2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Hard Candy: all-star flop
Justin Fritze
Issue date: 5/12/08 Section: Arts
It had the makings of a great album. With three of the hottest acts in music (Pharrell, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake) on board for Madonna's latest project, how could it go wrong? But the new album by Madonna is not just a let down for fans, it's a let down for the entire music industry.
The first problem with Hard Candy is the obvious lack of creativity. Never have I seen the top two producers in hip-hop half-ass an album so shamelessly. Timbaland, fresh off his own solo failure, is back to making half-baked, second-rate electronica beats with a palette of sounds that expired about six months ago.
Timbaland's mix worked on FutureSex/LoveSounds and it worked on Loose, but for anyone who listened to Collision Shock Value, the lack of "new" instrumentation made Timbaland seem like the egomaniac who still believes the world "isn't ready" for his best stuff.
But enough of Timbaland and his obvious fascination with his own voice. The bigger surprise is the title track "Candy Shop," which puts a horribly flat Madonna vocal over yet another synth-heavy, pseudo Neptunes beat that's eerily reminiscent of Pharrell's solo album In My Mind. The track "4 Minutes," also leaves much to be desired, loaded with cheesy four note synth grooves and yet another Michael Jackson impersonation by Justin Timberlake.
What Hard Candy lacks is the "necessity" of being good. With a combined net worth in the billions, the musicians on Hard Candy know they don't have to make a record that's going to impress anybody.
They don't have to push any boundaries, therefore end up relying on the "magic" of such an all-star cast. But what happens when the "magic" doesn't surface, and the result is an album that puts a woman who has always been ahead of the curve directly on that curve.
"Beat Goes On," which combines both Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, proves once and for all that putting two huge names together does not always result in good music (see McCartney/Jackson duets).
Hard Candy represents a dramatic sea of change in music. With both Timbaland and Pharrell failing on almost all fronts, the time for "new" sounds and "new" styles are necessary now more than ever.
It's not easy to watch those you've musically admired sink into complacency and it's even harder when you expected so much more.
The first problem with Hard Candy is the obvious lack of creativity. Never have I seen the top two producers in hip-hop half-ass an album so shamelessly. Timbaland, fresh off his own solo failure, is back to making half-baked, second-rate electronica beats with a palette of sounds that expired about six months ago.
Timbaland's mix worked on FutureSex/LoveSounds and it worked on Loose, but for anyone who listened to Collision Shock Value, the lack of "new" instrumentation made Timbaland seem like the egomaniac who still believes the world "isn't ready" for his best stuff.
But enough of Timbaland and his obvious fascination with his own voice. The bigger surprise is the title track "Candy Shop," which puts a horribly flat Madonna vocal over yet another synth-heavy, pseudo Neptunes beat that's eerily reminiscent of Pharrell's solo album In My Mind. The track "4 Minutes," also leaves much to be desired, loaded with cheesy four note synth grooves and yet another Michael Jackson impersonation by Justin Timberlake.
What Hard Candy lacks is the "necessity" of being good. With a combined net worth in the billions, the musicians on Hard Candy know they don't have to make a record that's going to impress anybody.
They don't have to push any boundaries, therefore end up relying on the "magic" of such an all-star cast. But what happens when the "magic" doesn't surface, and the result is an album that puts a woman who has always been ahead of the curve directly on that curve.
"Beat Goes On," which combines both Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, proves once and for all that putting two huge names together does not always result in good music (see McCartney/Jackson duets).
Hard Candy represents a dramatic sea of change in music. With both Timbaland and Pharrell failing on almost all fronts, the time for "new" sounds and "new" styles are necessary now more than ever.
It's not easy to watch those you've musically admired sink into complacency and it's even harder when you expected so much more.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
onyci
posted 5/12/08 @ 6:06 AM EST
Yes, yes. I agree with you wholly. I have been around since the groundbreaking days of the 80s when the likes of Madonna were doing stellar stuff. But this new album is pathetic. (Continued…)
Cool_i_am
posted 5/12/08 @ 3:24 PM EST
What a clueless, uninsightful "review". Whoever wrote this has little understanding of Madonna and music in general. As does that Chester loon onyci. Please do proper research when writing about things you know little about. (Continued…)
vanessa
posted 5/12/08 @ 5:40 PM EST
This is her worst album ever. When I heard it I couldn't believe how bad it was. I decided not to buy it.
Madonna and her producers do lack creativity as the reviewer said. (Continued…)
anonymous
posted 5/13/08 @ 2:13 PM EST
the album sounds terrible. her fake songwriting and awful voice are horrific.
Hard Candy Sucks - Very True
posted 5/13/08 @ 6:27 PM EST
It takes courage to not be another groupie and just write a great review because it's superstars who are involved. Honestly, all the synths made this feel like a more techno album than a rock/pop/Madonna CD. (Continued…)
Madonna's candy is past the expiry date
posted 5/21/08 @ 4:05 PM EST
I think she's kidding herself if she still thinks she can bank on sex or sexual metaphors like candy. Which world does she live in?? She's almost north of 50. (Continued…)
Bluzulu
posted 7/11/08 @ 3:56 AM EST
I really don't care how old Madonna is. If she wants to dress all sexy and shit that's her business, but Jesus Christ lady you were just inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. (Continued…)
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