Madonna - Rebel Heart (Limited Super Deluxe Edition)

Madonna, the Queen of Pop. Undeniably. With their 13 album Rebel Heart it proves once again that she deserves exactly this nickname. The Limited Super Deluxe version of the album brings it to a whopping 23 new songs plus two remixes of their first single Living for Love. An impressive work for three years, since the predecessor MDNA has appeared, and she shows a great musical diversity has worked with more than 10 producers. However, this comes at a price, the tracks are presented in their implementation highly variable and can be so in parts miss a single line. Gone are the days in which she has worked intensively with a musical partner new sounds, new sounds of its own. Often it works now so that the producer Madonna have a stamp on. Let the artist sound like you imagine Madonna at the present time. Madonna is strongest when it makes pop music in all its variations, just think of the very danceable Confessions on a Dancefloor, or in parts-like country, but very modern Music. That now repeatedly R & B sounds or rap parts are installed, you is not always really good. Nevertheless, there are numerous very successful tracks on the album, very catchy numbers, very concise rhythms. And then this very strength of Madonna comes to light and can completely convincing and the less successful songs include his peace again. Now in some detail a few words of each song:

Living for Love opens the album and is also the first single, the catchy melody, the expressive text and bonds on the gospel, including an impressive choir indeed have a danceable, but also soulful number arise. A very strong track, the desire on the whole album makes.

Devil Pray starts with a gentle guitar, a clapping rhythm and Madonna's voice that gently wraps around the melody. The chorus of the song will be powerful and to a cool club number with distorted male voice in the background. This contrast is very charming and has set the same at first listen with me.

Ghost Town is for me one of the strongest tracks on the album, everything here takes very well with each other: The emotional text that very concise chorus with powerful beats, the delicate and gentle verses. Especially the finale unfolds its own unique charm plays with the broadcast of the song.

Unapologetic Bitch is a song, in which you have to be in listening. At first I was not very impressed by the mixture of electro and reggae, after repeated listening but I like the relaxed beat and the powerful vocals always better.

Illuminati is sparingly instrumentalized electronically, then changes frequently and always brings new elements with. This is quite strenuous in the long run, although I quite liked the lyrics and melody.

Bitch I'm Madonna for me I have to say unfortunately so hard the total failure of the album. The duet with Madonna's new best friend Nicky Minaj is too excited, too messed up. Far too overproduced. Surely the ironic text and the defiant child headline is meant tongue in cheek, but I strongly disagree my taste.

Hold Tight fits really well with the singer and produced very consistent. Her voice brings the beautiful melody to advantage and is well supported by a distinctive beat. A very worth listening song, which is very appealing to the more gentle vocals and the beats.

Joan of Arc is to describe in one word: Great! Madonna shows her quiet and vulnerable side without mounted or cheesy acting. Even the highly personal text is acting very approachable here it is again, the Madonna as from its most times.

Iconic is created with the support of Chance The Rapper and Mike Tyson. A combination that dislike really fit to Madonna. The track just like in the beginning have its strong points, but acts not consistent overall and tries the balancing act between electronic dance music and hip-hop sounds, which can not be merged so pretty here.

Heartbreak City starts with a grand piano intro and gefühlsbetontem singing, then increases continuously to a turbulent and powerful ballad. Especially the melodic chorus with built-male chorus is impressive, thus forming another highlight of the album.

Body Shop has clearly emerged under the influence of Kalakan trio that has accompanied Madonna on her last tour. Organic acting, powerful drums combine with plucked guitar sounds and a catchy melody, so some very successful and diverse elements are still knit. Very very well done.

Although Holy Water is also rather experimental, but like much better than Iconic or Bitch I'm me Madonna. It is clearly structured, catchy and provocative text her and playing with religious elements. In addition, Madonna cited still a very well-known passage from one of her earlier songs, what stands out immediately.

Inside Out is another ballad-like song which is underlaid with electronic beats. Again, this contrast works well, the melody is somewhat redeemed. A pretty track, which increases towards the end and presents a strong C-section.

Wash all over me convinced me right away at the first hearing. Especially the chorus to the almost tender singing of the world star and the slightly stronger stanzas give an evocative and atmospheric song.

Best Night is gently accompanied in chorus with oriental sounds, while the singer confidently promises an unforgettable night. The verses focus much on the voice, the chorus with the use of flute and background choirs are already complex. Slight hints of Justify my love in the middle part round off the song.

Veni Vidi Vici which has arisen with Nas, combines casual rap parts of the singer with a melodic chorus that electronically paired music and the numerous allusions to well-known songs of the singer give a strong song on this album. Whether Nas' participation should have been, was once undecided.

SEX - the title says it all here. Gloomy, electronically, with melody and vocals do not seem hereby really tolerated. The text is a matter of taste, as well as the female groans, which can be heard over and over again. Rather one of the weaker songs on the album.

Messiah is emphasized beat ballad with a simple, but very catchy music, the wavy increases, are used in the violins, piano, drums, as well as electronic elements. The sensitive text is very well illuminated by the orchestral arrangements.

Rebel Heart, the title track of the album, stands out once more very positive. Starting with a very pretty guitar line Madonna sings about her life, lit earlier scandals and their desire to be in the spotlight just the rebellious heart in her chest. A very round and catchy pop song, which is a highlight Madonna to its former glory.

Beautiful Scars starts pleasantly calmly, then increases in the chorus to a danceable number with a successful violin line. Again sounds again by the excellent pop musician Madonna how she sometimes misses.

Borrowed Time is a thoughtful-looking song, accompanied by the typical for this album Beats, an incisive guitar, later also some electronic gizmos. The bottom line is still a quiet, and that's what I like about the song.

Addicted despite the name similarity has nothing to do with the song of the previous album, but is Madonna's voice and the successful text in the center, even though around them so a lot has happened, sometimes quiet, sometimes forceful passages offer. Also very successful.

Graffiti Heart also increases from a quiet intro to an excited chorus then is very dance-heavy and can radiate a lot of energy out. Solid produced and exploited appropriately.

Unfortunately two additionally thought beforehand songs were (at a famous electronics market is one of those tracks is also on the album) canceled at short notice and replaced by two remixes of Living for Love, the friends of club music though probably like it, but my taste can not meet.

Housed the two CDs are in a multi-hinged, very handsomely designed digipack. The cover picture shows Madonna in front of black background, red-lit and with a provocative leather outfit in a quite provocative pose. The remaining photos are very artistic, sometimes religious inspiration, sometimes in the style of Marilyn Monroe, sometimes inspired by Joan of Arc. What I'm missing is a booklet with the lyrics for your perusal.

The album is dominated by numerous songs, often with a ballad aura, which are backed by powerful beats. Electronic and organic sounds here combine well with each other, while expressive texts provide emotions. However, the artist dares sometimes in too far, leaving their territory in favor of sounds that want to act too cool and not really suit her. Fortunately, however, is dominated by the strong, balanced tracks, catchy pop songs, in which the Queen is at home and the work still fresh. Madonna just 2015!