Music Review I Am in Complete Agreement

Music Review

I am in complete agreement with Stephen Thomas Erlewine's review of Madonna's album Like a Prayer. First, Erlewine states that the album is "her most explicit attempt at a major artistic statement." One of the reasons why Like a Prayer is a major artistic statement is that Madonna seems more mature in this album than she did in previous ones. For example, the subject matter of her songs, including the title track, is more deeply personal than it was on albums such as Like a Virgin. Moreover, on Like a Prayer, the "material girl" becomes a woman. In songs like "Promise to Try," she creatively expresses herself to members of her family and is no longer just singing about herself. Like a Prayer is "her most explicit attempt at a major artistic statement" because Madonna is stretching her own boundaries and refining her image. A second reason why I agree with Erlewine's review is that he notes "the kaleidoscopic variety of pop styles" evident on the album. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why I also appreciate Like a Prayer. For example, no two songs sound alike: the title track has a gospel feel to it, while "Express Yourself" is a great dance tune. On the other hand "Promise to Try" is a sad ballad. Listeners could not possibly get bored listening to Like a Prayer because of its wide variety of styles. My third reason for agreeing fully with what Erlewine has to say about Madonna's album Like a Prayer is that he notes "Madonna displays a commanding sense of songcraft, making this her best and most consistent album." For instance, I have listened to many other Madonna albums and also feel that this is her best album; it far surpasses her earlier efforts as well as most of her later ones. Also, after listening to the songs on Like a Prayer I developed a new respect for Madonna, because I witnessed her depth, her flexibility, and willingness to explore new musical territory in her songwriting. Thus, she displays "a commanding sense of songcraft." Finally, the reason why Like a Prayer is her most consistent album is because the songs form a cohesive whole in their theme and in their emotional impact. I therefore completely agree with Stephen Thomas Erlewine's review of Madonna's Like a Prayer because it is an excellent album that will stand the test of time.