Released in 2012, Madonna’s 12th Studio album MDNA is one of the most cherished albums in my collection. It’s classic Madonna with an upbeat styling and a couple of simply gorgeous vocal-based songs. It’s also an album that compels me to keep coming back for more and is only second to her exceptional Ray Of Light release in 1998.
I’m fortunate enough to own both the Vinyl and CD Deluxe Edition, although when I found a copy of the Vinyl release, I subsequently passed the CD down to my daughter who has kindly allowed me to revisit it for this review.
With an expanded booklet, the CD liner notes offer a value-added proposition for fans as photographs are included that are absent from the Vinyl release. It’s a shame when this happens because while the Vinyl edition is presented as a gatefold design, a placard could have been easily included; as has been the case in countless other releases, by other artists. Look, it isn’t a deal-breaker, but as a fan and a collector I notice these differences and feel that the Vinyl releases, due to their significantly higher cost should deliver additional value for the fans. That isn’t to say that the CD-based music-lover should miss out, but that greater parity should be adhered to.
That said, it’s great to see that the entire Deluxe Edition track listing made it to the Vinyl counterpart as that doesn’t always occur. Of course, as with any Deluxe Edition, one will need to decide if the additional songs are worthwhile. At least, on both editions, they are separated from the album with a second CD housing the bonus tracks and Side D of the Vinyl release being dedicated to these songs.
Sonically, the Vinyl record is darker and moodier than the CD. The CD, by comparison, is bright, and a little fatiguing, but similarly thumps in the low end as one would expect. The CD naturally has plenty of clarity, but if you’re after a sound that resembles being in a nightclub with a world-class DJ, then you really should track down a copy of the Vinyl release. As for streaming, the Apple Music edition, an Apple Digital Master, is perfectly positioned between the two physical formats as it is neither too clean, nor distorted, and is therefore thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.
While I love the Vinyl reproduction of MDNA, and you really can’t go past the affordability aspect of the Apple Music edition, regardless of which edition you choose to pick up, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the release as the mastering, while a little hot, is perfectly suited to Madonna’s style.
Girl Gone Wild is an incredible opener that somewhat reminds me of Hung Up opening Confessions On A Dance Floor. You’ll be toe-tapping and head-bopping, if not dancing, from the moment the beat kicks in.
Gang Bang will test your systems bass response. Turn Gang Bang up to 11, especially if you have a subwoofer; you won’t regret it. The soundstage is immersive and expansive throughout the song and the siren, later in the song, is so well-positioned within the mix that the first time I heard the song, on a family drive, we swore the cops were about to pull us over. All of this makes for an incredible song and a personal favourite from MDNA.
I’m Addicted is a solid song, but I’d suggest the vocal processing is a little overdone in the chorus.
Turn Up The Radio is a great song, but stay clear of the music video as it just isn’t good. Turn Up The Radio has a great tempo that will encourage you to move your body. Seriously, if you’re sitting still through this song, or most of this album, you’re listening wrong!
Give Me All Your Luvin’ (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.) Is campy and is far from the greatest song on the album. I’ve no doubt many fans adore it; it just isn’t the type of song I appreciate. That said, it doesn’t take me out of the album experience, but it’s one song that I could easily skip when playing the album via one of the digital formats.
Some Girls picks things up again; I love it!
Superstar is a great song, but is it just me or does Superstar remind you, too, of Katy Perry’s Firework? Either way, both are great but Superstar, while corny, is thoroughly enjoyable.
I Don’t Give A (feat. Nicki Minaj) has an incredible rhythm, plus it’s one of the wittiest songs I’ve heard in a long time. I Don’t Give A is one of the best songs on MDNA and it’s one of the greatest songs Madonna has ever recorded. Minaj’s inclusion here is nothing short of perfection. Magnificent!
I’m A Sinner is great and reminds me of the style applied on the Ray Of Light album. As with I Don’t Give A, I love the double entendre.
Love Spent isn’t a standout and isn’t as memorable as other songs on the album, but every time it comes on I thoroughly enjoy it.
Masterpiece is a masterpiece! Although, it can get a little muddy in the low end, so depending on how you’ve got your music playback system setup, you may find you’ll need to adjust the bass levels.
Falling Free is sonically lovely and the focus on Madonna’s vocal is absolutely perfect for this song. It’s also another style that reminds me of Ray Of Light; perhaps that is why I adore MDNA so much as it offers such variety.
Beautiful Killer isn’t a bad tune. The rhythm is addictive, the musicality is spot on, yet, I can’t put my finger on it but it sounds as if something is missing, such as a cohesive element.
I F****d Up is pure gold!
B-Day Song (feat. M.I.A) is cringeworthy. That is all!
Best Friend is a panning nightmare, especially on headphones, yet it is a compelling effect and not a bad song.
Give Me All Your Luvin’ (feat. LMFAO & Nicki Minaj) [Party Rock Remix] isn’t a bad remix and it’s true to say that I prefer this rendition to the original. It still isn’t an amazing song, for me, but I already want to play the album again.
MDNA is an incredible album from start to finish and while there are a couple of songs that I consider to be campy or not perfectly in sync with the rest of the music on MDNA, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do as it is one of Madonna’s best albums.
