Madonna x Honey Dijon x V Magazine - Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones

[Joshua James 1,740]

https://vmagazine.com/article/heroes-madonna-finally-enough-love-billboard/

 

Nowadays, the moniker “icon” gets thrown around quite loosely, but truly, few embody the continual boundary-breaking ethos that the phrase ignites. Among those who personify the label is none other than singer, songwriter, actress, pop-culture icon, and most importantly, entertainer, Madonna. If pop music was a societal clock, Madonna rang the alarm. Performing in tandem with society’s greatest feats and struggles—political turmoil, scientific breakthroughs, never-ending war, a global pandemic—Madonna forever remained on the cutting edge.

Blossoming out of Manhattan’s underground club scene, the songstress has undergone quite the sonic journey. A collection encompassing disco-detonating pop to tinges of R&B—and virtually every genre in between—Madonna remains notorious in her rebuttal of music’s rulebook. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who can’t recite the snappy chorus to the artist’s 1990 hit “Vogue” or quickly name their favorite album from her decade-spanning discography—though Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dance Floor seem to be favorites amongst die-hard fans. Coupled with an ever-evolving ability to adapt, the creative remains on the cutting edge of what’s new, constantly adapting, shifting, and innovating for the present. Not only a musical innovator, Madonna is a muse to a dynamic bunch of creatives, designers, and photographers and is a definite multi-disciplinary artist in her own right. But to put it simply, Madonna needs no introduction.

Now, the artist’s dance pop reign continues with the release of the curated collection: Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones. Off the back of her history-making 50th number one song on the Billboard charts, the release includes remixes of Madonna’s chart-topping hits that have defined playlists, dancehalls, and concert venues alike for decades. Starting with the 1983 hit “Holiday” that put Madonna on the map, the collection chronologically transitions throughout the artist’s catalog all the way from the slow-burning "Physical Attraction" to dance bangers like “Hung Up” and the recent “I Don’t Search I Find.”

The 50-track collection features contributions from world-renowned producers and musical talents, featuring a selection of rare remixes, over 20 of which are being released commercially or digitally for the first time. Of course, it wouldn’t be Madonna without a handful of big-shot collaborations: the star’s partnerships with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Honey Dijon, Nicki Minaj, and more make appearances. Available digitally, the release will also include a limited-edition, 6-LP version on red and black vinyl.

In addition to the 220-minute version, there is also an abridged 16-track iteration, Finally Enough Love, listenable on streaming platforms as well as CD and 2-LP. Merging age-old classics with experimental, modern tinges, Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones is more than a collection: it is an encyclopedia, showcasing the range of a one-of-a-kind powerhouse that continues to shape and challenge narratives nearly 40 years after her debut. A solidified icon.

Below, collaborator Honey Dijon chats with Lady M about "Finally Enough Love" and how the industry has evolved in the last three decades.

Honey Dijon: What was the process of creating Finally Enough Love?

Madonna: Putting this project together was like taking a trip down memory lane. It was a cathartic, emotional experience and brought back so many memories. I realized how hard I’ve worked, and what an adventurous musical life I’ve led! Most importantly, it made me realize how meaningful dance music has always been to me.

HD: [Thinking back on my Madonna awakening] "Everybody" was the first song of yours that I danced to! Growing up at the beginning of house music culture in Chicago, it was played in a lot of the early house music clubs. At the time I had no idea that I was dancing to someone who would become one of the most influential artists ever. I then saw the [music] video and fell instantly in love and I ran to Gramaphone Records and bought the 12 inch [vinyl]. I was blown away by the album artwork. I still have that original copy. Your legacy transcends music, it has changed culture. Your body of work across art, music, fashion, and performance is the template of the consummate artist that will continually influence generations of music lovers and performers alike. You changed the game! With that in mind what would you say you learned about yourself while creating the project?

M: An interesting observation I had throughout this process is how music production has evolved over the years—going from analog to digital—but also the sounds that people use, the kind of percussion, the synth sounds, all of it. It’s so different from the early ‘80s up until now. The music from the ‘80s has a naivety to it and a simplicity which I love and I miss, but then we have this new awesome technology at our fingertips and we can make synths sound like a voice, and a voice sound like a percussionist instrument or violins. It’s easier to create quickly!

HD: The remix for the track “I Don’t Search I Find” is included on the project, which I am so excited about! It reminded me of a very special time of clubbing in New York and I wanted to capture the sexiness of that moment in my approach. It was already a great dance song, so for me, I wanted to keep the spirit of the original but add a bit more drama for the dance floors. I still pinch myself that I am part of such and iconic project with music that has become the fabric of my life, [music] that continually brings joy to millions. Besides our song together, what would you say is one of your favorite tracks on the album?

M: It’s always great to work with you Honey, you’re my favorite DJ in the whole world, and my favorite song on the entire record is of course… "Finally Enough Love!"

[bionic 47,031]

The title "Finally Enough Love" makes it sound like its an end-of-career compilation album, like case closed- we're done. 

[Sneaky Oliver 21,779]

  On 8/18/2022 at 3:32 PM, bionic said:

The title "Finally Enough Love" makes it sound like its an end-of-career compilation album, like case closed- we're done. 

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I think it's kind of ""finally I can get some recognition from all the hard work", it's f*cking 50 #1 dance hits, she def can brag about it 

[The BPD Monster 1,718]

  On 8/18/2022 at 5:40 PM, Sneaky Oliver said:

I think it's kind of ""finally I can get some recognition from all the hard work", it's f*cking 50 #1 dance hits, she def can brag about it 

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Exactly. I'm so happy it happened way sooner to Gaga than Madonna. She's been through hell most of her career. Ngl most of it was because of her shady attitude 🤷

[Chromatislaps 34,796]

Im looking forward to this remix, but Im really hoping for new material after this.

off topic...ngl she kinda looks like Lil Kim in these photos

[MaybeKermit 4,429]

  On 8/18/2022 at 5:52 PM, The BPD Monster said:

Exactly. I'm so happy it happened way sooner to Gaga than Madonna. She's been through hell most of her career. Ngl most of it was because of her shady attitude 🤷

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What happened sooner to Gaga…?

[The BPD Monster 1,718]

  On 8/18/2022 at 8:17 PM, Funkymonkey said:

What happened sooner to Gaga…?

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GP appreciation. 

[Blackout19 10,981]

A lot of people still doesn't understand how big is this woman. She is a real legend. She change the pop music for other girls. 

I am sure even 200 years, everybody will know who she is. 

[MaybeKermit 4,429]

  On 8/19/2022 at 8:30 AM, The BPD Monster said:

GP appreciation. 

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Well that has its advantages and disadvantages.

the fact that the GP appreciates her much more definitely means she toned down her “weirdness” in a way. Bcs they only seem to appreciate her when she’s “easy to digest”… let’s not forget that

Bcs of this appreciation also, Gaga has developped a very very commercial mindset, so idk for myself personally if that’s a 100% good thing 

[The BPD Monster 1,718]

  On 8/19/2022 at 9:18 AM, Funkymonkey said:

Well that has its advantages and disadvantages.

the fact that the GP appreciates her much more definitely means she toned down her “weirdness” in a way. Bcs they only seem to appreciate her when she’s “easy to digest”… let’s not forget that

Bcs of this appreciation also, Gaga has developped a very very commercial mindset, so idk for myself personally if that’s a 100% good thing 

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Well I never looked at it in this way. u didn't have to u ruin my mood like that 

[MaybeKermit 4,429]

  On 8/19/2022 at 9:26 AM, The BPD Monster said:

Well I never looked at it in this way. u didn't have to u ruin my mood like that 

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Hahaha I’m sorry, guess I just had a different PoV which is completely normal !