not the only one here who also things the B-Side "Has To Be" is perfection!
Oooh, yes!
“Bedtime Stories” album was a great segue album before “Ray of Light”.
Totally agree!
How do you make your thumbnails? I love them
I make my thumbnails in Adobe Photoshop :)
@@popdissected4400 Thank you!
@@popland1977 Of course!
Still love Ray of Light to this day. For 2 years we had constant radio play and video play of all the singles in Aus . Frozen #5, Ray of Light #6, Drowned World/Substitute for Love #16, The Power of Goodbye #33, Nothing Really Matters #15. On average the singles spent 8 weeks in the Top 50. Would love to see their individual chart run for the ARIA Top 100. Maybe I can contact ARIA and see if they provide the info for free.
Here are some links that may help you with finding more information on her chart run in Australia. For the last link, you're able to set any time frame on the chart to see when singles charted and hit their peak. It also provides data for the singles' position the week before and how long it was on the chart.
australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Madonna
web.archive.org/web/20190327145510/pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20120416-0000/Issue1154.pdf
web.archive.org/web/20201017075224/www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart
Yess this is one of her best albums!!
Yesss!
I'm glad you're making a video about this, you did her so dirty in your previous video about her
I know I did 😅I realize my own mistakes in that video and knew it was important to embrace her successes.
Can’t wait for your take on American Life
Oooh, yes! That may be her record I’m most unfamiliar with so I’d love to look into it!
I also have an impression that her compilation "Something to remember" was meant to underline that he's also a singer - kinda like a foundation to "Ray of Light"? Keep me straight here if I don't get something :)
Yes! It was put out with the intent of audiences to focus on her music - not the controversy that overtook her during the early 90s. Her own statement in regards to the compilation was...
"So much controversy has swirled around my career this past decade that very little attention ever gets paid to my music. The songs are all but forgotten. While I have no regrets regarding the choices I've made artistically, I've learned to appreciate the idea of doing things in a simpler way. So without a lot of fanfare, without any distractions, I present to you this collection of ballads. Some are old, some are new. All of them are from my heart."
My fav album of all time
Thanks for the new vids! I need these updates!!
Thank you for watching! 💞
This is an real experimental record in her career. Listen to those sounds, the lyrics of the songs, her incredible image from "Frozen" to "The Power of goodbye" on the videos, all of these goes through an incredible journey that I had not experienced before. It was really amazing all that we've gone through during 1998 and 1999. In addition, presenting the songs on her later Drowned World Tour was incredible despite she was promoting another album. The decision of working together with William Orbit was the she could have done. Years have just gone by and still is my favourite album among all. )I(
Yesss 🙌
Really an excellent dissection/analysis. I’ve been a fan since Day One and am a Deep Thinker about all things Madge, and I truly enjoyed this insightful trip down memory lane and the enlightening perspective passage of time affords
Thank you so much! 💕
QUEEN OF POP
PERIOD 👑
Well, Ray of Light is a great album but Erotica (1992) is by far her greatest album of the 90's - the most risky, versatile, inventive
I totally get that perspective! I think we sometimes overlook albums that are more, as you described, "risky, versatile, inventive" because they aren't as conventional as we may like.
Erotica was sooo underated wtf !!! It's not my fav but it's definitely her best work !! She was so groundbreaking with that masterpiece !!! Ray of light is super ☺️😍❤️
Yesss!
I found out today (February 2023) that this perfect Madonna record that I've loved for dozens of years (well, 2 dozen) is a cover!! Original is "Sepheryn" in 1971 by UK folk duo Curtiss Maldoon (you can find it on youtube). Wow!
YESSS MADONNA CONTENT!!!!!
😀😀😀
Erotica is such an important record. One of the most revolutionary of all time. It has been acknowledged as such - so why is the general public so slow to realise it 😔
The GP takes time to realize the great music they once shunned 🤷♀️ Which is why I love seeing #JusticeFor ... whatever album trending on Twitter because people are recognizing so many records that were once overlooked!
RAY OF LIGHT was Enlightenment @40....I feel the past 10 years b4 it were leading to this epic moment that's my fave M era 1989-1999 ✅True blue was 80s magic, LIke a prayer was Iconic 2005s Confessions was ground breaking & if we fast fwd 10 years i have so much love & respect for 2015 'Rebel Heart' 🥰& especially 2019s Madame X 😍 I welcome the next chapter 👑
Queen of Pop
Truth 👏
She might have paved the way for electronic mainstream music in America, but it was already huge in the UK and Europe, which I spose is why she worked with mostly English producers on it. Interestingly, she asked Goldie to work on the album and he said no....which is why there are little drum'n'bass elements scattered through it. Can you imagine if ROL had been a D'n'B album??? I'd have loved it, but I doubt it would have been as huge! lol
Ah yes, very good point. I should have clarified that better!
Katy Perry needs to star in a movie before releasing her next album. She’s such a good actress.
I'd love that!
more Madonna please- love this woman
Don't worry, I will be!
yesss a new video ! i just discovered your channel a few days ago and i’ve been hooked since !! love your content can’t wait to watch this one
Well thank you so so much!
Everything these girls are doing now is a generic copy of what Madonna has already done. Not to knock anybody but it's the truth. Every pop star owes Madonna & Michael Jackson thanks. Without those 2 in particular music & culture would look very different today and not nearly as exciting..
I agree; those two artists are two of the most influential in music, and in history. Without them, who knows what music would be like today!
I’m let’s not forget about his sister Janet Jackson...
@@disbaby94 Yeah her too.
It's hysterical. Her sales during her "downward spiral".. Artists would kill for today
People also just don't really buy music anymore....so
@@popdissected4400 no but even their total units (tea+sea)
Shout out to Bjork for writing bedtime stories! (The track)
Yesss!
Not too long ago, well maybe it was, I was contemplating going to a Madonna concert here in ATL. When I came across how much tickets were going for I realized that concert tickets had gone through the roof ... I was out. I had another friend who attended a Madonna concert up north and waited two hours for her to get on stage. Yeah two hours. He said he'd never go to another one of her concerts again.
Wow! I did hear a while ago there were a lot of issues with her arriving late to concerts...yikes. Regardless of who it is, that's so unfair.
Forwarded a couple decades later, Erotica is regarded as a masterpiece by all.
I’m biased because I’m a Madonna fan. I ‘discovered’ her in 2004 when I was 15 and when I came across Express Yourself, it pushed me to come out as gay. To me, that song was just: “express yourself, say who are - say it now and and say it LOUD!”. But I totally get her Erotica phase. She was in her early 30s then, as I am now. And it was around the time I turned 30 that I only properly started thinking about sex. In my 20s it was just something I did that I liked. But since turning 30, I think more about the sort of sex I want, the people I want to do it with and the situations in which I’d like it occur. So I think Madonna’s Erotica phase was just an artistic expression of a natural mental evolution of that sometimes happens to people around the time they turn 30 🤷🏻☺️
Oh my gosh I can’t believe you did this album thank you so much I’d love to hear your take on more Madonna albums
I can’t wait to make more videos on her other records! Thinking of tackling “Like A Virgin” next :)
@@popdissected4400 Oh yes! I love Like A Virgin
@@noemistephanie93 "Like A Virgin" is literally my favorite of hers. I cannot get enough of it!
@@popdissected4400 OMG SAME! What are ur fave songs on there? I love Angel, Dress You Up and the singles
@@noemistephanie93 Hmmm...I'd say "Over and Over", "Pretender" and "Material Girl" are DEF my top 3!
Love the new aesthetic!!!!
Thank you so much! 😃
One thing I hate abt my generation is the lack of research or at least respect from artists of the 80s to 2000s. Prove me wrong.
It's true. One thing I've learned while making videos on this channel is how many incredible artists I've overlooked for so long, and never realized how they impacted modern music!
will you be doing a video on erotica? it's such a work of art and i'd most certainly love your opinions and analysis on it
I would love to! I’m such a fan of Madonna, so I’d love to dive deep more into “Erotica”.
Erotica is her best album periodt
A true under appreciated masterpiece 💙
I remember all of this. 🙏✌❤🍄🐛🦋🌈 Blonde Ambition in 1990 was my first Stadium concert. So good!
Ah! That is SO cool! I wish I could see her live! 😭
I listened to literally every song on every album on Spotify recently to see which songs to give a hear to (and which albums to give a heart to, I only do that for the 10's - usually albums that all songs are heart, but that isn't necessarily required) - and American Life and all of the albums after might just surprise you with the at least 3-5 quality songs you will favorite. Even a "bad" Madonna album is good if not great. (Madonna's tens for me are all three of her 90's albums - Erotica, Bedtime Stories, and Ray of Light - as well as Confessions; the two in-between the three and the one is also much greater than I think people remember or realized based on not listening to all of their songs).
PS - On a side note - Sudan Articles latest album is a ten.
Ray of Light and Erotica are my most favorite madonna albums.
Iconic 👏 !
Excellent video! Thank you for acknowledging Madonna's relationship with the LGBTQ Community. It truly is a shame that people were much more close minded during the Erotica era.
One day you should do a video on Cher's Believe. I find it interesting that both Believe and Ray of Light were released around the same time and both of those records redefined these women's careers. Just a thought.
Since Madonna came on to the scene in the early 80s critics called her a one-hit wonder and that she would burn out. She’ still Queen of Pop and outselling concerts like no one.
Facts!!!
We need more Madonna videoss😍😍
On it, haha!
If Ray of Light was the only album Madonna has ever released she'd still be considered a legend today.
Ray of Light is the greatest album of ALL TIME
INCREDIBLE!
The single Rain on the Erotica album was a great pop song!
Yessss!!!