Diva. The word was almost surely coined for her. When you have reached the heights of success that Madonna has reached, you are handed the title and trappings of the musical office of Diva. It's almost like being elected Dictator at that point. You can do just about any damn thing you'd like. So this Diva wrote and produced Confessions of a Dance Floor.
I have heard from both longtime Madonna fans as well as newbies, and opinions about Confessions vary. Some are in the 'take it or leave it' category, while others consider it to be her best work ever. Compared to past Madonna hits such as 'Like a Prayer,' 'Vogue,' or even 'Holiday,' I wouldn't call Confessions the best ever. Nonetheless, love it or hate it, we're all talking about it months after its initial release. Did anyone else see the live performance from the Confessions tour on NBC last week? As with any good electronic album, Confessions of a Dance Floor has spawned its fair share of Club Remixes. Next up – Jump.
I love music that has a strong sense of imagery. Music which makes you visualize certain things, or causes you to remember something powerful from your own life. 'Jump' accomplishes this feat, and in spades. When I first heard 'Jump,' it took me back to a few memories of past love and loss (are you ready to Jump? Don't ever look back now baby…) and even fostered a couple of images that I had created in my own head. But that is what strong music is supposed to do.
I'm not a big fan of remixing music just for the sake of remixing it. A really great remix offers something new, and explores undiscovered territory. None of the remixes released for 'Jump' really accomplish that. Jacques Lu Cont and Junior Sanchez both receive a pass, as neither remix offers anything substantial. Axwell presents a remix for 'Jump' that is interesting, almost to the point where I would be willing to say I enjoyed it. I suppose it depends on what you were expecting or what you are into, but I don't think any of these remixes accomplish much more than reworking the same material.
I'm a big fan of both Madonna and Confessions on a Dance Floor. I thought the album to be of superior quality. The music takes you on a journey through the human experience, and goes no hold barred into the countryside. If you're looking for a single to drop on the crowd at your local club, or you just want a cool version of 'Jump' for your iPod, go with the extended album remix. It's basically a longer version of the original, because it is difficult to improve of the work of a Diva…
