1001 Albums Summary

I get why this is an essential album and it very much highlights Madonna's talent, giving you a first-class lesson on why she was such an iconic singer that released hit after hit. That said, the sound of the synthesizers, drum machines, and horn section plant this album squarely in that 1989 timeframe. For me personally, 80s music is so absolutely distinct that sometimes it can take you out of fully enjoying the music. It's not my favorite album and not a type of music that I often enjoy. I'm giving the album 5 stars, but only because I can recognize its quality despite whatever reservations I might bring to the table.

This album always makes me think about my Mom. I remember pulling it out of the record shelf underneath our stereo and thinking that the zipper on the sleeve was awesome and her getting a little flustered because it was "inappropriate" for however old I was. Years later, there was another moment where it was made clear to me that all of the cool records in the small collection that we had were not my father's they were hers. It made me realize that of my two parents, and regardless of how much of a larger than life personality my dad insists on, she's the cool one. I hadn't really ever looked at her that way. It's bittersweet that the cool part of her had been packed away behind "wife and mother" for her kids. It's still 100% there - but I think she insists on putting up the facade because she feels that is what she is supposed to do. Because I can tell you, the girl that listens to the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers and I would be really great friends - but we're probably never going to meet.

I get why it’s important and the influence it had. Just not my cup of tea.

I did not care for this at all.

Classic