Artist Discussion Series: Madonna

[Fflewduur]

LOL@DaveWadding.

Madonna's first album came out 23 years ago. 23 years before THAT...wow. Popular music changed a lot between 1960 and 1983. But from 1983 till now? Not so much. And that goes for Madonna's music, too. Heck, MTV has seen more changes in the past 23 years than pop music has---and none of them for the better.

I think Madonna excels at managing herself and the media. Personally, I like her better in front of the camera than behind a microphone (and, as a sometime theatrician, I never thought I'd find myself saying that).

Ultimately it's all about taste, so---whatever floats your boat. For myself, there's a lot of other folks I'd rather listen to.

[Aladdin from Agrabah]

I admire Madonna very much. It's obvious from my signature and one of my latest drawings- thank you for referring to it, Awallanceunc. I don't admire her because she has a great voice, or a great beauty or musical skills, because she probably hasn't got all these things. And THAT'S exactly the reason I like her. She taught everyone that you don't have to be beautiful or super-talented to reach the top; you just have to want it very much and believe in your dream. She inspires me very much, and all people who know what they want and fight for it inspire me. She's an icon and raises my hopes for reaching the top in what I do better; in other words she makes me dream. I like many of her songs, from the 80's till now and I especially like some of her songs' lyrics- my favourite is from Human Nature; "Did I have a point of view? Oops, I didn't know I couldn't talk about you!".

[Lazario]

The REASON Madonna is successful is because of MTV, if it werent for MTV, no one would care about her...

That is a very ignorant and completely uneducated viewpoint. You are completely wrong. And that is a fact. MTV only played a part in her success, it is not the sole reason for it. And furthermore, you obviously haven't actually listened to her music. At least, not enough of it to validate your moronic opinion.

Ultimately it's all about taste, so---whatever floats your boat. For myself, there's a lot of other folks I'd rather listen to.

Actually... not really. Oh it's a matter of taste whether we like the sound of her music or not. But she is an excellent artist and her music is truly amazing. Some of us might argue it because we don't like dance music, or we have really weird hang-ups or head-trips about powerful, controlling women. But some of us are smart enough to actually look at the music itself for what it is, not just those of us who like the sound, but look at both the message it presents in the context of the artist's intention, and it's production. Really - any loser can say, "oh dance music is dumb" or "that artist is dumb because they only sing or sing and write lyrics, but if they don't play a guitar or other instrument beside their voice, they're dumb." But that's not knowledge, it's here-say. Look inside her music, and you'll be surprised how much talent she has.

[AwallaceUNC]

A message to all members:

Please do not continue to use personal attacks on this forum. Insults directed toward other forum members will not be tolerated. This is the second thread this week to have this problem and I hate to keep harping on it, so please - if you can't reply without insulting, then do not reply at all. If you have a problem with another member, you can contact a moderator, but please do so with discretion. Again, the forum guidelines are at the top of this forum and outline the very lenient forum policy on appropriate posting. There is no need to point fingers, the few members who have engaged in this know who they are, so please be kinder in your posts going forward.

-Aaron

[Fflewduur]

Umm...actually, it IS all about taste, Laz. If Madonna's music fails to amaze me, that in itself does not invalidate your opinion that it is amazing. I don't have a problem with dance music. I don't have a problem with powerful, controlling women---I rather <i>like</i> them, in fact (lascivious grin). And one's level of musicianship has little to do with it, I think: I have been profoundly moved by songs played by people who barely know how to hold their instruments, let alone play them. I didn't say "Madonna sucks;" I didn't say "Madonna's music is crap." She just doesn't give me what I need. I'm rather surprised you would take me to task over something so obviously subjective as one's response to someone's music.

[Lazario]

Umm...actually, it IS all about taste, Laz.

Nope. The only thing taste deligates is whether a person wants to listen to it or not. We all know where taste comes from - outside influences. My parents, my environment, friends, experiences - these things form my taste. However, there is a professional level upon which art, like movies and music, either excels or doesn't. This is a place where taste doesn't make a damn bit of difference. And that is where you are wrong. Taste again - only accounts for what some people like. So it isn't ALL about taste. There are more areas to music/sound quality than just what each person likes hearing.

I don't have a problem with dance music. I don't have a problem with powerful, controlling women---I rather <i>like</i> them, in fact (lascivious grin).

No offense, but, who cares? I was giving you the profile of a kind (or even 2 kinds, people are very diverse) of person. You didn't have to think that I meant you were that person, did you? Think outside the box. It's nice, I promise.

She just doesn't give me what I need. I'm rather surprised you would take me to task over something so obviously subjective as one's response to someone's music.

Let me let you in on a little something - subjective, is another word for bullshit. You're right to think there is a time and a place for subjectiveness. But not everything is subjective. So therefore, saying something is subjective doesn't change what it is.

In fact, except for that very fact, we are in complete agreement. You think just because I'm saying Madonna is a great artist, that I'm also saying because you don't like the sound of her music (partially or completely), you have no taste. Does that about sum it up? You have a lot of taste... for you. Feel better now?

[Fflewduur]

Okay. That's insulting. I never expected to be treated like a dumb@ss because I dared dislike Madonna.

I've enjoyed my time here, but I shan't be back.

[Lazario]

Okay. That's insulting.

"Insulting" is subjective.

I've enjoyed my time here, but I shan't be back.

Why do I find that so difficult to believe??

[DaveWadding]

Okay. That's insulting. I never expected to be treated like a dumb@ss because I dared dislike Madonna.

I've enjoyed my time here, but I shan't be back.

Yeah, its funny, if you ever bring up how Madonna is friggin terrible ANYWHERE, as I have in the past, Madonna fans will just jump on you and oh my God she's so greeat and blah blah blah. I don't care. I've listened to Madonna. She is an overrated hack who's music has survived on lots and lots of controversy, mainly due to the content of her songs and music videos that were played on MTV (hence raising the "cool factor" of both Madonna AND MTV.

I'm an idiot. Sue me.

[DaveWadding]

Also, I'm done with this topic. If no one can accept that I think that MADONNA SUCKS then that's cool. You want to worship Madonna like she is a God and can never do any wrong, that's cool. You have it your way, and I'll have it mine.[/i]

[MadonnasManOne]

Yeah, its funny, if you ever bring up how Madonna is friggin terrible ANYWHERE, as I have in the past, Madonna fans will just jump on you and oh my God she's so greeat and blah blah blah. I don't care. I've listened to Madonna. She is an overrated hack who's music has survived on lots and lots of controversy, mainly due to the content of her songs and music videos that were played on MTV (hence raising the "cool factor" of both Madonna AND MTV.

I'm an idiot. Sue me.

Madonna is not friggin terrible, nor is she an "overrated hack". If she were, she would not have such a rabid fanbase. That's the thing that those of you, who are just hating on Madonna, don't understand. Just because you don't like her, or don't enjoy her music, doesn't make her terrible, or an "overrated hack", or any other bad thing you want to call her.

You don't like her. Fine. There's no need to call her names, or say negative things about her. Just because you don't like her, doesn't mean there aren't millions that do, and that doesn't mean that those millions are blinded, or stupid, just because they like her.

[my chicken is infected]

The only thing I have to say to any of the arguments is that I wasn't "suckered" into buying one damn thing from Madonna. It was always of my own free will.

Now stop fighting, or I'll make you all sit through a marathon of Glitter, Gigli, Paris Hilton's album, and Swept Away! GOT IT?

[MadonnasManOne]

The only thing I have to say to any of the arguments is that I wasn't "suckered" into buying one damn thing from Madonna. It was always of my own free will.

Now stop fighting, or I'll make you all sit through a marathon of Glitter, Gigli, Paris Hilton's album, and Swept Away! GOT IT?

Oh, God! The horror!!! I might be able to handle Swept Away (surprisingly, I haven't seen it), but the other stuff?! No WAY!!!

Seriously, though, I agree. There is no need to argue. I realize that there are many people that do no like Madonna. That's fine. As I said, I'm quite sure she could care less.

Aaron, thank you so much for posting this, and the other Artist Discussion threads. It's a great idea, and you have done a great job. I most certainly approve of this one .

I think you would do very well to pick up The Immaculate Collection, if you want one of her Greatest Hits collections. If I could only have one Madonna album, that would be it. In fact, even if you are just a casual fan of Madonna, The Immaculate Collection is one album that should be in everyone's collection.

[HalRoachFan]

I've never been into Madonna, but she's one of the more interesting artists out there. I like artists that change and reinvent themselves. It keeps their music interesting that way. She's a respectable artist.

[cydney]

I absolutely LOVE Madonna! I've loved everything she's done even when controversal, it has been fun watching her push people's buttons. She is a wonderful performer and artist and has that lasting spark that has kept her here for years. She will continue to be one of my favorite artists for as long as she's around.

[Lucylover1986]

I really enjoy Madonna. Except for her little American Life hiccup everything she's done is pretty awesome.

[James]

Now stop fighting, or I'll make you all sit through a marathon of Glitter, Gigli, Paris Hilton's album, and Swept Away! GOT IT?

I actually liked Glitter, wouldn't wind seeing Gigli or Swept Away, and think that while Paris Hilton's album isn't mind-blowing in any way, it is at best okay. I'm weird, right?
-James

[slave2moonlight]

I love everything she did in association with Dick Tracy. Beyond that, I'm not much of a fan. She has some good songs and movies here and there, but her image is not really my thing or something I find to be all that healthy for society. But that's just my two cents. I won't say she's not talented, she is.

I kinda feel the same way about Christina Aguilera. She's an amazing talent, and I like some of the stuff she's done, but I don't care for the image she has presented in the past at all. It's especially disappointing knowing she was a Mouseketeer, but I guess I'm old fashioned in that respect. However, I would much rather get stranded on an island with Christina. I've NEVER found Madonna attractive at all. Christina can be gorgeous when she wants to be.

[Lars Vermundsberget]

Well, Madonna IS getting just a bit old - I think she's closer to 50 than 40 now...

I don't care what people think about her. But I think the discussion works better when one refrains from trying to pass one's most bombastic opinions off as facts...

[ichabod]

If truth be told, I actually quite like Madonna and some of her songs. Like her or loathe her, you have to hand it to her, she's had more succesful comebacks than Joan Rivers has had surgery. She does try to compete against the younger stars and more often than not succeeds.

Oh and whilst we're on the subject of Madonna trying to compete against younger popsters I just have to share this:

Why am I doing this out in Hollywood? I've been in movies and I'm not that good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpsf8H04z6s

'Hey Britney, look what I can do with a pole!'