Review of Madonna: Madame X (2021) by Madonnastan33 — 24 Nov 2021

Madame X is a somewhat convoluted album. It tried to encapsulate the soul of American Life by giving its gritty commentary while cosplaying as a burning ray of light amidst a heated social climate. The production is what often leaves a lot to be desired.

Sure, it's sounds nothing alike what other artist's are doing. Though, in this case, that might be for good reason. But disregarding the busy production in most tracks, we can see the world of Madame X come together in what is Madonna's best performance experience since the Confessions Tour.

Despite some weak moments, such being the case of Human Nature, the overall work is a severe improvement in Madonna's ability for social commentary. Even the campy American Life has its place as the catalyst for all of this.

It started as a song that wanted to see change, and Madame X is the result of how little things have shifted since then. I Rise, as the concert's closure, is an anthemic demonstration of lifting against oppression, and helping lift others that might not have a voice.

It is, in my opinion, the best closing for a Madonna concert since the mash-up of Celebration and Give it 2 Me in the MDNA tour. It's also a whole emotional shift. It's no longer a pulsating burst that awakens your inner party demon, it's a blow of devastation that awakens you to all the evil we face against in our modern world.

While the album might fall short, the Madame X concert experience did what Madonna intended all along. It is the spear that tears on the frights, and the light that shines bright amidst the dark.