#LachlanREVIEWS - Madonna (1983)

[Lachlan 18,474]

So if you didn't already know I've been working my way through Madge's discography the past couple of weeks and will continue to do so over the next month or two. I thought it would be nice for a newer fan to post reviews and see if the stone-age stans agree. Starting off with her debut as it's the only album so far I've really digested.

FULL REVIEW

Spoiler

1. LUCKY STAR (5/5)
One of only two tracks from the album that I'm going to give 5 stars. Lyrically and sonically, this record isn't reaching into the pits of excellence, so I have to at least award the most glittery, catchy song on the album with a perfect score. It's also one of only the 5 minute+ songs on the tracklist that I don't find myself checking midway through how long there is to go. Oh, and the youthful quality of her voice at this stage really works well on this song in particular.

2. BORDERLINE (5/5)
The not-yet-born-or-even-thought-of-human-being known as myself would've loved this in the 80s - and I still do now. Every second of this song, from the lullaby-like introduction to the 'da da da da's of the outro is so perfect. A classic mid-tempo.

3. BURNING UP (3.5/5)
It's at this point of the album that I grow to appreciate how slick the production of this album is; every synth, drum and snap is insanely clear for an early 80s track. It's quite a cheeky song if you pay attention to the lyrics - "do you wanna see me down on my knees, or bending over backwards now would you be pleased" - which I really love.

4. I KNOW IT (3/5)
This song is about as catchy as Lucky Star and Burning Up, but there's just a quality to it that doesn't makes it seem as timeless and effortless. I'm also glad this song is the shortest on the record; anything longer would've dragged it out for no good reason. I still find myself enjoying this song whenever it plays however.

5. HOLIDAY (4/5)
Who doesn't love a feel-good anthem? There's a lot of nice little elements tucked away in the song like the cowbells and the synth-strings which elevate the song. There's beauty in simplicity throughout the whole song, in the repetitiveness of it's structure, lyrics and melody.

6. THINK OF ME (2.5/5)
I think a shorter song length similar to I Know It would have benefited this song. It's a nice listen, but just feels average compared to some of the sparkling gems in the first half of the record. The saxophone interludes are small, yet appreciated touches and help to break up the song, bringing it from a 2 to a 2.5.

7. PHYSICAL ATTRACTION (4.5/5)
This song has a really nice groove to it; moving closer to disco territory with those guitar riffs that I have such a weakness for. The spoken word segue is another really nice touch to the album and hinds towards a more mature Madonna that we would be seeing later. The production of this song is my favourite on the record bar Lucky Star.

8. EVERYBODY (2.5/5)
The shrillness of her younger voice is quite evident in this song; it's probably more noticeable just for the fact that isn't as strong a song as some of the earlier gems. The chorus feels a bit reductive after it's repeated so many times. It's just a bit of a disappointing closer. Why was this her debut single while songs like Borderline were left to the fifth?

 

OVERALL - 75 on Lachlancritic

[Lachlan 18,474]

@Li'l Sebastian The first is here!

[Diamond 49,268]

Physical Attraction is too high but I agree with everything else tbh! 

[plutoniano 16,571]

Stan Borderline. I've realised recently that it's one of my favorite 80s M tracks  

[Saiga 16,485]

Yeah, I've always found Physical Attraction somewhat similar to Erotica! I pretty much agree with everything, but Everybody is truly a grower! But I have to disagree in Borderline, I think it's good but it drags for too long and I have the same issue with Lucky Star.  

[Angelus 11,476]

4 minutes ago, Lachlan said:

@Li'l Sebastian The first is here!

Yesss stan for Borderline, it's Kyle's favorite Madonna song

 

I hope Burning Up grows on you, i think it's my fave track from the album. Overall for me this is pure gold pop 10/10.

 

[Lachlan 18,474]

6 minutes ago, Diamond said:

Physical Attraction is too high but I agree with everything else tbh! 

Stan most of the talent then.

5 minutes ago, Lord Stoneheart said:

Stan Borderline. I've realised recently that it's one of my favorite 80s M tracks  

Because I'm new to her music I have no idea if some of the songs I stan hardcore are going to be panned by long-time fans but good to know.

3 minutes ago, Saiga said:

Yeah, I've always found Physical Attraction somewhat similar to Erotica! I pretty much agree with everything, but Everybody is truly a grower! But I have to disagree in Borderline, I think it's good but it drags for too long and I have the same issue with Lucky Star.  

I don't think Everybody will be growing on me anymore than it already has unfortunately. 

3 minutes ago, Li'l Sebastian said:

Yesss stan for Borderline, it's Kyle's favorite Madonna song

 

I hope Burning Up grows on you, i think it's my fave track from the album. Overall for me this is pure gold pop 10/10.

 

Talented users and artists stanning talent I see!

[Lachlan 18,474]

If I had to give an overall rating of this album, it would probably be between 70-75, but I just average the songs of the scores to give something that's accurate and non-biased.

[Angelus 11,476]

Just now, Lachlan said:

Stan most of the talent then.

Because I'm new to her music I have no idea if some of the songs I stan hardcore are going to be panned by long-time fans but good to know.

I don't think Everybody will be growing on me anymore than it already has unfortunately. 

Talented users and artists stanning talent I see!

I think Everybody will grow on you

Maybe this helps

 

 

This is her best album out of first trilogy, I'll be surprised if LAV and TB end up having higher scores tbh  

[Rebel Bitch 8,475]

Burning up

 

[Lachlan 18,474]

2 minutes ago, Li'l Sebastian said:

I think Everybody will grow on you

Maybe this helps

 

 

This is her best album out of first trilogy, I'll be surprised if LAV and TB end up having higher scores tbh  

I like True Blue will end up with a slightly higher score based on my first two listens.

[Angelus 11,476]

Just now, Lachlan said:

I like True Blue will end up with a slightly higher score based on my first two listens.

But True Blue has Jimmy Jimmy on it

 

[Rebel Bitch 8,475]

3 minutes ago, Li'l Sebastian said:

I think Everybody will grow on you

Maybe this helps

 

 

This is her best album out of first trilogy, I'll be surprised if LAV and TB end up having higher scores tbh  

This remix.and this choreo

I will ways love this

 

[Lachlan 18,474]

3 minutes ago, Li'l Sebastian said:

But True Blue has Jimmy Jimmy on it

 

[Liam 16,191]

Holiday not a 5? Flop review

[Lachlan 18,474]

2 minutes ago, Liam said:

Holiday not a 5? Flop review

Flop song.

[plutoniano 16,571]

9 minutes ago, Lachlan said:

Flop song.

Agree, It's way too long

[PhCh 3,209]

One of my least favorite albums from her, it feels so dated  

[Lachlan 18,474]

2 minutes ago, PhCh said:

One of my least favorite albums from her, it feels so dated  

Well pretty much anything from the 80s is dated to some extent.

[Lachlan 18,474]

Just now, Urbanov said:

Excuse me, this song is fucking iconic and it's 10/5

Did @Liam ghost-write this?