Loki

IMHO, it's a tie between Erotica and Ray of Light (to be honest I voted for the first one). We can agree she's not properly a vocalist, it's fair to admit it, but her 'lack' of vocal range is beautifully balanced by her interpretations. I've always seen her more as a storyteller, a bard, than a regular singer: she makes the songs hers and then gives them life, expressing a wide range of emotions, every shade of them. I think her voice acquired the characteristics we all know in two different moments in the '90s: during the early' 90s, when she added the whispering and speaking styles, and in late '90s, when she expanded her voice and learned to use it. During the Erotica era, IMHO, her voice got warmer, charming and sensual, in the Ray of Light era, she learned to control it and it's clear she discovered a part of it she didn't know she had, in particular the low register and the high one. It's cute to notice that those albums were made to exalt the changes in her voice and the music genres were well-chosen. I finish saying that in these last years I've been pleasantly surprised she continued to modify her way to sing, seconding her voice: due to aging, her low register seems to be expanded, it sounds more 'mature' and I really like she decides to bring these new nuances of her voice out. 
 

I feel as though Madonna’s vocals have been continuously evolving and changing drastically throughout her career. I feel that her voice remains a certain way for a couple of eras and I grouped them up as so. This poll is more so about which vocals are your favorite sounding and not a poll about which album period is your best. I want the focus to be on her vocals. Please share your thoughts as well  
My favorite vocal era from Madonna is probably Madame X! Even though her voice isn’t as powerful as the Like A Prayer days, I feel like now it is more diverse. The many sounds of Madame X fit her changing voice throughout the album and her raw vocals really shine through in songs like Looking for Mercy. I also really love the way she manipulates her voice in some of the songs like the spoken part and pre disco sections of God Control. Also she sounded AMAZING on the MXT

I'll try to be kind: I don't like it, above all I can't stand this kind of EDM. The production is anaemic: I mean, in most of her songs we can feel her blood coursing through them, we can feel her unique touch, but this time the outcome is quite impersonal, generic, aseptic. Banal 2010s EDM. Thematically, it's not so generic as it could seem; if we erase all those 'silly' songs, which are, IMHO, out of context, the rest of them is a good description of her feelings about divorce: it's full of anger, disappointment, frustration, a little bit of revenge, an overdose of sadness, a sense of paradise lost. You can start trying to forget about your problems on a dancefloor, but irreparably you'll finish with a tissue in your hand. 
I wouldn't compare it with Like A Prayer: this little old masterpiece doesn't contain so much anger and the only song which speaks directly about her divorce, 'Till Death do us part, is just more a reminescence of the past, a bitter acceptance of the lost of the love of your life than a declaration of hate. For me, it's quite astonishing that the same woman who wrote True Blue (baby I love you) can write also Gang Bang (shot my lover in the head). I call it versatility. 
To be short, I don't manage to appreciate it, I detest the production, except from Love Spent and Falling Free. It's annoying, too pulp and unnecessarily violent. But in some way, it receives too hate: it's not perfect, but I listened to something worse.

I wasn't born in 1992 yet, so, sorry, no memories about it...But my mom was 20 at that time and she remember vividly all the controversies this book generated, especially in Europe. I tried to convince her to speak about it few times but she said only that in her opinion that book was a slight for the female universe, an insult to the beauty of the female body, that she could have expressed her intentions about sexuality with more respect, not debasing herself that way. I highly doubt she's ever seen those photographs or listened to the album and I have good reasons for thinking that my mother was led to have this opinion by press and the amount of awful criticisms the entire Erotica era received. As someone said, this project almost killed her career because lots of casual listeners, like my mother, were disgusted and scared by it and a good portion of them decided to stop listening her music and buying her songs: my mother has refused to buy anything else by her since 1992. The fracture was partially reset by Ray of Light, but her love hasn't been the same anymore. I have to admit that when I saw few frames of this book for the first time I was 20 and I was shocked and disgusted, I couldn't believe someone had the courage to speak about sex with so much liberty, exposing every side of it, every aspect, even the most violent ones, and being raised as catholic didn't help me at all, especially since I live in a small, conservative village, where nothing exists but the priest; even after almost 30 years this ironic book did its job marvelously and shocked another puritan member of the society: I was one of them before I met it and her. In some way, it changed my mind about this topic, showing me that there's nothing demonic in sex or sexuality, that love has no color, no label, no secrets, no limits, and, I know it can sound strange, pain and plasure are different faces of the same aspect, a modern and obscure version of the romantic Greek statement Eros and Thanatos, love and death.
In the end, what impressed me the most is that all the bad press this book received crafted a distorted projection of Madonna and her career: when I was a baby, journalists still continued to focus only on her sexual controversies, with no interest on her real messages: everything was reduced to her appeal and body, the inner sense of her performances was buried under tons of comments about her age (I remember she was almost 50 when I started to hear about her), her toned body, her family and so on.That's why I was skeptic about her at the beginning: foolishly I was led to believe she was the mother of all those trivial popstars I saw reluctantly on MTV, who were only a dancing body with zero meaningful ideas. They did a great job, yes. I really hope the following years will do justice to this part of her career, which is worth of every single second a person could spend to understand it.

From Memoirs of a Geisha:
She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for a Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret. 
I'm utterly convinced that through her career she's seen herself as a sad clown, trapped in a bubble, almost a prisoner of her own fame: the circus imagery is very frequent, from The Girlie Show Tour to Tears of a Clown and in all these performances she plays the character of the sad clow. This belief could make people laugh, but other stars have showed that fame could be a monstrosity. 
By the way, since I'm almost blind as a bat, it's relieving to the able to see every single detail and all the color range. I'm happy ? 

From Memoirs of a Geisha:
She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for a Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret. 
I'm utterly convinced that through her career she's seen herself as a sad clown, trapped in a bubble, almost a prisoner of her own fame: the circus imagery is very frequent, from The Girlie Show Tour to Tears of a Clown and in all these performances she plays the character of the sad clow. This belief could make people laugh, but other stars have showed that fame could be a monstrosity. 
By the way, since I'm almost blind as a bat, it's relieving to the able to see every single detail and all the color range. I'm happy ? 

From Memoirs of a Geisha:
She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for a Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret. 
I'm utterly convinced that through her career she's seen herself as a sad clown, trapped in a bubble, almost a prisoner of her own fame: the circus imagery is very frequent, from The Girlie Show Tour to Tears of a Clown and in all these performances she plays the character of the sad clow. This belief could make people laugh, but other stars have showed that fame could be a monstrosity. 
By the way, since I'm almost blind as a bat, it's relieving to the able to see every single detail and all the color range. I'm happy ? 

Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised they're reuploading her videos. They deserve it. 

From Memoirs of a Geisha:
She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for a Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret. 
I'm utterly convinced that through her career she's seen herself as a sad clown, trapped in a bubble, almost a prisoner of her own fame: the circus imagery is very frequent, from The Girlie Show Tour to Tears of a Clown and in all these performances she plays the character of the sad clow. This belief could make people laugh, but other stars have showed that fame could be a monstrosity. 
By the way, since I'm almost blind as a bat, it's relieving to the able to see every single detail and all the color range. I'm happy ? 

Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised they're reuploading her videos. They deserve it. 

My mother was pregnant with me in 1998 so in a certain way I was born with this album, maybe that's why I love so much electronic music ?Apart from Like a Prayer, Ray of Light is likely her sole album my mother listened to. Great choice, anyway. 

I've just noticed Secret Garden from Erotica pays tribute to The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) by Quincy Jones feat. Barry White, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram and El DeBarge, released in 1990. In particular, Madonna's singing style is clearly based on Barry's one (who doesn't love his voice?) and even both arrangements are similar, although her version is more minimal. Finally, the lyrics are about the same topic and they use the same metaphor of the secret garden: Because tonight I want you/to learn all about/the secrets in your garden.

 

I've just noticed Secret Garden from Erotica pays tribute to The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) by Quincy Jones feat. Barry White, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram and El DeBarge, released in 1990. In particular, Madonna's singing style is clearly based on Barry's one (who doesn't love his voice?) and even both arrangements are similar, although her version is more minimal. Finally, the lyrics are about the same topic and they use the same metaphor of the secret garden: Because tonight I want you/to learn all about/the secrets in your garden.

 

My mother was pregnant with me in 1998 so in a certain way I was born with this album, maybe that's why I love so much electronic music ?Apart from Like a Prayer, Ray of Light is likely her sole album my mother listened to. Great choice, anyway. 

My mother was pregnant with me in 1998 so in a certain way I was born with this album, maybe that's why I love so much electronic music ?Apart from Like a Prayer, Ray of Light is likely her sole album my mother listened to. Great choice, anyway. 

That's what I like to see women respecting other women instead of throwing shade all the time.

Oh, it seems to be osteoarthritis and unfortunately it's degenerative; it's due mainly to mechanical stress, which includes stressful workouts and adopting twisted postures for long periods. Since the beginnings, her performances have always been physically highly demanding and this has affected so much her body through all her career. Frankly, I'm surprised this injury occurred so late: her tours/performances in her 40s were astonishing in terms of stamina and physical stress; from a medical point of view it's incredible to see what she did at an age when other artists start to slow down in terms of performances. I'm very curious to see what kind of tour she'll do in future. 

Oh, it seems to be osteoarthritis and unfortunately it's degenerative; it's due mainly to mechanical stress, which includes stressful workouts and adopting twisted postures for long periods. Since the beginnings, her performances have always been physically highly demanding and this has affected so much her body through all her career. Frankly, I'm surprised this injury occurred so late: her tours/performances in her 40s were astonishing in terms of stamina and physical stress; from a medical point of view it's incredible to see what she did at an age when other artists start to slow down in terms of performances. I'm very curious to see what kind of tour she'll do in future. 

I'll go with few 'deep cuts':
1.Nothing Fails: a gem. One of the so called songs for Guy, it's a testament of early '00 Madonna: completely absorbed by the European sound and atmosphere, a woman in peace with the world. Lyrically, it's an ode to the spousal love: love as a center of gravity, love as a redeeming experience. It's an unicum in her catalog. It's a pity it didn't get a video. 
2.Deeper and Deeper: who said a dance song can't be meaningful? The first time she incorporates in one of her songs elements from her previous ones and this time the sampled one is quite a breakthrough for her career: Vogue. I have to confess I really adore this song, mainly due to its ambiguous lyrics and video: what are the lyrics about? A research for what? The deeper sense of ourselves or a part of us we can't love? When she says that nothing is what it seems, she's right, since Like a Virgin. 
3.The Power of Goodbye: I'm mad, mad for her ballads, so I had to pick one of them. To explain why I chose this one it's enough listening to the instrumental version: it's not Ambient, it's not electronic, it's an oniric and psychedelic trip, from London to New Delhi. Totally based on Strange Cargo III by Orbit. A stroke of genius.
I voluntarily didn't pick her most successful singles, not because they don't represent her, but they represent a part of her, the most well-known one; I tried to show her hidden side.

Ok Guys! We've had threads for the Best Three Singles that represent Madonna's career, the Best Three Videos that represent Madonna's career, and the Best Three Albums that represent Madonna's career. Now what about Madonna's BEST THREE PERFORMANCES that represent her career?? Can't wait to see what you pick? Thanks Guys! Special thanks to @Gâteaufor the idea!!
Here are my choices. I can't get enough:
Madonna's Super bowl Performance
Paris Olympia
Live 8 2005
 

I'll go with few 'deep cuts':
1.Nothing Fails: a gem. One of the so called songs for Guy, it's a testament of early '00 Madonna: completely absorbed by the European sound and atmosphere, a woman in peace with the world. Lyrically, it's an ode to the spousal love: love as a center of gravity, love as a redeeming experience. It's an unicum in her catalog. It's a pity it didn't get a video. 
2.Deeper and Deeper: who said a dance song can't be meaningful? The first time she incorporates in one of her songs elements from her previous ones and this time the sampled one is quite a breakthrough for her career: Vogue. I have to confess I really adore this song, mainly due to its ambiguous lyrics and video: what are the lyrics about? A research for what? The deeper sense of ourselves or a part of us we can't love? When she says that nothing is what it seems, she's right, since Like a Virgin. 
3.The Power of Goodbye: I'm mad, mad for her ballads, so I had to pick one of them. To explain why I chose this one it's enough listening to the instrumental version: it's not Ambient, it's not electronic, it's an oniric and psychedelic trip, from London to New Delhi. Totally based on Strange Cargo III by Orbit. A stroke of genius.
I voluntarily didn't pick her most successful singles, not because they don't represent her, but they represent a part of her, the most well-known one; I tried to show her hidden side.

I'll go with few 'deep cuts':
1.Nothing Fails: a gem. One of the so called songs for Guy, it's a testament of early '00 Madonna: completely absorbed by the European sound and atmosphere, a woman in peace with the world. Lyrically, it's an ode to the spousal love: love as a center of gravity, love as a redeeming experience. It's an unicum in her catalog. It's a pity it didn't get a video. 
2.Deeper and Deeper: who said a dance song can't be meaningful? The first time she incorporates in one of her songs elements from her previous ones and this time the sampled one is quite a breakthrough for her career: Vogue. I have to confess I really adore this song, mainly due to its ambiguous lyrics and video: what are the lyrics about? A research for what? The deeper sense of ourselves or a part of us we can't love? When she says that nothing is what it seems, she's right, since Like a Virgin. 
3.The Power of Goodbye: I'm mad, mad for her ballads, so I had to pick one of them. To explain why I chose this one it's enough listening to the instrumental version: it's not Ambient, it's not electronic, it's an oniric and psychedelic trip, from London to New Delhi. Totally based on Strange Cargo III by Orbit. A stroke of genius.
I voluntarily didn't pick her most successful singles, not because they don't represent her, but they represent a part of her, the most well-known one; I tried to show her hidden side.

I'll go with few 'deep cuts':
1.Nothing Fails: a gem. One of the so called songs for Guy, it's a testament of early '00 Madonna: completely absorbed by the European sound and atmosphere, a woman in peace with the world. Lyrically, it's an ode to the spousal love: love as a center of gravity, love as a redeeming experience. It's an unicum in her catalog. It's a pity it didn't get a video. 
2.Deeper and Deeper: who said a dance song can't be meaningful? The first time she incorporates in one of her songs elements from her previous ones and this time the sampled one is quite a breakthrough for her career: Vogue. I have to confess I really adore this song, mainly due to its ambiguous lyrics and video: what are the lyrics about? A research for what? The deeper sense of ourselves or a part of us we can't love? When she says that nothing is what it seems, she's right, since Like a Virgin. 
3.The Power of Goodbye: I'm mad, mad for her ballads, so I had to pick one of them. To explain why I chose this one it's enough listening to the instrumental version: it's not Ambient, it's not electronic, it's an oniric and psychedelic trip, from London to New Delhi. Totally based on Strange Cargo III by Orbit. A stroke of genius.
I voluntarily didn't pick her most successful singles, not because they don't represent her, but they represent a part of her, the most well-known one; I tried to show her hidden side.

Being objective is not so easy, I'll do my best:
1.Like a Prayer: a rational psychological essay about herself. Thematically, the primigenial seed of her following albums: love, marriage, mourning, death, religion.
2.Ray of Light/Music: confessions from a mother, a wife. Ray of Light is her religious rebirth, Music is her love/marriage rebirth. It's astonishing to think they're her sole albums infused with a little bit of joy and happiness.
3.Amerocan Life: her dark turning point. By it, her melancholic vein prevails over all. Mystical and escatological elements pervade her performances and visuals, meanwhile her albums are filled with apocalyptic/dystopian concepts. 
Honorable mention: Erotica. Apart from the sex theme, her definitive album about love: impossible, melancholic, painful. A look to her as a human being behind the curtains of her success.

In continuing MI's Madonna's career retrospection posts, here is Question #3: If you were to name THREE of Madonna's SINGLES that best represent her and her career as a whole at this time, which singles would you choose and why? (If you can't stop at three, you can name more). If you didn't answer with your choices for her Albums and Videos , he sure to do so HERE and HERE.
Ok, for my three singles (this is so hard), I'm going with LIKE A PRAYER, RAY OF LIGHT. and MUSIC.....for the iconicness of each one separately, for the differences is sound and writing, and the timeless mark they made on the charts. I also think she had this way of bringing everyone (of all makes of life and the world over) together with each.  If I were to name two more: I'd pick HOLIDAY and VOGUE. I could go on and on. lol
Thanks so much, All! Your answers so far in each thread have been fascinating.