American Life

1	American Life
2	Hollywood
3	I'm So Stupid
4	Love Profusion
5	Nobody Knows Me
6	Nothing Fails
7	Intervention
8	X-Static Process
9	Mother & Father
10	Die Another Day
11	Easy Ride

Barnes & Noble

For the past several years, Madonna has been more obsessed with production than provocation, crafting highly stylized electro-pop that, while musically interesting, hasn't been consistently compelling. American Life breaks that streak, delivering the kind of controversy that once came as second nature to the former "Material Girl" -- not to mention an attention to melodic detail that extends well beyond the dance floor. While the disc does have a smattering of booty-shakers -- the Bond theme "Die Another Day" chief among them -- most of American Life is more introspective and rooted in acoustic instruments and straightforward arrangements, such as the surprisingly sweet "Love Profusion." "X-Static Process," which layers Madonna's vocals choir-thick, is similarly lovestruck, albeit with a twinge of insecurity that gives the tune added depth. The troika of tunes that open the disc are the rawest, emotionally speaking, particularly the much-discussed title song -- politically angled video aside, it's more self-analysis than social criticism. That's followed by "Hollywood," a gently propulsive track with warm, summery harmonies and acoustic guitars that belie the not-so-sunny lyrics about broken dreams. "I'm So Stupid" treads similar ground, its spare synth backing layered with textured, effects-laden vocals that convey the sort of bittersweet introspection that Madonna couldn't have managed even a few years ago. With the help of house production whiz Mirwais, who also worked on Music, Madonna has created a mature, focused collection of songs that sometimes soothes, often provokes, and sometimes gets her fans into the groove, but steadfastly refuses to be treated as background music. Dave Sprague

Entertainment Weekly

"American Life" and other songs are refreshingly -- hell, shockingly -- earnest.... At its best, [Madonna's] new album offers blunt, questing, decisive music at a chaotic time. (B-) Ken Tucker