Very artistic effort. It seemed that after this album, Madonna decided to embrace escapism, seeing that the bare reality displayed with this album didn't translate into her usual massive album sales. The public just couldn't face the honesty she was trying to convey, with the lead single in particular, and she was sort of...neutered. To remain relevant in pop culture, she was then forced to make two very commercial pop albums. Confessions and Hard Candy are both very good for what they are, but this is the quality Madonna is capable of. She knows better. You can say many things about her, but she wouldn't still be going without creating interesting music, and this is one of her most ambitious and successful. The themes in the album are not all blatantly political, but the overall tone is very dark. She collaborates yet again with producers, such as Mirwais, from the music and ray of light albums. Several tracks are primarily acoustic, with dribbles of electronica, which create a very rich sound. Can't beat the queen.

After listening to many of this artist's productions, I have concluded that the U. S. Congress, the President, and the U. S. Supreme Court need to unanimously agree on a "National Resolution to Preserve the Brain of 'Madonna' Chiccione," the same as the brain of Albert Einstein, as a National Treasure, and for the sake of future scientific study.

To the Madonna: For the common good of humanity, in your statement of final will, I ask that you please relinquish your brain to the people. ~ Samuel J. Tibbs ~

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2GM2EC0I5ULWS My name is Jeremy Gloff. I am a musician and music collector. Feel free to check out my website. This is my review of Madonna's album "American Life".

Madonna's songwriting isn't as trite as the media plays it off to be. Her true talent shines on each song within this record.

"American Life" - Mirwais over-powers a trifle with the production, but, all-in-all a great track. The lyrics are subjective, but all subjectivity is gone when you listen.

"Hollywood" - A wonderful composition set into the backdrop of vanity.

"I'm So Stupid" - A melancholic tune. Simplistic lyrical content weighs heavier than the instrumentation.

"Love Profusion" - Crystal clear vocals enhance great writing and an upbeat tempo create a great song.

"Nobody Knows Me" - Written within the mind of a superstar. Although the lyrics can be internal. Great composition and production.

"Nothing Fails" - An orchestral plethora of greatness.

"Intervention" - An acoustical sensation of songwriting. The layered vocal lends itself to greatness as well the mix of synth with guitar.

"X-Static Process" - Static, not at all. This song sends the listener into a trance of beauty. We are all equal.

"Mother And Father" - The high vocal character lends this song a greatness a lower register may not have. The lyrics are reflective and pure.

"Die Another Day" - Enigmatic lyrics within a soundscape of electronica. Perfection.

"Easy Ride" - A brooding lyric and a great composition. This final track lowers you as you get off the ride that is this great album.

This album, both on a lyrically and instrumentation level, is my favorite album to date. Not just Madonna's efforts, but the ENTIRE pop music industry. This LP has the elements of great pop with sprinklings of rock, country, trip and simply every faction of my mind wraps around this sucker. I love it, from the cover to the final tune, "Easy Ride". This LP truly raises the hair on the back of my neck. Perfect pop once again. I've loved this one from the first listen, which is unusual. If you truly listen, you'll adore this LP as much as I do. If you've heard it and hate it, listen again, with your true ear, and you'll hear the world.