Twenty years on from the earlier “Confessions on a dance floor” album, Madonna’s return to Warner Bros has produced a fitting follow-up. I predicted this new album “Confessions II” would be massive some months ago and I believe that I was right. With it at number one for streaming in many countries, it is already doing very well.
I was a bit apprehensive about the album though after watching the 10-minute video mix on YouTube last week and the interview (BBC) but I needn’t have worried. I’d certainly prepared for this new album after revisiting some of the back catalogue this year like “True Blue” and “Confessions on a dance floor”.
At 17 tracks, I’m not going to work through all, as I’m pretty sure others have already done that. So let’s focus on the highlights of this album which has all tracks mixed together, like a club dance record.
“Danceteria” is my favourite track. It’s a full-on perfect Madonna song and seems like the next single. My favourite line from the album also appears here.
“Everybody is a work of art”.
Next up, “I feel So Free” is a pretty good opener. Madonna talking and setting the scene.
A very strong section of the album starts with “Everything” as she says in typical style “I don’t **** with it”. “Love Sensation” following strongly. “Love without words” reminding me of old school house. “School” being a classic dance floor hit. I’m loving the beat and the way it grinds. Probably my second fave track.
For good measure, a number of slower classic Madonna tracks conclude the album and I wasn’t expecting as many. “Fragile” about life and her brother. “My sins are my saviour” being typical Madonna with whispered French and perhaps reminiscent of the Erotica sound. Haunting keyboards and vocals with “Betrayal”. “The Test” features her daughter Lola Leon and is surprisingly good, especially the reference to “Ray of Light” track “Little Star”. Lola responding to her mum if you like. Then there’s “L.E.S Girl”, another classic slow burner.
Least faves are possibly “Fragile” and “Bring Your Love” featuring Sabrina Carpenter. However, they will likely grow on me.
I’ve been listening to the album while walking for the last five days. There are definitely a few duets or at least tracks that feature others, but no Kylie entry which some fans had hoped for. Given the teasing, I still suspect a recording will appear in the future, perhaps on Kylie’s next album.
Is it as good as her first Confessions album? No, but it’s her best in years. Many thought she’d lost her touch, but this proves otherwise. Just shows you that Warner is really the best place for her creativity, as they likely understand her well and have promoted the album brilliantly.
Happy listening.
P.S. An instrumental version of the album is also available.
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