Today in Madonna History: March 21, 2008

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On March 21 2008, Billboard magazine reviewed the lead single for Madonna’s Hard Candy album, 4 Minutes:

It doesn’t take anywhere close to 4 Minutes to realize that Madonna is poised to score her first top 10 hit since 2005’s Hung Up. The launch single from upcoming Hard Candy – her 11th and final studio album for Warner Bros. – co – stars Justin Timberlake, with production props from Timbaland. There’s an awful lot going on in the busy dance track: sing – song verses, insistent foghorns, cowbells, chants of “tick – tock” and “Madonna, Madonna,” and a rap from Timbaland – but the trade – off chorus between Madge and Justin of “We’ve only got four minutes to save the world” is hooky enough unto itself to sell the song. “4” qualifies as an event record between superpowers who not only share equal billing, but sound gangbusters together. Expect instantaneous penetration for this spring break ’08 anthem.

Today in Madonna History: March 14, 2008

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On March 14 2008, Madonna’s official website revealed the artwork and release date for Hard Candy:

“We are happy to share the album artwork for Madonna’s upcoming album.  Hard Candy is scheduled to have a global release on April 28th and a US release on April 29th on Warner Bros. Records.”

Hard Candy was eventually released on these dates in these regions:

  • Germany, Ireland, Austria and Netherlands – April 25, 2008
  • United Kingdom, Brazil and the rest of Europe – April 28, 2008
  • United States, Mexico and Canada – April 29, 2008

Liz Rosenberg told Entertainment Weekly:

She loves candy.  Hard Candy is about the juxtaposition of tough and sweetness, or as Madonna so eloquently expressed: ‘I’m gonna kick your ass, but it’s going to make you feel good.’

Notice that Madonna’s belt includes the inscription Give It to Me, the original title of the album.

 

Today in Madonna History: August 2, 2008

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On August 2 2008, the second single from Madonna’s Hard Candy album, Give It 2 Me, debuted at #2 on the Hot Dance Singles Chart in the USA. The single would go on to spend 3 non-consecutive weeks at #1.

Here’s the AllMusic.com review of the single by Anthony Tognazzini:

Madonna’s Hard Candy continued the electronica-oriented, disco-centric vibe she began with Confessions on a Dance Floor, and Give It 2 Me, the album’s second single, is a case in point. Co-written and co-produced by industry heavyweight Pharrell Williams, Give It 2 Me pulses, surges, and sashays with all the pop smarts that her fans expect from Madonna.

The Give It 2 Me maxi-single contains 8 remixes of the song from artists as diverse as Paul Oakenfold, Freddie Le Grand, and Sly & Robbie (whose dancehall interpretation of the track truly takes it someplace new). The remixes highlight the song’s incessant danceability, and should have any Madonna fan, especially those of Hard Candy, gyrating with pleasure.

Today in Madonna History: May 2, 2008

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On May 2 2008,  Madonna sat down with Steven “Cojo” Cojocaru at Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York to discuss her Hard Candy album.

When asked to describe what or who she is, Madonna replied:

“I think I’m many things. I think I’m a lady, I think I’m a brat, I think I’m a nerd, I think I’m a pimp, I think I’m a mother, I think I’m a kid. It was fun being a brat. I’ve got my cheeky side.”

Today in Madonna History: April 1, 2008

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On April 1 2008, Madonna was featured on the cover of Elle magazine to promote her Hard Candy album. Madonna explained to Elle how she stays at the top of her game and revealed how she keeps in such incredible shape:

‘There are no short cuts to being Madonna. It’s all about hard work. There is no easy way. If you want to know how I look like I do, it’s diet and exercise and constantly being careful.’ She also swears by oxygen facials and never goes in the sun, drinks rarely and works out for three hours a day.

When asked if she has a weakness, she revealed:

‘One of the worst things about Britain is that it has such fabulous candy. I love Cadbury Fruit and Nut, Crunchies and Maltesers. But my absolute favourite is a Cadbury Creme Egg. I bite straight in to it and suck all that good stuff right out!’

Today in Madonna History: March 14, 2008

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On March 14 2008, the cover for Madonna’s Hard Candy album was revealed on People.com.  The photo was taken by longtime collaborator Steven Klein.

Today in Madonna History: April 19, 2008

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On April 19 2008, Madonna’s eleventh studio album, Hard Candy was released by Warner Bros. Records.

Hard Candy was Madonna’s final album with Warner Bros., marking the end of a 25-year recording history together.

Madonna started working on the album in 2007, and collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Pharrell and Nate “Danja” Hills.

Tracklisting:

Candy Shop
4 Minutes
Give It 2 Me
Heartbeat
Miles Away
She’s Not Me
Incredible
Beat Goes On
Dance 2night
Spanish Lesson
Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You
Voices