In an era where disco divas don't exist, there's a wondrous brilliance to Madonna's eponymous debut, a record that was built on late 70s disco while incorporating all sorts of new sounds. Notice the Linn Drum Machines, the Moog Bass-lines, and especially the Oberheim OB-X Synthesizer, "Madonna" is more avant-garde than it lets on. Then consider the fact that this was released in 1983, the Disco era was now officially over and dance-pop faltered beneath New Wave, Heavy Metal, and Funk, so it doesn't even sound like part of the mainstream of its time. But this heavily synthesized debut was not a coincidence, since Michael Jackson had already opened the door for dance-pop revival with "Off the Wall" and "Thriller". But while Jackson's work was a kaleidoscope of different genres and moods, "Madonna" has its eyes focused specifically on the dance floor. There's no pretense here that this 20-something from Michigan is trying to be deep or offer anything else than surface pleasure. With this in mind, she shapes each of the eight tracks here into glistening pop confections, whether it be the sweet ballad "Borderline" or the post-Disco masterpiece "Holiday". But while all of the songs lead to a satisfying whole, when taken apart there are some notable problems. Mainly due to the fact that Madonna has a palpable charisma, but she's not a great singer. Her bubblegum sweet timbre can carry innocent grooves like "Lucky Star" or "Everybody", but it also gives the carnality of "Burning Up" and "Physical Attraction" a creepy undercurrent. Also, while given the help of Reggie Lucas and John "Jellybean" Benitez to helm all the sounds, Madonna's lyrics aren't as detailed nor as innovative as the songs themselves. However, that's probably the point. With the vocals and lyrics being sub-par, you can only focus on the music, which is varied, assured, and layered. Madonna may not have sharp writing skills, but she knows how to make a song, where to place bass-lines and when to accessorize with backing vocals and instrumental effects. She places equal emphasis on beats and melody, creating a perfect environment for underground trends to take root and grow with each listen. While Michael Jackson has definitely set trends for years to come, that doesn't mean that Madonna can't do the same. If "Madonna" proves anything, it's that she may not have an extensive musical history or as high of a profile as Jackson, but she might end up having a more interesting career. One thing's for sure, Madonna is not one to dismiss.
Recommended Tracks in Bold:
1. Lucky Star 2.
Borderline 3. Burning Up
4. I Know It 5. Holiday 6. Think
of Me
7. Physical Attraction 8. Everybody
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