Madonna's 'MDNA': And That's Okay

It feels like forever since Madonna released anything of relevance.  'Hard Candy', her experiment with young super producers such as Pharrell Williams was pretty much a wash, making a vail attempt to hearken back to her early 'Everybody' roots, yet, failing dismally. Not as dismally as 'American Life'.

In the span of time between the excellent 'Confessions on the Dancefloor' and now, Lady GaGa and Rhianna have become the divas of the moment. And rightfully so Their individual pushes have been properly diverse and obvbious hommages to the self proclaimed Queen of Pop, herself.  There is an unwritten law that states that pop divas can't age and when they do, they are put out to pasture and most of Madonna's criticism comes from so called pop purists who are actually ageists in disguise. Surprisingly enough, most of the criticism is from females! And after everything Madonna has done for women and gays! Remember, GaGa fans, there would be no Monster movement had Madonna not embraced the gay populace in the wake of AIDS along with Elizabeth Taylor.

And now, Madonna is back with the cleverly titled 'MDNA' (the active ingredient found in Ecstasy pills)  and the Queen is fighting mad. Not at GaGa (though there is the playful swipe by featured artist, Nicki Minaj, rap's current bad bitch) or Rhianna, but at ex husband, Guy Ritchie. And it's a deliciously vicious romp.

Eight of  the sixteen tracks take direct aim at Ritchie and even his new pin-up wife, in a onslaught of digs and slams. The best, 'Gang Bang' where Madonna launches into a devilish tirade in the last 45 seconds chanting 'Drive bitch! And while you're at die, bitch!' I can see this being chanted in clubs around the world this summer! God willing! A fitting end to an angry song about being wronged.

LMFAO remixes the first single, 'Give Me All Your Luv', the poppy, cheerleader Katy Perry-esque song that became the first shot fired from her album.

Granted, 'MDNA' becomes increasingly better over several plays, but the hooks are infectious and undeniable, becoming stuck in your brain like any good hook should. This is Madonna in fighting form. Gorgeous, praying, sinning, bad and uncharacteristically pissed the fuck off while being the diva du jour, bad ass reigning diva of music she is.

All you other bitches, ding ding....class is in.