MDNA Review

Artist:Madonna

Album:MDNA

Release Date:March 26

Label:Interscope Records

Grade:A-

International icon Madonna announced in December 2010 her plans for a comeback album, and her fans waited over a year for the finished product.

MDNA, her 12th studio album, was released on Monday and after only a day it has already earned the number two spot on iTunes.

Madonna took a different approach after her last album, Hard Candy, received mediocre reviews. The superstar worked with 12 different producers from varying genres, including electronic extraordinaire Benny Benassi.

The first single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'," combines cheerleader chants with verses from rapper Nicki Minaj and singer M.I.A. The radio-friendly single has received a consistent amount of airtime since its Super Bowl halftime performance. Despite having a developed fan base, the features from Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. on this track attract a more diverse audience to Madonna's music.

The opening track and second single, "Girl Gone Wild," features a sound familiar to Madonna's longtime fans. The chorus' infectious bubblegum pop sound, backed by a Benassi-produced electronic beat, will be a club staple over the summer.

The album progresses into "Gang Bang," a dark track with a thumping instrumental that dedicated Madonna fans will appreciate.

The album isn't perfect, however. "I Don't Give A," featuring Nicki Minaj, fails to impress as Nicki's rap is forced with Madonna's seamless vocals. The track concludes with a medley of string instruments and opera vocals, leaving listeners to wonder if this was supposed to be the transition to the next track.

The last two tracks, "Masterpiece" and "Falling Free," close MDNA on a softer note. These ballads reflect on Madonna's public divorce from Guy Ritchie, and balance the album with heartfelt, vulnerable songs among the club anthems.

MDNAis a classic Madonna album that will be enjoyed for years to come. Current reigning pop princesses Lady Gaga and Katy Perry may be in the rankings, but at 53, Madonna shows no signs of stopping or giving up her crown. She is indeed the queen.

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