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BALLADEER MADONNA |
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BALLADEER MADONNA |
It seems the art of survival - or continual positive projection - in the world of pop music these days, depends very much on change. If artists fail to recreate their persona - chameleon-like, over and over again - they risk facing accusations of dullness; that they are not fashionable.
This phenomenon is especially prevalent in the female ranks. It is not sufficient for an artist to be beautiful and sexy. These characteristics too must be changed often, and remodelled to avoid being bogged down by a stereotype.
Two examples of the rock 'n' roll art of move and change are Cher and Madonna, the latter a brilliant illustration of the trend. Her latest disc, 'Something to Remember', showcases her hit ballads and how she has so effectively been able to stay at the top without diminishing credibility in her particular field. (For these purposes, we will forget her unworthy flirtation with sex, that horrible book and her expletive-ridden, cigar-chomping appearance on the David Letterman Show.)
This collection demonstrates how she has toned down her dominatrix image at relevant times to give contrast and definition to her career. But it offers more than simply a study in rock fashion history. There is also a solid assortment of quality music.
It opens with the newish 'I Want You with Massive Attack', a faintly morose and teary plea and quickly moves back in time to her earlier moments : 'Crazy for You', 'This Used To Be My Playground' and 'You'll See'. There is also a nice version of 'Love Don't Live Here Anymore'. So this is more than an exploitative offering.
However, Cher's latest package, 'It's a Man's World', cannot be reviewed in a lofty vein. In her past - the most memorable moment for this reviewer being her visit to a US warship amid cheering sailors for 'If I Could Turn Back Time' - she has competed admirably. And she has demonstrated the classic features of the change syndrome. But this is a tired and dull Cher, perhaps attempting to tone down her sexy, boy-crazy, rollicking image in this session but failing.
Madonna, Something to Remember (Maverick); Cher, It's a Man's World (WEA)
Source : Adapted from the South China Morning Post, 29.12.95
- a waste of money, a rip off; in other words Madonna is offering more than this - something new on this record Return
// showcases
- creates an opportunity to represent or show off Return
- like a lizard that changes its appearance often by getting rid of its skin Return
// ranks
- a line or row of people or things, for example soldiers in an army Return
- full of swear words Return
- a woman who is the dominant partner in a sadomasochistic relationship Return
// lofty vein
- superior way, in other words in this context Cher's record cannot be reviewed in such an uncritical way Return
// rollicking
- carefree, hell-raising Return