What if I said “Confessions II” is the best album in Madonna’s career? Introspective, sentimental, but also progressive and, in many ways, truly surprising. Not as a return to form, that’s clearly not needed, but as an actual evidence of Madonna’s undeniable legacy. Blending what’s been truly best in her career so far. From the spoken-word of “Erotica”, to the magnificence of “Ray of Light” (which no longer needs a sequel, by the way, regardless of what William Orbit is trying to tell us), to the addictive energy of “Confessions on a Dance Floor”. Despite its title, I don’t view “Confessions II” as a sequel either. This album is a powerful statement in its own right. These are confessions, too.
Highlights? “Danceteria”, obviously. But also “Bizarre”, “One Step Away”, and “Love Without Words”.
And when the dance floor is over, and the tempo slows down, the last four tracks provide a moment of a chilling reflection. A beautifully trippy throwback, a sentimental look back at a spectacular career. So why, when the final sounds fade out – why, why, why – do I feel like this masterpiece of the club music is, in fact, a farewell to the dance floor? “Open the dam, let the water crash in. Let it go, let it go, let it go”.
Want to chip in? Join the discussion in the comments below and let me know your thoughts!
Photo: Album cover, Google search.
I was a bit afraid that the album would be frontloaded because of the Confessions film, but thankfully it’s good from the beginning to the very end. Not feeling “Good for the Soul”, “Read My Lips” and “The Test” yet, but “Danceteria”, “School” and “My Sins are My Savior” (the Army of Lovers interpolation wasn’t on my bingo card) are love at first listen. Love the personal moments as well, sad disco mode on 😁
Cheers 🍻