Throbbing yet meditative, Ray of Light is an adult’s version of dance music, with the dark timbres of Madonna’s nearing-40 voice its resolute center.
Her most mature and restrained album, which is an easy achievement to admire, yet not necessarily an easy one to love.
Ray of Light sums up the best we can expect from Madonna at this late date: overly arty, occasionally catchy, confused, secondhand, infuriating and great fun in spite of herself.
#19 | / | Pitchfork |
#28 | / | Rolling Stone (1990s) |
#241 | / | NME Top 500 of All Time |
#367 | / | Rolling Stone (All Time) |