Madonna’s latest album, Confessions II, is a strong comeback, though the lyrics sound derivative
Madonna returns to the spotlight once again, despite not receiving the press and coverage one would expect. While she doesn’t command the same level of respect she once did, the music world continues to pay attention when she releases new material. Much of the conversation has instead, unfairly, focused on her appearance following successive cosmetic surgeries. Her new album, Confessions II, the sequel to her 2005 release, is out today via Warner Records, and the consensus around her comeback has been largely positive.
A companion film for the release, Confessions II — The Film, premiered at the Tribeca Festival and was then released online for fans to consume. The 13-minute-long video helped build a larger world around the new album, acting as a reminder that the pop star continues to influence music.
Sound Profile: Classic Dancefloor Pop
The project is a 16-track collection of classic Madonna-filled dancefloor production courtesy of Stuart Price and others. Featuring Ciccone’s daughter Lola Leon, Sabrina Carpenter, Martin Garrix, and Stromae, there’s a slim list of features on show, allowing the pop singer to take centre stage with just enough additions to intrigue outsiders.
Sometimes, the age-old signature Madonna is known for creeps back in, like on her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love“, where the two come together to deliver a sonically familiar uptempo formula.
However, while many see it as a return to form, there really isn’t enough in the tank to justify the praise, nor to prompt listeners to return to it. Despite some notable production choices, a few songwriting decisions feel obvious, lacking depth and instead veering into the platitudinous, as heard on “Good For The Soul“:
“Traveling through space and time
Interstellar helix unwind
Don’t forsake, or the love will die
Don’t forget your love, alright
On the spiral light, we fly
We will be one, we will be divine
All the spirits, they all intertwine
Don’t forget that”
The Verdict
Madonna hits, but it’s far from a home run. Confessions II is palatable, though it needs far more polishing. Fans of the legendary singer will be pleased by its sound, but for neutrals — and those looking for something more substantial — there are clear limits to what it offers.
Tracklist and Features
- I Feel So Free
- Good For The Soul
- One Step Away
- Bring Your Love (with Sabrina Carpenter)
- Danceteria
- Read My Lips (with Feid)
- Everything
- Love Sensation
- Love Without Words
- Bizarre (with Martin Garrix)
- School
- Fragile
- My Sins Are My Savior (feat. Stromae)
- Betrayal
- The Test (with Lola Leon)
- L.E.S. Girl
Streaming and Buying Options
You can buy Confessions II on multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, and cassette from the artist’s official web store. The album is also available to stream on all major platforms here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source stanisland.com ’
