What is the primary genre classification of Madonna's song "Music"?

The song "Music" by Madonna is primarily classified as dance-pop. It also incorporates elements of disco, electro-funk, and electropop, reflecting a blend of electronic and dance music styles.

When was Madonna's song "Music" officially released as a single?

The song "Music" was officially released as the lead single from Madonna's eighth studio album of the same name on August 1, 2000.

Who collaborated with Madonna on writing and producing the song "Music"?

Madonna co-wrote and co-produced "Music" with French DJ and producer Mirwais Ahmadzaï. Ahmadzaï's electronic music background significantly influenced the song's sound.

What event inspired Madonna to write the song "Music"?

Madonna was inspired to write "Music" after attending a concert by Sting in November 1999. She observed how the music brought the audience together, losing their inhibitions and connecting with each other, which sparked the song's central theme.

What is the lyrical theme or message conveyed in Madonna's "Music"?

Lyrically, "Music" emphasizes the unifying power of music, suggesting it can bring people together and bridge societal divides. The hook "Music makes people come together" encapsulates this central message.

How was Madonna's vocal performance characterized in the song "Music"?

Madonna's vocals on "Music" are electronically manipulated, notably using an EMS 2000 vocoder. This technique gave her voice a distinctive, distorted quality, described as going "in fits and starts," contributing to the song's futuristic and robotic sound.

What musical influences are cited for the composition of "Music"?

The composition of "Music" draws influence from various sources, including disco and funk. Specifically, its rhythmic structure is noted to be inspired by Kraftwerk's 1977 single "Trans-Europe Express," and the production references artists like Cameo, Herbie Hancock, Nitzer Ebb, and Roger Troutman.

What studio was used for the recording of "Music"?

The recording sessions for "Music" took place at Sarm West Studios in London.

What was the B-side of the "Music" single?

The B-side of the CD and cassette single for "Music" featured the track "Cyber-Raga," a collaboration with Talvin Singh.

How did Madonna's pregnancy affect the production or concept of the "Music" music video?

Madonna was pregnant during the filming of the "Music" video. To accommodate her condition, the video was shot in Los Angeles in April 2000, and Madonna's role was conceptualized to be more observational, playing a character who witnesses events rather than being the central active force.

Which comedian made a notable appearance in the music video for "Music"?

Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen appeared in the music video for "Music" portraying his character Ali G. He drove the limousine and interacted with Madonna and her friends.

What was the critical reception of Madonna's song "Music"?

Upon its release, "Music" received generally positive reviews from music critics. It was praised for its production, catchiness, club-friendly nature, and its blend of retro and modern electronic sounds, though some critics found it less innovative or derivative of Madonna's earlier work.

How did "Music" perform on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States?

"Music" debuted at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly climbed to number one, becoming Madonna's 12th chart-topper. It was her first number-one single since "Take a Bow" in 1995 and remained her most recent number one on the chart as of 2025.

What was the significance of "Music" topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in terms of Madonna's chart history?

By reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, "Music" tied Madonna with The Supremes for the fifth most number-one singles on the chart at that time. It also marked her return to the top spot after a five-year gap.

How did "Music" perform on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart?

"Music" was highly successful on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart, reaching number one and remaining there for five consecutive weeks. It was the top-ranking Dance Club song for the year 2000 and the second most successful of the decade in the US.

In which countries did "Music" reach the number-one position on the singles charts?

The song "Music" topped the singles charts in a significant number of countries, including Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

What was the chart performance of "Music" in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, "Music" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart with first-week sales of 115,000 copies. This achievement made Madonna the first solo female artist to have ten number-one singles in the UK.

What accolades or nominations did "Music" receive?

"Music" received two nominations at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It also won awards at the Billboard Music Video Awards, International Dance Music Awards, and Danish Music Awards, and was nominated for Best Song at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

How was the music video for "Music" received by academics?

Academics noted the use of American imagery in the music video, particularly Madonna's cowboy attire, and how she popularized this fashion style. They also commented on her portrayal of sexual assertiveness and her self-definition as a "sexual free spirit."

Which tours featured "Music" in their setlist?

"Music" has been a regular staple in Madonna's live performances, included in the setlists for her Drowned World Tour (2001), Re-Invention World Tour (2004), Confessions Tour (2006), Hard Candy Promo Tour, Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008-09), Rebel Heart Tour (2015-16), and The Celebration Tour (2023).

What notable live performance included a mash-up featuring "Music"?

During the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in 2012, Madonna performed a mash-up that included "Music" along with LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It."

What was the context of Madonna's reference to "Music" on her album *Rebel Heart*?

On her 2015 album *Rebel Heart*, Madonna referenced "Music" in the track "Veni Vidi Vici," where she sings the line, "I saw a Ray of Light / Music saved my life." This connects the themes of her album *Ray of Light* with the unifying power of "Music."

What is the duration of the album version of "Music"?

The album version of Madonna's song "Music" has a length of 3 minutes and 44 seconds.

What specific electronic instrument was used to create the main instrumental riff in "Music"?

The distinctive instrumental riff in "Music" was created using a 1970s analog Moog synthesizer.

How did the leak of "Music" onto the internet impact its release?

Before its official release, an incomplete demo of "Music" leaked online, circulating through fan websites and Napster. This prompted Madonna's team to threaten legal action, although Madonna herself later stated she found leaks to be a positive way for listeners to discover music.

What was the overall sound production of "Music" described as?

The production of "Music" was described as having a dry sound, characterized by heavy use of equalization, reverse cymbal crescendos, and tightly quantized sounds from a Hammond organ. This contributed to its unique electro-funk and disco-influenced feel.

How did critics compare "Music" to Madonna's previous work?

Critics frequently compared "Music" to Madonna's earlier hits. Some noted its resemblance to "Holiday" in terms of catchiness and accessibility, while others saw it as a resurrection of her "disco girl" image, similar to "Vogue" and "Justify My Love."

What was the commercial performance of "Music" in terms of sales in the United States?

In the US, "Music" sold 1.136 million physical copies and an additional 217,000 digital downloads by August 2009. It was also noted as the second highest-selling physical single of the 2000s decade in the United States.

What specific role did Sacha Baron Cohen's character Ali G play in the music video?

In the "Music" music video, Sacha Baron Cohen's character Ali G served as the limousine driver for Madonna and her friends. He also provided comedic interactions throughout the video, including an animated sequence where he attempts to showcase his rap skills.

What was Madonna's intention behind the role reversals depicted in the "Music" music video?

Madonna conceptualized the music video to subvert typical R&B and rap video tropes by reversing gender roles. She aimed to have females enact characters traditionally reserved for males, though her pregnancy influenced the final execution of this concept.

How did the song "Music" contribute to Madonna's reputation as an artist?

"Music" reinforced Madonna's reputation as a style-setter and a savvy artist capable of reinvention. Critics praised its ability to blend contemporary electronic sounds with retro influences, appealing to a wide audience and solidifying her status as a pop music icon.

What was the peak position of "Music" on the Canadian RPM charts?

"Music" reached the number-one position on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart after five weeks and remained at the top for a total of nine weeks, becoming the final song to hold the number-one spot before the chart ceased publication.

Which remixers were commissioned for Madonna's song "Music"?

Madonna handpicked several prominent remixers for "Music," including Groove Armada, Deep Dish, Victor Calderone, Hex Hector, and Tracy Young, ensuring the song would be popular in clubs.

What specific award nominations did "Music" receive at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards?

At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards, "Music" earned nominations in two major categories: Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

How did the song "Music" perform on the year-end charts in Australia?

"Music" was the fourth best-selling single of the year 2000 in Australia according to the ARIA Charts and was certified double platinum.

What was the overall sentiment regarding the song's lyrical content?

While praised for its catchy melody and production, the lyrical content of "Music" was sometimes described as not particularly inspired, though it effectively conveyed the theme of music's unifying power. Some critics noted the line "Hey Mr. DJ" potentially influenced subsequent songs that name-checked DJs.

What specific comparison was made between "Music" and Daft Punk's work?

One critic, Danny Eccleston from Q magazine, unfavorably compared "Music" to Daft Punk's "Around the World" (1997), finding Madonna's track to be less original and overly reliant on electronic sounds.

What was the peak position of "Music" on the official charts in New Zealand?

"Music" peaked at number one on the RIANZ Singles Chart in New Zealand during the week of October 1, 2000.

How did "Music" fare on the Eurochart Hot 100?

Leveraging its success across Europe, "Music" debuted at the top of the Eurochart Hot 100 and remained in the number-one position for six weeks.

What was Madonna's stated reason for wanting her records to be played in clubs?

Madonna stated that it was important for her records to be played in clubs because that is where she "got [her] start, and that's where [she] will probably always feel most at home."

What specific element of the music video was noted for its potential cultural impact?

Academics observed that Madonna's cowboy attire and overall look in the music video contributed to popularizing cowboy fashion, highlighting her interest in exploring American cultural styles.

What was the duration of "Music" on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart?

"Music" spent a total of five weeks at the number-one position on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart, making it the longest-running number-one song on that chart for the year 2000.

What is the significance of the song "Music" in Madonna's discography regarding chart achievements?

"Music" marked Madonna's return to the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 after a five-year hiatus and tied her with The Supremes for the fifth-most number-one singles on that chart. It also became her tenth number-one single in the UK, a record for a solo female artist at the time.

What was the nature of the communication challenges Madonna faced during the recording of "Music"?

Madonna experienced communication difficulties with producer Mirwais Ahmadzaï because he "barely spoke English." This led to initial frustration, requiring his manager to act as a translator during the recording sessions.

What specific technology was used to manipulate Madonna's vocals on "Music"?

An EMS 2000 vocoder was used to twist Madonna's vocals on the track "Music," contributing to its distinctive electronically manipulated sound.

What did Madonna say about the producer Mirwais Ahmadzaï?

Madonna described Mirwais Ahmadzaï as "the shit" in a message to her fans, indicating her high regard for his production work on the song "Music."

What was the overall reception of the remixes commissioned for "Music"?

The remixes commissioned for "Music" were generally well-received by club DJs and contributed to the song's success on dance charts. They incorporated various contemporary club music styles, including tribal beats, house rhythms, and electro-infused sounds.

What specific comparison did *Slant Magazine* make regarding "Music"?

*Slant Magazine* called "Music" Madonna's best dance track since "Vogue" and also compared it favorably to her 1985 single "Into the Groove," praising its retro club beats and vintage synth sound.

What was the context of Madonna performing "Music" at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards?

Madonna opened the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony with a performance of "Music." The performance featured elaborate staging with giant video screens and a dramatic entrance in a Cadillac, highlighting key moments from her career.

What was the critical sentiment regarding the song's lyrical depth?

While the song's production and energy were widely praised, some critics, like Richard LaBeau for Medium, noted that "Music" "may not be particularly lyrically inspired," focusing more on its bold electro-funk sound.

Music Madonna Song Wiki: Madonna's Sonic Revolution: Deconstructing 'Music'

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Introduction

The Anthem

Madonna's song "Music", released in 2000, served as the lead single from her eighth studio album of the same name. It represents a significant shift towards electronic and dance-pop influences, marking a new era in her sound.

Genre Blend

The track masterfully blends elements of dance-pop, electro-funk, electropop, and disco. Its innovative production, featuring electronically manipulated vocals and a distinctive synthesized riff, garnered significant critical attention.

Global Impact

Upon its release, "Music" achieved widespread international success, topping charts in numerous countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. Its infectious beat and empowering message resonated globally.

Inspiration and Genesis

Sting's Influence

The initial spark for "Music" came from Madonna's attendance at a Sting concert in late 1999. The unifying power of music she witnessed during the performance inspired the song's core lyrical theme: "Music makes people come together".⁷

Collaboration with Mirwais

Seeking a fresh sound after the introspective Ray of Light, Madonna collaborated with French DJ and producer Mirwais Ahmadzaï. Their partnership aimed to explore Madonna's musical potential and create something current and daring, setting the tone for the entire album.³⁴

Artistic Direction

Madonna aimed for an energetic, "party" feel, contrasting with her previous album. Mirwais focused on pushing boundaries, creating a sound that was both accessible and experimental, described as a "small victory for underground music".¹⁰

Production and Composition

Sonic Landscape

Recorded primarily at Sarm West Studios in London, "Music" features a distinctive "dry" production with heavy equalization. Madonna's vocals are electronically manipulated, notably using an EMS 2000 vocoder, creating a unique, almost robotic texture.¹⁴

Musical Elements

The track is composed in G minor with a tempo of 120 bpm. Its structure incorporates elements inspired by Kraftwerk and disco, featuring synthesized riffs created on a Moog synthesizer, driving beats, and dynamic crescendos.¹³

Lyrical Depth

Lyrically, the song emphasizes music's power to unite diverse groups ("mix the bourgeoisie and the rebel") and transcend social divisions. Critics noted its campy style and its reinforcement of Madonna's connection with LGBTQ+ audiences.¹⁷

Critical Reception

Positive Acclaim

Music critics largely praised "Music" for its infectious energy, innovative production, and catchy hooks. It was frequently compared favorably to Madonna's earlier hits like "Holiday" and "Vogue", hailed as a successful return to dance-oriented music.³²

Mixed and Negative Views

While generally well-received, some critics found the song's retro sound derivative or questioned its lyrical depth. One review described it as "mutton-dressed-as-lamb middle-youth", while another found its liberation mantra forced.⁴¹⁴²

Accolades

The song earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It also received awards from ASCAP and was recognized for its video production and dance-oriented appeal at various industry events.⁹²⁹⁵

Chart Performance

Global Dominance

"Music" topped the charts in 25 countries, demonstrating its significant global appeal. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Madonna's 12th chart-topping single and tying her with The Supremes for fifth most number-ones at the time.⁴⁶

US Success

In the United States, the song achieved number one on the Hot 100, Adult Pop Airplay, and Dance Club Songs charts. It was a major commercial success, selling over 1.3 million units and ranking high on year-end charts.⁴⁹

Key US chart positions:

Billboard Hot 100: #1
Dance Club Songs: #1 (5 weeks)
Pop Airplay: #2
Adult Pop Airplay: #16

UK and Beyond

The single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking Madonna's tenth solo number-one hit in the country. It also achieved number-one positions in Australia, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and several other European nations.⁶⁴⁶⁰

Selected International Peaks:

Australia: #1
Canada: #1
Germany: #2
Italy: #1
New Zealand: #1
Norway: #1
Sweden: #2
Switzerland: #1
UK Singles Chart: #1

Music Video

Concept and Direction

Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the music video was filmed in Los Angeles to accommodate Madonna's pregnancy. It features Madonna, her backup singer Niki Haris, actress Debi Mazar, and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen as Ali G.⁷⁷⁸

Visual Narrative

The video portrays Madonna as a "mack-daddy/pimp" character, observing events unfold around her. It incorporates elements of American imagery, including Madonna's cowboy attire, and features animated sequences where she exhibits superpowers.⁸¹⁸⁵

Audio Sample

Listen to a brief sample of the track:

"Music"

A 22-second sample of the song, featuring Madonna singing the chorus. The sample shows the dry sound of the production, with heavy usage of equalization which created contrasts with the vocal.

Problems playing this file? See media help.

Credits & Personnel

Songwriting & Production

Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï are credited with writing and producing the track. Key personnel included Mark "Spike" Stent for mixing and Tim Young for mastering.¹⁵

Musicians

Additional musicians contributed guitar, bass, and percussion. Madonna's management and legal teams were also integral to the release process.¹⁷⁶

Madonna: Songwriter, Producer, Vocals
Mirwais Ahmadzaï: Songwriter, Producer, Programming, Guitar, Keyboard
Keeling Lee: Additional Guitar
Jonathan 'Stan' White: Bass Guitar
Patrick Dawes: Percussion
Mark "Spike" Stent: Mixing
Jake Davies: Engineer
Mark Endert: Engineer
Kevin Reagan: Art Direction, Design
Matthew Lindauer: Design
Jean-Baptiste Mondino: Photography

Live Performances

Major Appearances

Madonna has performed "Music" numerous times throughout her career. Notable performances include the 2000 MTV Europe Music Awards, the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards, and various legs of her major concert tours.¹¹⁶¹¹⁹

Tour Reinterpretations

On tours like the Drowned World Tour (2001) and Confessions Tour (2006), the song was reimagined with different arrangements, including a mashup with "Disco Inferno".¹²³¹²⁹ The Rebel Heart Tour (2015-2016) featured a jazz-infused rendition.¹⁴⁰

Iconic Moments

The song was famously included in the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show (2012), remixed with LMFAO's hits. It also featured in her Carpool Karaoke segment and collaborations with artists like Maluma.¹³⁸¹⁴⁵

Cover Versions

Diverse Interpretations

"Music" has been covered by artists across various genres, including metal bands like Out of Your Mouth and Eths, and reggae artists like The Dynamics.¹⁴⁷¹⁴⁹

Dance and Pop Covers

Eurodance covers have appeared on the Dancemania series, and Miley Cyrus performed a version for her Peacock television special.¹⁵¹¹⁵³

Release Details

Single Formats

Released on August 1, 2000, "Music" was distributed across various formats, including CD singles, vinyl records, and later DVD singles. Multiple remixes were commissioned, catering to different audiences, particularly club DJs.¹²

Track Listings

The single featured different track configurations depending on the region and format. Common inclusions were the album version, various remixes by artists like Groove Armada and Deep Dish, and the B-side "Cyberraga".¹⁵⁸

Example Tracklist (US Maxi CD):

"Music" (Album Version) – 3:44
"Music" (Groove Armada 7" Edit) – 3:38
"Music" (Calderone Radio Edit) – 4:25
"Music" (Deep Dish Dot Com Radio Edit) – 4:15

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References

Fouz-HernÃ¡ndez & Jarman-Ivens 2004, pp. 65â66

Fouz-HernÃ¡ndez & Jarman-Ivens 2004, pp. 6â8

Fouz-HernÃ¡ndez & Jarman-Ivens 2004, pp. 9â12

Fouz-HernÃ¡ndez & Jarman-Ivens 2004, p. 131

Fouz-HernÃ¡ndez & Jarman-Ivens 2004, p. 171

"Madonna: Music" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

"Nederlandse Top 40 â week 36, 2000" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

"Madonna â Music". VG-lista. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Music (Madonna song) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional music industry advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official documentation, musicological analysis, or seeking advice from qualified professionals. Always refer to official sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Madonna's Sonic Revolution

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 🎶

🎤 The Anthem

✨ Genre Blend

🌍 Global Impact

Inspiration and Genesis 💡

🎸 Sting's Influence

🤝 Collaboration with Mirwais

🚀 Artistic Direction

Production and Composition 🎛️

🔊 Sonic Landscape

🎶 Musical Elements

🗣️ Lyrical Depth

Critical Reception ⭐

👍 Positive Acclaim

🤔 Mixed and Negative Views

🏆 Accolades

Chart Performance 📈

👑 Global Dominance

🇺🇸 US Success

🇬🇧 UK and Beyond

Music Video 🎬

🚗 Concept and Direction

🤠 Visual Narrative

🔊 Audio Sample

Credits & Personnel 👥

✍️ Songwriting & Production

🎸 Musicians

Live Performances 🎤

🌟 Major Appearances

🔄 Tour Reinterpretations

🏈 Iconic Moments

Cover Versions 🔄

🎸 Diverse Interpretations

🎧 Dance and Pop Covers

Release Details 🗓️

💿 Single Formats

🎵 Track Listings

Related Topics 🔗

➡️ Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

The Anthem

Genre Blend

Global Impact

Inspiration and Genesis

Sting's Influence

Collaboration with Mirwais

Artistic Direction

Production and Composition

Sonic Landscape

Musical Elements

Lyrical Depth

Critical Reception

Positive Acclaim

Mixed and Negative Views

Accolades

Chart Performance

Global Dominance

US Success

UK and Beyond

Music Video

Concept and Direction

Visual Narrative

Audio Sample

Credits & Personnel

Songwriting & Production

Musicians

Live Performances

Major Appearances

Tour Reinterpretations

Iconic Moments

Cover Versions

Diverse Interpretations

Dance and Pop Covers

Release Details

Single Formats

Track Listings

Related Topics

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice