Madame X
by Madonna
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 1805 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,561 out of 1805
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 1805
  3. Negative: 172 out of 1805
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  1. jesusbronze
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    We need to talk about the pink elephant in the room: Madonna's selection of singles to represent this new era of "Madame X" have been rather disappointing, let alone, kind of unnecessary (with the exception of 'Dark Ballet' and 'I Rise'), so I believe in order to enjoy the album properly is wise to skip these tracks (unless on the contrary, you happen to like it). Nevertheless, it is goodWe need to talk about the pink elephant in the room: Madonna's selection of singles to represent this new era of "Madame X" have been rather disappointing, let alone, kind of unnecessary (with the exception of 'Dark Ballet' and 'I Rise'), so I believe in order to enjoy the album properly is wise to skip these tracks (unless on the contrary, you happen to like it). Nevertheless, it is good to say that the aforementioned album cuts are GLADLY not a representation of the brilliance of "Madame X", which is by far the Queen of Pop most experimental record in this decade (She sings in Portuguese for God's sake!). My expectation, to be honest, were not high after listening to the first cuts, but I'm happy to see that Madonna made again a great album and ashamed for doubting her.

    "Madame X" delivered what was promised by the diva in several interviews: a mixture of pop and Hip Hop elements with Fado and Portuguese music which make the results rather delicious and interesting. Another great thing about the record is that there is a bit of nostalgia in the album as we can find traces of Madonna previous works such as "Erotica" or "Hard Candy" with the political commentary made in "American Life" or her previous "Rebel Heart" in some of the songs, and by these I'm not entailing Madonna is repeating herself but rather the opposite: In "Madame X" there is exploration of uncharted terrain while preserving the essence and identity that made Madonna who she is today. Definitely, one of the best pop releases in 2019.    … Expand
  2. dave40
    Aug 24, 2019
    7
    Better than the last tree albums, but not her best, the worst songs are the featurings but the
    duets with maluma are the worst song ever made by Madonna, the best are GOD CONTROL, KILLERS WHO ARE PARTYING, CRAZY, EXTREME OCCIDENT, I DONT SEARCH I FIND, I RISE and CIAO BELLA
  3. marcmyworks
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    This review will seem like it comes from someone who is not a Madonna fan simply due to the fact I will not give an automatic 10. I am a huge Madonna fan, and more to the point a fan of music progression. Madonna is the Queen of pop-music and the Queen of re-invention. I applaud her ability to change her style and experiment as much as she does with her fashion. My criticism is with theThis review will seem like it comes from someone who is not a Madonna fan simply due to the fact I will not give an automatic 10. I am a huge Madonna fan, and more to the point a fan of music progression. Madonna is the Queen of pop-music and the Queen of re-invention. I applaud her ability to change her style and experiment as much as she does with her fashion. My criticism is with the treatment of her voice on the album, as she vocodes her way (to a Kanye ‘808 and Heartbreaks’ point) through 15 tracks.

    Madame X itself is a solid effort, and more importantly harkens not only to her ‘Ray of Light’ era (through the exploration of world music), but also opens the door for Latin artists Maluma and Anitta to the mainstream. I also appreciate the raw and personal lyrics found in tracks such as ‘Killers Who Are Partying’ and ‘God Control’. What is missing is an element of engagement with the listener as Madonna tries, and only somewhat succeeds, to create depth in modern production tactics.

    Listen to: God Control, Dark Ballet, Crazy    … Expand
  4. mabernethy
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    For the first time in more than a decade, Madonna sounds relaxed and comfortable in her skin. She's not chasing hits. She's not necessarily chasing trends or famous guests. That alone makes this album worth a listen. "Madame X" is certainly her most bizarre, most personal, and boldest album since at least "Confessions on a Dancefloor." Even when it's not stellar, it's at least interesting,For the first time in more than a decade, Madonna sounds relaxed and comfortable in her skin. She's not chasing hits. She's not necessarily chasing trends or famous guests. That alone makes this album worth a listen. "Madame X" is certainly her most bizarre, most personal, and boldest album since at least "Confessions on a Dancefloor." Even when it's not stellar, it's at least interesting, and it rewards repeated listens. What some might consider dull or light on hits sounds like maturity and artistic statement to these ears. It's earned, and I'm relieved she's not chasing trends, but following her own muse again.… Expand
  5. hobi
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    It is very interesting to see an artist who has been in the music scene for a long time to be able to reinvent herself. The album is full of strange and thought-provoking tracks and usually delivers a new Madonna face that we have not seen yet.
  6. louis_
    Jun 16, 2019
    7
    After two disastrous attempts in this decade, the queen of pop seems to be able to rebuild and make a cohesive album full of identity artifices that made her reach the peak that today is
  7. ivanhugo
    Sep 4, 2019
    7
    Mistura ritmos legais e traz uma sonoridade diferente pra Madonna. “God Control” e “Faz Gostoso” donas do álbum!!!
  8. viniciuspotrich
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    Madame X é o álbum mais experimental de Madonna em anos. Embora haja momentos em que a artista se perde em seu experimentalismo, quando acerta, ela entrega aqueles que estão entre os momentos mais interessantes de sua carreira.
  9. Mentosoul
    Jun 19, 2019
    7
    The queen of pop just reclaimed her spot in the industry ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
  10. allanmandy
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    Madonna is well-known for her reinventions, and for most cases she has pulled it off quite successfully. When she began to take on her latest image a couple of months ago, I suspected that her latest persona, Madame X--"a secret agent who changes personalities"--was crafted to allow her to wade through the vast waters of the current soundscape and target the diverse tastes of theMadonna is well-known for her reinventions, and for most cases she has pulled it off quite successfully. When she began to take on her latest image a couple of months ago, I suspected that her latest persona, Madame X--"a secret agent who changes personalities"--was crafted to allow her to wade through the vast waters of the current soundscape and target the diverse tastes of the millennial generation. The impression I got is that of an artist who can't decide on a central theme for her next project, so why not do a little bit of everything? The result is the sonically interesting yet incoherent Madame X the album. There's no question that it's an eclectically inspired collection; but as with all new releases from musicians, we've all grown to look for that common thread (whether musical or thematic), the artist's heart and soul if I may, holding the collection together. To be honest, I'm having difficulty seeing past the socially, politically, ideologically bait-y Madame X persona and finding the essence of Madonna in this album. But then again, b*tch she's Madonna, and maybe her brand is all about change, not conformance to singular aesthetic or musical expectations of her fans. In that aspect, I appreciate her staying true to her image in this new album era. Having said that, Madame X the album--with its insane amounts of autotune and oft-random and bizaare musical construction-wins no first listen love from me. Perhaps a few more proverbial (at least until my vinyl preorder arrives) spins will win me over.… Expand
  11. Nitsu
    Nov 2, 2020
    7
    Arte experimental. Madonna siempre encontrando su mejor lado, reinventándose como siempre. Merece más aprecio por eso. Sus canciones son buenas, algunas más buenas que otras pero eso no quita el esfuerzo y el talento que tiene al componer y cantarlas con emoción.
  12. JoshMedinna
    Apr 21, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Queeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen… Expand
  13. 0987
    Jun 15, 2019
    6
    I'll be honest this time. As a Madonna fan, I must say that this album is completely average album. Not bad to listen, but definitely not among the best. The only song i truly liked was Future.
  14. afirmacja
    Jul 27, 2019
    6
    I don't like these latino vibes however, Madonna is still queen of pop and I'm glad she's searching for new things. God control is perfect.
  15. imaginetruIy
    Jun 14, 2019
    6
    An album with impeccable production in most of the songs left something to be desired in terms of the cohesion of both the Tracklist and some of the songs themselves, I thought there were some very unnecessary tracks on the album that could also be taken to create something better to hear , Madame X have very strong tracks with magnificent lyrics, the production of god control isAn album with impeccable production in most of the songs left something to be desired in terms of the cohesion of both the Tracklist and some of the songs themselves, I thought there were some very unnecessary tracks on the album that could also be taken to create something better to hear , Madame X have very strong tracks with magnificent lyrics, the production of god control is impeccable, "Faz Gostoso" and **** I'm Loca" probably the most different songs of the album, are great highlights inside him that in the succession track generates a break of expectation and the album returns to warm stage, Madame X is a good job but could be much better.… Expand
  16. MaurcioArellano
    Jun 16, 2019
    6
    Tiene canciones buenas, pero tristemente la mayoria de las canciones son burdas, con excesivo autotune, monotonas y repetitivas, no es bueno, tampoco tan malo, solo pues, uno mas del montón.
  17. BrazilianPop
    Jun 20, 2019
    6
    Album sem musicalidade, Madonna atirou pra todos os lados mas nao acertou nenhum, a versao com a Anitta consegue ser de longe a pior do album. Faltou muita inspiração. Muitas músicas chiclete pra nenhuma de qualidade.
  18. fabsrocha
    Jun 10, 2022
    6
    It's easily her best album since Hard Candy. Although the lead single wasn’t good enough, most of the album brings some great compositions and catchy songs, like Madonna always did. So glad to see that she is back after two forgettable albums.
  19. Oswald329
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    Mantenerse en la industria es difícil, un claro ejemplo es Madonna, que ha recurrido a artistas que están siendo "moda" actualmente, consideró que ha perdido parte de su toque personal... Fue un álbum difícil de escuchar en algún momento...
  20. newyorkcitymale
    Jun 16, 2019
    5
    As a longtime Madonna fan, I was disappointed (and surprised) that there was so little here that I enjoyed (usually, I'll like at least five tracks from a Madonna album). The lyrics are among the weakest of her career (in my opinion) and nothing that she really hasn't said before. They long to be "deep" but they're actually rather shallow and cliched. And then there's the overuse ofAs a longtime Madonna fan, I was disappointed (and surprised) that there was so little here that I enjoyed (usually, I'll like at least five tracks from a Madonna album). The lyrics are among the weakest of her career (in my opinion) and nothing that she really hasn't said before. They long to be "deep" but they're actually rather shallow and cliched. And then there's the overuse of auto-tune. Is this still cool in 2019?

    Overall, it's a rather subdued affair. There are a couple of dance songs, but they never elevate you to rhapsody or rapture, like Madonna's classics always did. Nearly every songs feels like "filler" from one of her previous albums. They're decent, but not great.    … Expand
  21. SirFaulty
    Oct 10, 2019
    5
    Granny Ciccone, I believe it is now time to hang up the microphone, put away those dancing shoes and purchase that chalet in the retirement village. Madge, you used to be a trend-setter but over the last few albums all you have done is chase trends instead of setting them.

    I can only imagine our once glorious trend-setting Loca turned on the radio one day and heard Luis Fonsi's hit    Granny Ciccone, I believe it is now time to hang up the microphone, put away those dancing shoes and purchase that chalet in the retirement village. Madge, you used to be a trend-setter but over the last few albums all you have done is chase trends instead of setting them.

    I can only imagine our once glorious trend-setting Loca turned on the radio one day and heard Luis Fonsi's hit Despatico blowing up all over the airwaves and immediately rushed into a studio so she could chase that Latin pop.

    I tolerated Hard Candy, MDMA was, quite frankly, her worst album to date, and for me Rebel Heart was another half-arsed attempt but seriously give it up now if this is all that you have got left in you. I used to relish the thought of a new Madonna album releasing but now I will rather give my attention to someone else. While I will always love eighties and nineties Madonna (Erotica, Ray of Light and her earlier works are just gems), this new 2010-2019 stuff is just dreadful.

    The people rating this one anything higher than a 5 are delusional fans who haven't, or can't accept, that Madge is no longer the Queen of Pop but rather a caricature of her once former brilliant self.

    Top tracks: God Control, I Don't Search I Find.    … Expand
  22. ironhulk4
    Jul 9, 2019
    5
    honestly i wanted more for this album. not as good as her old music but not the worst thing ive heard just not great like i wanted it to be.
  23. marcosalvsh
    Jun 14, 2019
    5
    álbum enjoativo, musicas com boas letras porém mal colocadas com ritmo, você termina sem vontade de ouvir novamente
  24. nsigkas76
    Jun 15, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Surely her weirdest and most progressive album of her career! Personally her best body of work since Ray of Light! It puts Music, American Life and Confessions On A Dance Floor into rest! Its a difficult album, you are either gonna love it from the first listening or hate it! There is no middle way! Just like Madonna...… Expand
  25. Lmc
    Jun 16, 2019
    5
    Brilliant album love it . My favourite album by Madonna so far. I have been a fan since 1984 . She is an amazing woman and role model and Madame x is a wonderfully written album with a mixture of songs for everyone and strong meanings for each song. Masterpiece
  26. Anscarix
    Jun 17, 2019
    5
    Probably the best album she's done in the last decade ... amazing, crazy, and experimental.... diverse and cohesive at the same time
  27. Emilyvito
    Jun 17, 2019
    5
    Wow i liked i have the version deluxe is nice ....i will bought another for my friends ....is the best madame x rules...is the album of the year
  28. Leonardomsf77
    Jun 17, 2019
    5
    Um álbum revolucionário e inovador, Madonna sempre mostrando que é a única rainha do pop
  29. robtrig
    Jun 18, 2022
    5
    Doing something different doesn't always mean it's something that looks good. Madame X is like that for me. It has some glorious moments that refer to a Madonna more Madonna like God Control, I Don't Search I Find, Crave. But moments like Medellín, **** i'm loca, make it tasty, even Batuka in which madonna takes away all the originality of the track to robotize her melody and her voiceDoing something different doesn't always mean it's something that looks good. Madame X is like that for me. It has some glorious moments that refer to a Madonna more Madonna like God Control, I Don't Search I Find, Crave. But moments like Medellín, **** i'm loca, make it tasty, even Batuka in which madonna takes away all the originality of the track to robotize her melody and her voice into something that is not justified
    A different work, but not very interesting to hear again.    … Expand
  30. owenrw89
    Jun 14, 2019
    4
    What on earth are all these 10/10 reviewers hearing? Ray of Light? Confessions?

    Medellin, **** I'm Loca and I Rise are the best tracks of a bizarre bunch. I appreciate any artist that tries new things and goes for the bizarre, but Madame X is basically unlistenable. It's sounds messy, try-too-hard, B-Side esc, and it's just not very likable. It makes Rebel Heart sound like a    What on earth are all these 10/10 reviewers hearing? Ray of Light? Confessions?

    Medellin, **** I'm Loca and I Rise are the best tracks of a bizarre bunch. I appreciate any artist that tries new things and goes for the bizarre, but Madame X is basically unlistenable.
    It's sounds messy, try-too-hard, B-Side esc, and it's just not very likable.
    It makes Rebel Heart sound like a masterpiece...scary.

    Oh, and PLEASE, stop trying to make hip-hop-Madonna work!!!!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2019
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Mojo
    Jun 25, 2019
    80
    The pace plods on some mid-tempo tracks, but overall this is a personal, politically-charged mix of dark thoughts and good vibes. [Aug 2019, p.88]
  2. The Quietus
    Jun 21, 2019
    40
    Overall, Madonna’s fourteenth album Madame X feels as if Mirwais had mostly completed a decent run-of-the-mill modern pop record, albeit with a cool hotch-potch global feel; hip nods in place to fado, dub and other micro-genres dunked amongst the trap and retro disco. But then just before sign-off, Herself went through the top-lines with a sharpie. ... None of these carefully curated flourishes feel as if they truly live inside the ‘whole’ of this music. Instead it all feels plonked on top of a template.
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  3. Consequence
    Jun 19, 2019
    58
    Madonna has created this music for an audience of one: Herself. Often it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
    Read full review
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