Review: Madonna - Rebel Heart Tour

For the second of her two shows in Toronto for her Rebel Heart Tour, Madonna proved why she is and always will be recognized as the reigning Queen of Pop. Drawing largely from her latest album and oldies (but goodies) from the ‘80s, the two hour extravaganza was a stunning display of Her Madgesty’s talent and innate charisma.

For perhaps the first time ever in her illustrious career, Madonna doesn’t court a whole lot of controversy with the Rebel Heart Tour. Maybe this is because it’s 2015 and nothing much surprises us anymore, certainly not stripper nuns or topless dancers, especially from Madonna. Fans will have adjusted to her penchant for juxtaposing sex and religion, something which is on full display during the “Holy Water”/“Vogue” mashup. However, there are no grand political statements which have become a staple of Madonna’s concerts either. There’s no commentary on the current presidential race in the US, nor does she address any conflicts abroad or the many mass shootings that have rocked America in recent years. Instead, she makes her show about two things – herself and her fans. The show is both introspective and retrospective, much like the album it’s in support of. At its core, the Rebel Heart Tour is a love letter to her true blue fans.

Let’s get this straight, if you were a fan of Madonna during the ‘80s and dropped off somewhere around Erotica, this show is likely to only delight during its throwback moments (of which there are plenty). Still, the bulk of its material comes from her latest Rebel Heart. From the opener “Iconic” to the penultimate “Unapologetic Bitch,” Madonna shows that she has what it takes to stay relevant in this ever-changing world of pop music. The problem, of course, is that much of the album featured downtempo tracks that don’t translate well to arena tours. Unlike the frenzied MDNA Tour, the Rebel Heart Tour is much more intimate in its approach to Madonna’s material. This gives her plenty of opportunity to work the crowd, teasing and playing with them in between ballads.

The setlist for the show is near perfection. She pulls just the right songs from Rebel Heart, opting for a healthy mix of party anthems (“Bitch I’m Madonna”) and emotional ballads (“HeartBreakCity”). While some often debate the quality of her new material versus her tried-and-true hits, there’s no denying that some of the best moments of the night came while performing songs off of Rebel Heart. The titular track, in particular, saw Madonna taking up an acoustic guitar while singing in front of a video screen displaying artwork done by her legions of fans from around the world. It was a nostalgic moment of reflection, looking back on her many incarnations throughout the years. Similarly, “Ghosttown” provoked a thunderous response, with most singing loudly to the poignant love song.

There were plenty of surprises as well. Madonna dug deep into her catalogue, dusting off many of her oldest and most obscure songs from the ‘80s. She picked up an electric guitar to belt out “Burning Up,” held a singalong with fans for “Who’s That Girl” and transformed “Material Girl” into a Broadway ready showtune. While there was a medley of “Dress You Up,” “Into the Groove” and “Lucky Star” that didn’t quite it its mark, Madonna knocked it out of the park with a beautiful acoustic remix of “True Blue” and an abbreviated “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.” It also goes without saying that the crowd went absolutely wild for “Like a Virgin.”

Still, there were a few flaws to the Rebel Heart Tour. While the setlist was fantastic overall, there were some oddities and ill-placed songs. For instance, “Like a Virgin” would have been better suited sung after “Material Girl” when she was decked out in a wedding veil. Similarly, the omitted “Like a Prayer” would have been the perfect closer to the first section of the show. For some reason or another she included “Candy Shop” and the cover song “La Vie en Rose.” The latter, made famous by French singer Edith Piaf, worked thematically in its Paris-themed segment, but fell flat amongst the largely English-speaking audience. The song would have been better served as a special treat for her Montreal dates and European shows. In its place, “Sooner or Later” would have actually been a brilliant throwback. “Candy Shop,” meanwhile, is a non-single track from her 2008 album Hard Candy. It’s far from being a hidden gem and doesn’t quite deserve its place on the setlist over more massive hits like “Express Yourself” or “Hung Up.” What’s more unfortunate is that it’s used in the same fashion it was during the MDNA Tour, during a cabaret-style sensual routine. This highlights the other issue with the Rebel Heart Tour – despite the overabundance of new material, the show feels very familiar.

Madonna is known for being a revolutionary artist who is constantly on the cutting edge when it comes to her performances. She continually shocks and titillates her audience with exciting routines and biting social commentary. The Rebel Heart Tour doesn’t do this. Yes, the choreography is great (seriously, her dancers are insanely talented) and the costuming is gorgeous, but it lacks the originality Madonna is synonymous for. With the exception of the mechanic-inspired second section, each segment of the show feels like they’ve been recycled from previous tours. This also emphasizes the overall lack of cohesion to the tour, since each one feels disparate in comparison to the other and since the songs don’t always pair perfectly with the staging. As such, it’s much more similar to Sticky & Sweet than the masterpiece that is the Confessions Tour.

The Rebel Heart Tour is a true nostalgic celebration of Madonna’s music. This intimate two hour spectacle showed a softer side to the veteran pop star, as she was all smiles and toyed with her audience. The mix of old and new material was just as on point as her wardrobe, giving her a setlist created as if to say thank you to her true diehard fans. While there will always be nitpicks here and there, it’s impossible for an artist like Madonna to put on a universally acclaimed tour at this point in her career. As the most successful female artist of all time, this is a woman who has hits in just about every decade since her debut and whose back catalogue is so large that her shows would exceed five hours if she were to sing them all. If there’s one thing that the Rebel Heart Tour showed me, it’s that Madonna has nothing left to prove. She is a legend in every sense of the word and has shaped both music and society in a way that no other artist has ever quite been able to do for such a long, sustained period of time. She doesn’t have to compete with the girls trying to snatch her crown, she doesn’t have to give drag queens new looks to emulate and she most certainly doesn’t have to please the middle-aged women who come to her shows to relive their youth. For me, as someone who has been fascinated by her image and music since I was a child, I am simply grateful to be able to be in the presence of such an accomplished woman and give my support and thanks to someone who has not only shaped who I am, but someone who has done so much for music and the LGBTQ+ community.

Review: Ayumi Hamasaki, Asia Tour 2007 A ~Tour of Secret~

In the spring of 2007, J-Pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki embarked on a groundbreaking tour that would see her performing outside of her native country for the first time for an arena tour. With stops in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, she made waves for delighting audiences in Asia with her elaborate costumes and charismatic stage persona.

From her first note to her final thank you, Asia Tour 2007 A ~Tour of Secret~ chronicles her journey and the entirety of her Fukuoka show.

Descending from a glittering swing, Ayumi Hamasaki appears dressed in a gothic burlesque showgirl ensemble while singing her hit song "evolution" during the show's opening. This brief 18th century-inspired segment features the dancers in stylized period costumes and includes a rendition of her I am… era single "UNITE!" Though not nearly as spectacular as previous arena tour entrances, the choreography and staging is impeccable, while her vocals are completely on-point.

After a brisk video interlude, Hamasaki rises onto the stage in a giant metal cage alongside her female dancers to perform "1 LOVE." As one of the standout songs from Secret, this rock-laced track is rendered with high energy and maximum sex appeal. From her golden bodice to her convincing sensuality, Hamasaki makes this performance one of the most memorable from the show. She follows this with another highlight from Secret, "until that Day…" 

Unfortunately, this section borrows heavily from her previous concerts. "1 LOVE" recycles the staging from the caged segment from her 2002 arena tour, while "until that Day…" feels vaguely reminiscent of the choreography for "my name's WOMEN" from her 2005 arena tour.

Switching from the previous segment's rock vibe, Hamasaki continues the show with a string of ballads. While wearing a mint green dress with floral embellishments, she sings "M" and the LOVEppears single "appears." Sadly, this section is fairly forgettable. The fashion isn't overly impressive and the choice of older songs was a bit of a misstep.

Thankfully, her follow-up "part of Me" and "Secret" offer fans some much-needed new material. Hamasaki is draped in gorgeous silken fabrics and belts out the most affecting songs of the show, while her dancers help to tell a story of yearning through their choreography. This segment is quite possibly the most memorable of the concert.

As the show draws to a close, Hamasaki returns to her more high octane catalogue and stuns with a brilliant performance of "kiss o' kill." This gothic rock song sees the pint-sized singer belting it out in a silver outfit, while her Phantom of the Opera-esque background dancers chase after her. After the song's bridge, she appears floating on a metal cross. Once more, she's seen recycling from previous shows. For fans of Hamasaki's concerts, they'll remember her singing on a cross for her 2005-2006 Countdown Live performance.

She concludes the main show with a trio of older hits while dressed in a glittering showgirl ensemble. This section is glitzy and fun, borrowing a little inspiration from the seminal movie musical Moulin Rouge!. The closing number "Boys & Girls" brings down the house and is a definite highlight. It's easy to see why it's one of her most performed tracks, as she gives it her all and gets the audience singing from the top of their lungs.

Despite sharing the title of her eighth studio album, Tour of Secret comes across more like a greatest hits show than a concert promoting any one album. It eschews material from her two previous albums (MY STORY and (miss)understood), in favour of relying mostly on songs from LOVEppears, Duty and I am…. In total, only four of Secret's full length songs made it onto the setlist. It's a disappointment that nearly sinks this tour. Fans have seen her perform much of this concert's setlist many times over and, to this day, Secret remains one of the most underrepresented albums on tour. 

This isn't the only problem that plagues the setlist, seeing as it's almost overwhelmingly rock-inspired. The vast majority of the songs sung are her rock tracks, which makes Tour of Secret one of her only tours that lacks a definitive "cute" segment displaying her infectious pop music.

With its recycling of previous staging and lacklustre setlist, Tour of Secret is one of Ayumi Hamasaki's least memorable arena tours. In fact, it feels more like one of her smaller scale Countdown shows given the simpler sets and choreography. Even still, it's hard to fault Hamasaki given how incredible she is as a performer, especially when she's wearing such gorgeous costuming.

RATING: B-

Review: Ayumi Hamasaki, GUILTY

In 2008, Ayumi Hamasaki kicked off the year with the release of her ninth full-length studio album GUILTY. This rock-tinged record served as a de facto sequel to its predecessor Secret and featured the best-selling ballad "Together When…" Despite the success of its singles, GUILTY was the J-Pop superstar's first album not to debut at the top of the charts. Even still, it went on to be certified Double Platinum.

Much like Secret, GUILTY is a carefully curated collection of rock tracks paired with a health sprinkling of upbeat pop songs. It is structured brilliantly, placing the headbangers at the start and transitioning towards the more sugary-sweet tracks at the end.

Consistency and cohesion are just two words that describe GUILTY's sound. The opening trifecta of rock-inflenced songs is powerful, with "talking' 2 myself" standing particularly strong. Its guitar-heavy composition and instrumental breakdown, paired with Hamasaki's hearty vocals, make it one of her best rock efforts to date.

As the album transitions towards its sweeter pop songs, we get the affecting ballad "fated." It is less orchestral than previous love songs performed by Hamasaki, relying on electric guitars and drums rather than piano and strings. This helps it to stand out amongst her rather impressive oeuvre of ballads. Her airy vocals are perfectly laid out against the mellow rock arrangement. 

Interestingly, it is immediately followed by the more traditionally composed ballad "Together When…" Its piano-led arrangement builds towards a spectacular rock-laced finish. Though not one of her most memorable love songs, Hamasaki is still to be commended for being able to dish out such polished ballads this far into her career.

GUILTY concludes with a friendlier sound, which is kicked off by the playful pop track "glitter." Bouncy and sweet, it is a quintessential feel-good summer song. However, it is the penultimate song "MY ALL" that takes the cake. With its powerful and meaningful lyrics, as well as its incredibly catchy melody, it serves as the album's most notable standout. It should really be no wonder as to why the song has gone on to become one of Hamasaki's most favoured encore performances.

It's hard not to love GUILTY. It is one of Hamasaki's most cohesive albums and plays flawlessly from start to finish, thanks to its solid structure and unified sound. It helps that the album features only ten full-length songs, with the rest of the tracks being interludes. This prevents dragging and shows a greater attention to detail on Hamasaki's part, as there isn't a single instance of filler. For me, this is personally one of my favourite albums of hers and it comes highly recommended for all types of music fans.

RECOMMENDED LISTENING: "talkin' 2 myself," "fated," "Together When…," "glitter," "MY ALL"

RATING: A

Ranking Rihanna's Albums

Following her modest debut in 2005, Rihanna has gone on to become a bonafide superstar. In just ten short years, she has released seven studio albums and has achieved ten #1 singles as a leading artist on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Since the Barbadian singer has rightly earned her place in the pantheon of music icons, it should be no surprise that fans are waiting with bated breath for her follow-up to the Platinum certified Unapologetic.

In anticipation of her eighth studio album, this entry takes a look at her studio releases thus far and ranks them from worst to best.

07. Music of the Sun (2005)

Singles: "Pon de Replay," "If It's Lovin' that You Want"

While her debut effort may have been kicked off with the club hit "Pon de Replay," much of Music of the Sun is tragically bland and relies heavily on presenting Rihanna as a distinctly Caribbean artist. The songs themselves are all fairly tame and were appropriate for the then-teenage singer. There are a few catchy tracks like "Music of the Sun" and "That La, La, La," but it's really no surprise as to why Rihanna hasn't performed any material off of her freshman album since her Good Girl Gone Bad Tour.

06. A Girl Like Me (2006)

Singles: "SOS," Unfaithful," "We Ride," "Break It Off"

Much like its predecessor, A Girl Like Me is heavily influenced by reggae and Rihanna's Barbadian heritage. That said, it diverges in its pop sensibilities and mature subject matter. The lead single "SOS" brilliantly samples the '80s classic "Tainted Love," turning the infectious pop hit into a modern club track. Meanwhile, the album's second single "Unfaithful" presented Rihanna as more of a risk-taker by tackling the subject of infidelity in a mostly orchestral power ballad. The song reached #1 in Canada and was certified Platinum in the United States, thus becoming her signature ballad until the phenomenal "Stay" was released in 2013. Still, the album's strong singles merely buoyed the otherwise recycling of Music of the Sun's sound.

05. Good Girl Gone Bad (2007)

Singles: "Umbrella," "Shut Up and Drive," "Hate That I Love You," "Don't Stop the Music," "Rehab"

Armed with an edgy makeover and the Grammy Award winning lead single "Umbrella," Rihanna propelled herself into the stratosphere with her third album Good Girl Gone Bad. A marked improvement over its predecessors, the album featured a more radio-friendly on pop hits like "Don't Stop the Music" and the rock-tinged "Shut Up and Drive." Non-single tracks like the sassy "Breaking Dishes" and the titular "Good Girl Gone Bad" proved that Rihanna was a multi-faceted singer worthy of her stature. Unfortunately, Good Girl Gone Bad is sunk by an overabundance of forgettable filler.

That said, it's worth mentioning that the album's re-release helped Rihanna score two additional #1 hits with "Disturbia" and "Take a Bow." It's just too bad the tracks weren't on the initial release.

04. Talk That Talk (2011)

Singles: "We Found Love," "You da One," "Talk That Talk," "Birthday Cake," "Where Have You Been," "Cockiness (I Love It) Remix"

In many ways, Talk That Talk is quintessentially Rihanna. It masterfully blends the genres of pop, R&B and reggae in a series of sultry tracks that showcase her unique vocals. From the maddening ear candy that is "We Found Love" to the cleverly written "Cockiness (I Love It)," Rihanna delivers one of her strongest and most cohesive works with the album. While the album will perhaps be overshadowed by the overwhelming success of its lead single, it is refreshing in its lack of filler and should be appreciated for its stirring ballads "We All Want Love" and "Farewell."

03. Rated R (2009)

Singles: "Russian Roulette," "Hard," "Wait Your Turn," "Rude Boy," "Rockstar 101," "Te Amo"

Released in the wake of her highly publicized split from Chris Brown, Rated R offers a wide range of edgy rock-tinged tracks that tackle the difficult subjects of abuse and love gone awry. Songs like "Russian Roulette," "Stupid in Love" and "Cold Case Love" are dark ballads, driven by raw emotion and mature lyrics. As its title would suggest, Rated R gave fans a glimpse of a much darker side of the superstar's life and presented her as a true artist, free from the strings of her record label. 

Despite its nearly overwhelming haunting atmosphere, Rated R is diversified by the presence of the dance club-friendly "Rude Boy" and the homoerotic "Te Amo." This helps to prevent the album from dragging, creating a more well-rounded approach to what would otherwise be considered a concept album.

02. Loud (2010)

Singles: "Only Girl (In the World)," "What's My Name?," "Raining Men," "S&M," "Man Down," "California King Bed," "Cheers (Drink to That)"

Eschewing the rock-tinged sound of its predecessor, Loud is a celebratory and colourful masterpiece that embraces Rihanna's status as a popstar. From the club-thumping "Only Girl (In the World)" to the insanely infectious "What's My Name?," the album is light on filler and heavy on catchy hooks. Loud showcases Rihanna's confidence as a vocalist and a performer, giving birth to three #1 singles. 

It should really be no surprise that the album was nominated for the prestigious Album of the Year award at the Grammys.

01. Unapologetic (2012)

Singles: "Diamonds," "Stay," "Pour It Up," "Loveeeeeee Song," "Right Now," "What Now," "Jump"

From its provocative cover to its lyrical content, everything about Unapologetic is brash and defiant. It is musically ambitious, blending just about every genre Rihanna has ever toyed with into one album. From the David Guetta-helmed opening tack "Phresh Off the Runway" to the reggae-influenced "No Love Allowed," Unapologetic plays like a best of compilation. It includes many memorable gems like the powerful rock ballad "What Now" to the haunting "Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary," as well along with the career-defining monster smashes "Diamonds" and "Stay." 

Unapologetic became Rihanna's very first number one album and earned her two Grammys, including Best Urban Contemporary Album. If this album proves anything, it's that her follow-up has a lot to live up to.

Ranking Madonna's Albums

When it comes to pop superstardom, there is no woman as legendary or as revolutionary as Madonna. Dubbed the Queen of Pop by the media and her fans, this dancer-turned-singer has an awe-inspiring career that has spanned four decades and 12 albums (and counting!).

Though she is highly regarded for her ability to reinvent herself sartorially, Madonna is also a brilliant musician whose songs have pioneered the genre of pop music.

In just a few short weeks, she'll be releasing her thirteenth studio album Rebel Heart (which has already gone to #1 on several charts based on pre-sales alone). To celebrate the release of what is sure to be another incredible record, this blog entry ranks all twelve of her studio albums from worst to best. 

Let's be clear though, even at her worst Madonna is still pretty freaking badass.

12. BEDTIME STORIES

Singles: "Secret," "Human Nature," "Take a Bow," "Bedtime Stories"

Released in the fall of 1994, Bedtime Stories was Madonna's follow-up to the highly controversial Erotica. With this release, she adopted a more mature image and eschewed her signature pop sound in favour of a smoother R&B style.

For the first time in her career, Madonna played it safe and it certainly shows with Bedtime Stories. Aside from its singles, the album is all filler. Its abundance of downtempo tracks drag on and don't offer  any of the usual ear candy Madonna is known for. While the Queen of Pop is to be commended for experimenting with different musical styles, Bedtime Stories failed to deliver as well as its predecessors have. That said, its singles "Human Nature" and "Take a Bow" remain two of her most praise-worthy songs of her career.

11. HARD CANDY

Singles: "4 Minutes," "Give It 2 Me," "Miles Away"

It's no secret that part of what has made Madonna so innovative as an artist is her penchant for working with unknown producers on her albums. This is no doubt why it was so jarring when Madonna teamed up A-list producers Pharrell Williams, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake for Hard Candy.

Though not a terrible album in the traditional sense, Madonna's voice is completely lost on Hard Candy. Rather than marching to the beat of her own drum, we find the Queen of Pop laying down vocals to what would otherwise be a Justin Timberlake record. It's certainly a sweet pop album with plenty of ear candy, but it's not remotely close to the quality of what fans would expect of their idol.

10. MUSIC

Singles: "Music," "Don't Tell Me," "What It Feels Like for a Girl"

Bolstered by the success of the singles "Music" and "Don't Tell Me," Music became one of Madonna's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful records to date. Even still, there's something not quite right about this album.

In truth, Music feels like it is entirely made up of leftover tracks from its predecessor Ray of Light. Sonically, Madonna is going back over what she had previously explored and fails to deliver anything memorable on that front. While the album's singles are certainly stellar, its titular track especially, it really doesn't show off just how versatile she is as an artist.

09. AMERICAN LIFE

Singles: "American Life," "Hollywood," "Nothing Fails," "Love Profusion"

Often regarded as a flop for Madonna, American Life was released during a low point in her career and it ultimately failed to generate any hit songs. The tragedy in all of this is that it's actually an excellent album.

Lyrically, American Life explores the themes of materialism, celebrity culture and loss. It is truthfully one of Madonna's most compelling and honest records to date in that respect. The album is also notable for its rock-tinged sound and the overall acoustic feel to the songs. In retrospect, American Life was brave for expressing unpopular opinions and its stripped down production.

08. MADONNA

Singles: "Everybody," "Burning Up," "Holiday," "Lucky Star," "Borderline"

When Madonna released her eponymous debut album in 1983, she established herself as a pioneer in the genre of dance and was heralded by many as the new reigning dance diva. While it may not have been her most commercially successful album, Madonna paved the way for her illustrious career and netted the singer five iconic singles.

Madonna is surprisingly cohesive and features very little filler, which is unusual for a debut album. Aside from "I Know It," the record plays well from start to finish. From its opener "Lucky Star" to its club-thumping closer "Everybody," this album set the standard for all the dance divas that have since followed.

07. TRUE BLUE

Singles: "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "True Blue," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita"

As the best-selling album by a female artist in the 1980s, True Blue was an unstoppable juggernaut upon its release. It shattered records and ruffled people's feathers with its controversial music videos. With three of its five singles going to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it's hard to deny just how impactful True Blue was.

To call True Blue infectious would be a slight understatement. Its songs are genius and are among some of the most influential pop anthems in history. From the melancholy "Live to Tell" to the celebratory "Open Your Heart," True Blue delivers a satisfying sound. The only thing that truly prevents it from ranking higher is its filler tracks between singles. While "White Heat" and "Where's The Party" are fun additions, "Jimmy Jimmy" and "Love Makes The World Go Round" are mind-numbing in just how bad they are.

06. MDNA

Singles: "Give Me All Your Luvin'," "Girl Gone Wild," "Masterpiece," "Turn Up the Radio"

As her eighth album to top the charts in the US, MDNA solidified Madonna's status as a legend. Its club-friendly sound and musical cohesion earned critical acclaim, netting her the Top Dance Album at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards.

MDNA was released at a critically important time in Madonna's career. On the one hand, it served to address her divorce from Guy Ritchie and features the more vulnerable side of an otherwise infallible popstar. On the other, it continued to prove that Madonna is ready to push the envelope with tracks like "Gang Bang" and rule the dance floor with the anthemic "Girl Gone Wild." While newcomers like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Rihanna seem eager to revisit Madonna's back catalogue for their material, MDNA showed that this is one icon that will not bow down to the younger crowd.

05. LIKE A PRAYER

Singles: "Like a Prayer," "Express Yourself," "Cherish," "Oh Father," "Dear Jessie," "Keep It Together"

Regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time by the likes of Time Magazine and Rolling Stone, Like a Prayer is one of Madonna's most honest and reflective works to date. It is confessional in nature and deals with themes such as family, female empowerment and love.

From its titular track to the playful "Express Yourself," Like a Prayer is packed full of meaningful lyrics and featured the Queen of Pop finally taking control of her sound. The album is notable for being much more stripped down than previous releases and for showing off Madonna's raw talent as a singer. For the first time, audiences were seeing Madonna as an artist rather than a record label product.

04. EROTICA

Singles: "Erotica," "Deeper and Deeper," "Bad Girl," "Fever," "Rain," "Bye Bye Baby"

At the time of its release, Erotica became Madonna's least commercially successful album and failed to generate any major hits for the singer (though its first two singles did make it to the top 10). The album and its accompanying music videos were deemed too sexual for the mainstream, nearly destroying her career.

Despite its lack of commercial success, Erotica was nothing short of brilliant. It is easily her most underrated album (though MDNA comes close) and features some of the cleverest lyrics she's ever written. Her concern with sexuality is informative and commendable, giving a voice to groups that otherwise are censored by the mainstream. Beyond its cheeky tone, there's a dark undercurrent to Erotica. Notably, "Why's It So Hard" and "In This Life" deal with homosexuality and bigotry. The latter is particularly poignant for its emotionally charged lyrics regarding the effect of HIV/AIDS at that time. 

To this day, Erotica continues to be silently influential and has become the template for all popstars vying for Madonna's crown as the Queen of Pop. From Britney Spears to Beyoncé, today's most critically acclaimed singers seem to be doing nothing more than remaking versions of Erotica.

03. RAY OF LIGHT

Singles: "Frozen," "Ray of Light," Drowned World/Substitute for Love," "The Power of Good-Bye," "Nothing Really Matters"

Heralded as Madonna's comeback after a long hiatus following the birth of her daughter Lourdes, Ray of Light catapulted the Queen of Pop back to the top of the charts. Named one of the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone, this album earned Madonna four Grammys and six MTV Video Music Awards.

Released at a time when music was oversaturated by the sanitized sounds of teen popstars, Ray of Light was deeply spiritual and experimental in both its lyrics and its music. It strikes a perfect balance between light and dark, as it deals with both celebration and tragedy. This fully matured side of Madonna struck a chord with audiences and helped to usher in a new era of dance music.

02. LIKE A VIRGIN

Singles: "Like a Virgin," "Material Girl," "Angel," Into the Groove," "Dress You Up"

As one of the most successful albums of all time, Like a Virgin was the lightning rod that electrified Madonna's career and catapulted her to superstardom. Certified diamond by the RIAA, Madonna's sophomore release proved that the singer was not a one-hit-wonder and its singles continue to be some of the most iconic pop hits in history.

Aside from Michael Jackson's Thriller, there is no other album that defines the 1980s quite as much as Like a Virgin does. Its impact is undeniable, as its singles pioneered the genre of pop music and have gone on to be considered classics. Aside from that, Like a Virgin is remarkable for its cohesive and tight composition. Whether you're a fan of dance or not, this is one classic that will never go out of style.

01. CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR

Singles: "Hung Up," "Sorry," "Get Together," "Jump"

Behind the glamorous facade of dance music, Madonna crafts some of her most brilliant lyrical work on Confessions on a Dance Floor. She's also at her most self-referential, paying homage to her previous music with many of the album's tracks. Not only that, but she pays tribute to all of the artists who have influenced her as a singer.

Confessions on a Dance Floor is not just a flawless dance record, it is an immersive experience. Structured like a DJ's set, the album lacks space between its tracks and simulates the atmosphere of a nightclub. Confessions is also noted for its evolving tone, which sees the album starting off light and ending much more introspectively.

The strength of the album's production and Madonna's genius paid off, earning her a Grammy for the album. Confessions on a Dance Floor proves Madonna's worth as an artist and illustrates why she deserves the crown as the Queen of Pop.

Top 5: Best Pop Albums of 2014

With "Let It Go" being played non-stop all year long and Taylor Swift selling millions of copies of 1989, it's safe to say that 2014 was dominated by the ladies. This past year women reigned supreme in the world of pop music, delivering some of the finest ear candy in recent years.

The following list counts down the five best pop albums of 2014 from this year's fiercest divas.

05. Cher Lloyd, Sorry I'm Late

STANDOUT TRACKS: "I Wish," "Sirens," "Killing It," "M.F.P.O.T.Y," "Alone With Me"

As the hotly anticipated follow-up to her debut album Sticks & Stones, Cher Lloyd's Sorry I'm Late is a satisfying mix of club-hopping party anthems and emotional ballads. On this album, Cher relies less on her lady rapper schtick and shows her growth as a singer by stretching her vocal chords. The maturity she shows on Sorry I'm Late illustrates the makings of a true artist and makes for an interesting listen.

04. Jessie J, Sweet Talker

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Ain't Been Done," "Sweet Talker," "Bang Bang," "Personal," "Keep Us Together"

After the North American release to Alive failed to materialize, Jessie J set to work on a brand-new album to offer Stateside. Bolstered by the success of the Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj collab "Bang Bang," Sweet Talker became the big voiced songstress' highest charting album on the US Billboard 200. The album brilliantly showcases Jessie J's signature vocals and adaptability, belting out a variety of club thumpers and sweet R&B ballads. Her diversity as a singer is commendable and the sass she lays out on this record is as impressive as it is incomparable.

03. Ariana Grande, My Everything

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Problem," "Break Free," "Best Mistake," "Love Me Harder," "My Everything"

With her debut album becoming one of the best albums of 2013, Ariana Grande's sophomore effort My Everything had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, the pint-sized pop star delivered yet another solid set of infectious radio-friendly songs. From the saxophone-driven "Problem" to the Katy Perry-esque "Break Free," Grande ruled the charts with her growing pop repertoire. Still, Grande is the most impressive on My Everything's downtempo tracks, laying out some of this year's finest vocal work on the album's title track.

02. Kylie Minogue, Kiss Me Once

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Into the Blue," "Sexy Love," "Sexercise," "Les Sex," "Kiss Me Once"

While 2014 may have seen younger acts like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande dominating the charts, the legendary Kylie Minogue proved that age is irrelevant in making good music. As one of the most eclectic albums this year, Kylie's Kiss Me Once ranges from feel-good ear candy ("Into the Blue") to seductive sex jams ("Sexercise"). The album is also notable for featuring a mix of downtempo tracks, making Kiss Me Once the first studio album of hers to do so since 2007's X. These retro ballads are among some of her more interesting and act as brilliant homages to her PWL era.

01. Cheryl, Only Human

STANDOUT TRACKS: "It's About Time," "Crazy Stupid Love," "Waiting for Lightning," "Only Human," "Stars," "Throwback," "Fight On," "Beats N Bass"

To say that 2014 was a good year for the newly mononymous Cheryl would be an understatement. She returned to the judging panel on The X-Factor, broke records when she became the first British female solo act to have five number one singles in the UK and subsequently released her fourth top ten studio album Only Human.

Only Human is arguably Cheryl's strongest solo effort to date, featuring a cohesive collection of pop gems and affecting ballads. On this record she is as fierce as she is vulnerable, showing swag on hair-flippers like "Beats N Bass" and emotional transparency on downtempo tracks like "Only Human." While all the albums on this list may not be excellent start to finish, Only Human is near perfection and proves itself as pop masterpiece.

 

Top 10: Best Beyoncé Songs

With 17 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades to her name, Beyoncé Knowles is so legendary that she needs only be known by one name. From her role as the frontwoman of Destiny's Child to her career as a solo artist, Beyoncé's voice is instantly iconic and her songs have been pushing musical boundaries for the better part of three decades.

Counted down here are ten of Beyoncé's most memorable and groundbreaking songs, ranging from her greatest commercial successes to her more experimental offerings.

10. "Listen"

Writers: Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, Beyoncé Knowles

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #61

Written for the movie musical Dreamgirls, "Listen" is a sweeping R&B ballad sung from the perspective of Deena Jones (as portrayed by Beyoncé). In the song, Deena rises above being underestimated and counted out by those around her. It's a powerful anthem of self-empowerment that features one of her finest vocal performances to date.

09. "XO"

Writers: Ryan Tedder, Terius Nash, Beyoncé Knowles

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #45

As the lead single off of Beyoncé's history-making surprise self-titled album, "XO" was one of the album's few radio-friendly tracks. With its celebratory pop composition and heartfelt lyrics, the song helped to introduce a more mature side of Beyoncé as a singer. It's an honest love song that honours the preciousness of life.

08. "I Was Here"

Writer: Diane Warren

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: N/A

Having written hits for the legendary divas Cher and Celine Dion, songwriter extraordinaire Diane Warren penned the power ballad "I Was Here" for Beyoncé's fourth album 4. Its concerns with the legacies we leave behind speak brilliantly to Beyoncé's status as a role model. Paired with her flawless vocals, this track is one of her most stirring ballads.

07. "Run the World (Girls)"

Writers: Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Beyoncé Knowles, Wesley Pentz, David Taylor, Adidja Palmer Nick van de Wall

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #29

Female empowerment has long been a recurring theme in Beyoncé's career and "Run the World (Girls)" is easily her most anthemic song. Rather than reflecting upon the inequalities women face, this track takes a more positive spin on feminism and celebrates the power of the female sex. It also marked a significant shift in her career as an artist and provided her fans with a more ambitious sound.

06. "Pretty Hurts"

Writers: Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler, Beyoncé Knowles

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: N/A

As the flipside to "Run the World (Girls)," "Pretty Hurts" takes an honest look at the unrealistic expectations society places on the physical appearance of women. Thanks to the genius of lyrical "It Girl" Sia Furler, this song examines the darker side of beauty and it allowed Beyoncé to explore her own insecurities. The result is both haunting and beautiful.

05. "Countdown"

Writers: Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Beyoncé Knowles, Ester Dean, Cainon Lamb, Julie Frost, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #71

"Countdown" is a brilliant piece of ear candy that is deliciously catchy and experimental. This dance track serves as one of the standouts from 4 and was a major return to form for the singer. Combined with its stunning music video (complete with Audrey Hepburn references), "Countdown" is the musical equivalent of a pick-me-up.

04. "Irreplaceable"

Writers: Shaffer Smith, Beyoncé Knowles, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjorklund

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1

After the lacklustre performance of the lead singles off of her sophomore effort B'Day, Beyoncé released "Irreplaceable" as the album's third single and it led to a definitive moment in her career. Her sassy attitude on the track paired with the chanting lyrics "to the left, to the left" made this guitar-led kiss-off a masterpiece. 

03. "Halo"

Writers: Ryan Tedder, Beyoncé Knowles, E. Kidd Bogart

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #5

As Beyoncé's signature ballad, "Halo" is a transcendent downtempo R&B track from her seminal I Am… Sasha Fierce album. The song showcased a more vulnerable side to the singer and allowed her to indulge in her lower register. "Halo" continues to be one of her most memorable singles and is routinely performed as an encore during her concerts.

02. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"

Writers: Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and its Bob Fosse-inspired music video lit the music industry on fire upon its release. The song inspired countless people to record themselves re-enacting the video's choreography and Beyoncé's brash attitude on the track cemented her status as a pop culture icon.

01. "Crazy in Love"

Writers: Beyoncé Knowles, Rich Harrison, Shawn Carter, Eugene Record

Highest Billboard Hot 100 Chart Position: #1

With the release of her debut single "Crazy in Love," Beyoncé announced her presence as a solo star and established herself as a force to be reckoned within the music industry. The song's bombastic horn section paired with Beyoncé's exuberant vocals and Jay-Z's memorable rap verses skyrocketed this record to number one. Even though Beyoncé and Jay-Z have since paired up on many other songs, "Crazy in Love" is a truly magical collaboration that stands strong as Queen Bey's greatest solo effort.