This Madonna song

[Thomas P 18,479]

I hate this song.

Before you say anything, I think the album is a solid 7/10, and I think this is actually one of her best videos (the original directors cut). The song on the other hand..oof.. 

I know this thread is kind of negative, but I actually wanna see what other people think of this song. Is there some sort of deeper layer that I’m too dumb to pick up on? Or is it just what it is. Cause boy. That rap .

Still love her and love the album and love the Mv, etc. 

(Please don’t report this thread, I’m actually curious of what people think of it) 

[whore 11,447]

The song is a critique on American culture, and the rap is satire of the braggart rap music at the time. I love the song personally, though I could go without the ending with the screeching synthesizers 

[Didymus 34,379]

A lot of people dislike it. Critics definitely hated it at the time of release. Personally, I like it. It's not easy listening and quite "aggressive" for a pop song, I like that. There's also something viscerally sad and thought-provoking about that chorus. I never minded that rap either. I mean, she's not a rapper and she didn't try to be. It's more of a spoken voice part imo, and its very format is a comment on rappers bragging about their wealth while she's actually saying: "I'm not satisfied by all of this bullsh-t".

Also, I just really respect her for being a pop star saying things like "This type of modern life is not for me" and relativizing the American dream, consumerism, etc. It's not your day to day subject for pop music. A lot of people wanted her to just shut up and make mindless bops again but I really appreciate her for wanting to make an important statement.

This is someone who's lived it all, experienced fame at its most glamorous and brutal. For her to say it's not worth it and she's still looking for meaning and fulfillment is really... something. Very inspiring for me.

[LOVEDRUG 10,491]

I love the song, but I can see why you'd dislike it

I personally prefer the Reinvention Tour version with the acoustic intro and hard rock second half, I'd really advise listening to it for anyone who doesn't like the studio version, especially since it removes most of the electronic/experimental elements and replaces them with rock ones. It also definitely does the lyrics justice whereas the album version falls a little short.

[Phoebe Buffay 12,525]

I absolutely adore this song and the rap part is more than just non-sense if you look really close into it.

[LOVEDRUG 10,491]

Just now, Phoebe Buffay said:

I absolutely adore this song and the rap part is more than just non-sense if you look really close into it.

Totally! It's almost a self parody, how she talks about everything she 'has', it's like satire

[noisullitcefrep 3,871]

Honestly, one of the best music videos of all time.

[Reginald 13,840]

I LOVE American Life. I was *NOT* a Madonna fan when the album came out, but I would grow on to deeply admire her for this album, once I did become a fan during Confessions 

[darkwolf 590]

I really love the song, and I think the production aged very well. It was one of the first Madonna songs I've heard when I was young, along with die another day.

7 minutes ago, Phoebe Buffay said:

I absolutely adore this song and the rap part is more than just non-sense if you look really close into it.

I don't remember which  interview where she was talking about writing the song with Mirwais. She said that she didn't know what to rap about, and Mirwais suggested to just talk about what she has

[Isidro Guevara 821]

[FfFfFfFF 55,197]

The chorus of the song sounds good because the synths stop and there is just her voice and the guitar. At least this is why I love it and how the song works for me. But I do think there are songs that shine more on the album, which I'm comfortable calling it a masterpiece. 

[Guest]

The song is meant to sound disturbing and messy. After 9/11, Bush, and multiple wars, Madonna criticized what America has become and its way of life. She also questioned and criticized herself.

Ofcourse, the anti war thing was just a trendy phase she soon got over. Shes now pro Obama and Hilary wars. She even offered free blowjobs for anyone who voted for Hilary
 

 

[CautiousLurker 19,126]

 

[McYves 1,612]

Honestly one of my top10 Madonna songs of all time. The rap? Ironic of course. I still laugh at people who doesn't understand how ironic is her music and lyrics. She's a true POP ARTIST, like Warhol and FameGa.

[Noir 16,789]

I love this song and it comes from my favourite Madonna album (which is ironically viewed as one of her worst albums). Is the rap kinda cringe? Sure, but the song has an endearing energy and I love how politically vocal she is. Here for it. Love the video too.