Review: Ray of Light by Madonna (Album)

On a turquoise background, Madonna's face is aligned to the left while her eyes face the direction of the viewer. In writing on the bottom right, Madonna is all capitalized, while the writing of a three lined logo reads in all lower-case "Ray of Light."

As I was getting ready for my move to my new apartment this past week, I found myself visiting one of Madonna's most infamous albums: Ray of Light. This classic 1998 album is known for its pop/electronica sound. As one listens to it you will also hear her full vocal range, definitely sure to delight anyone who appreciates the human voice. This album was the seventh studio album by the hit artist. It was released by Maverick Records. It also won her a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

Perhaps what intrigued me most about this album was that it is not only a dance/electronica track, but that it is also spiritual. She is exploring the sacred and learning to embrace its peculiarities. Stepping away from traditional Catholic interpretations of the divine that she was raised with...Madonna chose to dabble and embrace a variety of religious traditions and disciplines. For instance, Madonna was already in the midst of learning the Kabbalah...from which is derived a mystical form of Judaism. She was also exploring the intricacies of Hinduism and Buddhism...even traveling to India to study and practice yoga and meditation.

It should be noted that Madonna was also becoming a mother at the time of the album's production. For her, this album was a chance to connect with divine femininity. Not once does Madonna choose to oversimplify the feminine in her work. Instead she embraces its complex nature: the beauty, ferocity, intelligence, wisdom, and the primordial power of the feminine. The questions of existence and the meaning of life weave their way through her album...and she invites the audience to join her on her mission. Her answers normally fall outside of traditional venues...but they are no less profound.

It is not only an imperative journey for Madonna. The answers she found were also what she would be sharing with her daughter, whom at the time she was pregnant with and later gave birth. As a new mother in that time, Madonna was connecting to herself and found the truth she needed to embody as a Mom. In many ways, we see Madonna's evolution in this album not only as an artist or as a star...but also a leader and parent.

One of my favorite quotes from the album goes:

She's got herself a universe

She's got herself a universe

She's got herself a universe

And I feel

And I feel

And I feel like I just got home

And I feel

Quicker than a ray of light, she is flying

Quicker than a ray of light, I am flying

The song ties it back to themes of wisdom, femininity, and spirituality. It is Madonna undergoing this journey. What we witness is Madonna recognizing that she is the one who must find her answers. It is an adventure that some may advise her and help her on...but ultimately she must determine her own creed. It is also one where she must take responsibility for the decisions and the choices she makes not only as a woman but as a mother. This album is not only beautiful because of its sound. It is also an album where we see Madonna mature not only as an artist but as a person too.

You can listen to the album here.