American Life
by Madonna
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 483 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 425 out of 483
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 483
  3. Negative: 28 out of 483

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  1. Levvy
    Jul 1, 2005
    5
    A massive letdown. It sounds like a dim imitation of its predeccessor. The only true standouts are: Love Profusion, Intervention, X-Static Process and Easy Ride.
  2. bobbyk
    Apr 29, 2003
    4
    Sad. She sounds so sad. Plus her lyrics are in the forefront of this second Mirwais production and they are horrible. Rapping about coffee? C'mon! Madonna, you still have William Orbit on speed dial don't you?
  3. PEDROMFR
    Aug 4, 2021
    3
    The best word to describe this album is: boring! Both lyrically and sonically it just feels flat, all through.
  4. BenjaminBunny
    May 10, 2004
    2
    Oh wow, Madonna's, like, SO HARDCORE!! Check out those radical photos in the booklet--geddit? She's a REVOLUTIONARY! What ANGST!! Grrrrrr! Whatever. "Music" was the best LP of this ubercelebrity's career, and "American Life" is the worst. Madonna needs to buy herself a clue, God knows she can afford it: when shallow marketing-driven pop stars try to get deep it makes them Oh wow, Madonna's, like, SO HARDCORE!! Check out those radical photos in the booklet--geddit? She's a REVOLUTIONARY! What ANGST!! Grrrrrr! Whatever. "Music" was the best LP of this ubercelebrity's career, and "American Life" is the worst. Madonna needs to buy herself a clue, God knows she can afford it: when shallow marketing-driven pop stars try to get deep it makes them look STUPID because, well Madonna--you're a shallow marketing-driven pop star! You're a vehicle for producers and songwriters to come together and make money. Yes, you're pretty, but your poetry sucks! So quit yer pathetic, incessant whining on this LP and get back to just singing other people's catchy songs. Like anyone with EVER sympathize with Madonna feeling alienated? Give me a break. The song "I'm So Stupid" may be the most revealing moment of her career. In her best Shirley Manson impression she sings "I'm so stupid/ Cause I used to live / In a fuzzy dream." Not only is this the worst line/song of her career, it's sadly revealing, but not for the reasons Madonna intended. Listening to this album, I'm overwhelmingly convinced of something I have known all along: Madonna is STUPID. The "Music" LP is fantastic because she sticks to what she does best--big hooks, big beats. Here she tries really, really hard to get personal. Figures she didn't realize that she'd look retarded. Career ending mistake!!… Expand
  5. abern
    Jul 3, 2005
    0
    a big letdown. could this be the end of her musical career?
  6. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    0
    Even modest expectations can't salvage the clunky, ponderous American Life. boring! Both lyrically and sonically it just feels flat, all through.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2003
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. Playlouder
    40
    This album, if it came from a newcomer, could kill a career stone dead.
    Read full review
  2. Vibe
    80
    This may be the first time Madonna hasn't pushed herself to explore new ground, but at least she's chosen a good place to rest. [June 2003, p.155]
  3. Stylus Magazine
    36
    For once, Madonna has stumbled not because she reached too far, but because she didn't reach far enough.
    Read full review
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