Customer Reviews

Erotica

5 star:		(185)
4 star:		(50)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I'm sat here listening to Erotica, trying to think why this stunning album was so critically attacked. Before I bought this album, I was worried the critics may have been correct. I thought if I bought it, all I'd think of every time I listened to it is that harsh crack of the critical whip. With a little help from the positive reviews on Amazon, I decided to give it a go. The sheer superiority and excellent early 90's dance shines through. The critics said this album was full of sex, sex, sex. What the hell are they all on about?! There are three sex songs on here! (Erotica, Secret Garden and Where Life Begins). Here's my review of Erotica...

Track 1 is Erotica (10/10). The first song from this album released in October 1992. It made UK No.3. The video and orgasms shocked the world. The deep. voice is almost scary as the sight of dominatrix Madonna in the video pops into my head evertime I hear this. Track 2 is Fever (10/10). A cover of Peggy Lee's classic from 1956. This made UK No.6 in April 1993. The taking of a really soulful 1950s song and updating it with racy, dance beats of the 1990s works really well. Track 3 is Bye Bye Baby (10/10). A very good dance/pop track. I like the lyrics, "I know I loved you, because I hate you". Classic, up-front Madonna! Although her voice is a little strange, even nausiating. Track 4 is Deeper And Deeper (10/10). A very good dance track for the clubs. This made No.6 in the UK in December 1992. The chorus is really up-beat and happy. The Spanish bit half-way through is really good and gives it that foreign holiday feel. Track 5 is Where Life Begins (9/10). A VERY saucy track from kinky Madonna! The whole song is mainly about how to have sex. Be sure to listen to this song on your headphones if your mum or dad are in the house when you're listening to this song! Track 6 is Bad Girl (10/10). A very good, laid-back ballad and my personal favourite Madonna ballad ever. This made UK No.10 in March 1993. This was the theme-tune to her erotic, 18+, critic-bashed film, Body of Evidence.

Track 7 is Waiting (10/10). A good mid-tempo track. Madonna's deep speaking vocals crop up quite frequently on Erotica. This track has a great bass-line and the piano makes this great track sound like a 1940's romance ballad. Track 8 is Thief of Hearts (10/10). A fantastic up-tempo track. Madonna goes a little over the top saying, "[...]" all the time. The "you do it, you take it, you screw it, you fake it. Come to it, you'll break it, you're over, you can't take it!" is the funkiest bit! Track 9 is Words (9/10). Another very good dance/pop gem. It sounds a lot like Fever. It's about another person Madonna hates because they think they're better than her and the persons' words "cut like a knife - cut into her life". Track 10 is Rain (10/10). A really good ballad - one of her best ever. The lyrics are very good and emotional. This made UK No.7 in July 1993. The speaky-bit is very relaxing and well, just brilliant! Track 11 is Why's It So Hard (9/10). I'd say this was different track to many others on Erotica. It's more of a rock/dance track. The song is about racism/sexism etc...Track 12 is In This Life (9/10). A sad ballad about one of Madonna's best friends who was only 23 when he died of AIDS. Memories of Madonna's mother who died in 1963 of breast cancer (when Madonna was only 5) may have re-surfaced when she wrote this. This results in an emotional, expressive tone in her voice. Track 13 is Secret Garden (9/10). A mid/up-tempo song. I think this is about sex because of the lyrics, "you plant the seed and I'll watch it grow" and "I'm looking for the perfect flower". The deep, spoken verses are also an indicator of a raunchy track about sex.

The result of Erotica is a stunning album. It's hard to believe this has only sold 5 million worldwide compared to some other Madonna albums which have sold 19/22 million. And the critics? Well they can just...

"Erotic...Erotic...Put Your Hands All Over My Body"...What can I say. This album is unique, sassy, kinky, hypnotizing, with a funky edge. In my opnion, it's Madonnas most under rated album ever. During her 'Erotica' era, she was so "IN YOUR FACE" with the album, "SEX" book, and her movie "Body Of Evidence". She got slammed by critics for all three. But in my mind, it was a theme, something die hard Madonna fans like myself were able to appreciate. The title track to me was extremely sexy. It was unlike anything I have ever heard. Though it was similar to the cooing in "Justify My Love", "Erotica" has a seducing type sensation. I find it incredible to this day. "Fever" is a classic. Though I favor Peggy Lee's version, Madonna gave it a club feel as opposed to a "jazzy/blues" feel that Lee gave it years earlier. "Bye Bye Baby" is brilliant! I love the message, and the recording technique used. Madonna's creative genious shines with that track. "Deeper and Deeper is a club anthem. It's so 70's, you can't help but love it. "Where Life Begins" is mellow, it's not a song you can dance to, but it's a song that's about exploring sexuality and inner emotions. Brilliant writing. "Bad Girl" in my opinion could have been better. The lyrics seem to be piled on top of eachother. I found that it lacked a "smooth" flow, however I loved her singing in this song. Her voice seemed so raw and edgy. "Waiting" seemed too similar to "Where Life Begins", but it has a soothing feel nonetheless. "Thief if Hearts" should have been a single. The music is awesome and her singing makes you want to "get down". "Words" really surprised me. This song made me appreciate her ability to be a song writer alot more. And what can I say about "Rain". It's haunting, spiritual, flawless! "This song got to me just like "Like A Prayer" and "Promise To Try" got to me when "Like a Prayer" was released. One of her BEST BALLADS EVER! When she sings: "I'll stand out on the mountain top, and wait for you to bring..the rain"....I just want to melt! You can't help but surrender to this track. "Why's It So Hard" is similar to "Keep It Together", while "In This Life" makes you aware that life is too short, a song dedicated to those she lost to AIDS. I have mixed feelings for the last two songs. "Did You Do It" is not one of my favorites, but "Secret Garden" is very jazzy. All in all, this album is brilliant in its own right.

Madonna's 1992 album "Erotica" was a landmark album in her career, and absolutely ahead of it's time. Unfortunately, released between her notorious Sex book and the overheated box-office debacle Body of Evidence, her finest album got lost in the shuffle. A closer, undistracted look at "Erotica" today reveals an artist on the verge of a thrilling change, ripping open the envelope she'd always threatened to push, and finally giving us a taste of what we were all assuming she was doing in the first place.

Like today's electronica, 1992's "Erotica" is a chilly but exciting experience. Far removed the warm, submissive intimacy of "Justify My Love," the Madonna of "Erotica" walks tall and carries a big whip. "Erotica" was produced to a large degree by DJ/remixer/producer Shep Pettibone, whose signature mixes have rocked the clubs and airwaves since the mid-80s. Pettibone's energetic and creative production dominates Erotica, with a diverse, textured blend of beats, bass and sonic soundscapes, while still leaving Madonna free to do her thing.

Album highlights include the throbbing title track, the dance-till-you drop firecracker "Deeper and Deeper", and a sizzling cover of Peggy Lee's "Fever ". Other fine Madonna/Pettibone collaborations include the riveting confessions of "Bad Girl"; the witty revenge fantasy "Thief of Hearts"; the heated plea for equality, "Why's It So Hard"; and the soaring ballad "Rain."

Producer Andre Betts also has a strong presence on "Erotica", co-producing such standout tracks as the steamy ode to oral gratification, "Where Life Begins," and the soul-searching album finale, "Secret Garden."

It is to Madonna's credit that, despite the years that have passed, "Erotica" still seems as fresh and exciting as her recent album "Ray of Light". Though the warmth of "Ray of Light" may have its roots in her soulful 1994 album "Bedtime Stories", the creative production on "Ray of Light" is a direct result of the stylistic departures Madonna took on "Erotica".

Madonna's career took a much-needed turn in 1992. She shed about 3 million boy toys, mall gals and countless other Top-40 radio addicts who can sing along to "Into the Groove" with the best of them, but who wouldn't know progression if it hit them over the head with their new Mariah Carey record. Madonna purposefully took a brave giant step toward progression that fateful year, and came up with a mighty fine record to show for it. Madonna's "Erotica" is an underrated classic, just waiting (with a whip and a smile) to be reappreciated.

Although it wasn't meant to, this album really brushed off all the trendy and unimaginative fans. It did however, deeply satisfy the fans who truly understand Madonna. The fans who understand her when she says "I didn't get into music because I thought I had a great voice or was a great dancer; I got into music because I have something to say."

The attitude on this album is incredible. Fierce and reflective. Fun and empowering. The opening song "Erotica" is a demanding turn-on and Madonna isn't afraid to express her fantasy bluntly just as in "Where Life Begins." Equally in-your-face is "Bye Bye Baby" - a fun and liberating end to a nasty relationship. "Bad girl" is an addictively touching account of a low point in one's life (beautiful short-film music video by the way). "Rain" and "In This Life" are also softer, moving songs. "Thief Of Hearts" is a nasty confrontation! "Deeper and Deeper" is so much fun - you'll love it. "Why's it So Hard" is an agreeable call for peace and equal rights. "Secret Garden" brings things to an end quite gracefully. The only genuine throw-away is "Did You Do It?" which is Madonna just having fun with some rappers...not bad but would have made a better b-side. The other 13 songs for the most part are extremely valuable gems to Madonna's expanding catalog.

Now that the dust has settled, it's clear that this album is not only a classic but drastically adds to Madonna's "legend" status which will reach people for years and years to come.

Madonna is always one step ahead of the trend. Erotica is no exception. This was the first album released after her mega-successful Immaculate Collection. But while Immaculate was full of the bubble-gum megahits of the past decade, Erotica does a full 180! Starting with the title track, the albums delves into a dark, underground world. On one spectrum, the dance beats are hard, the basslines are strong, then there's Madonna herself whispering in your ear ("Erotica", "Where Life Begins", "Waiting", "Secret Garden"). On another spectrum the music is slow and melodic, yet still has an air of darkness and melancholy ("Bad Girl", "Rain", "In This Life"). And then there are a couple of songs with extremely fierce dance beats filled with an undying energy ("Deeper And Deeper", "Thief of Hearts", "Words", "Bye Bye Baby", "Fever").

Back in 1992 when this album was released, the music scene was still trying to adjust itself to the 90's. Erotica's underground sound turned out to be way ahead of its time. This album could almost be released today in 2002 and almost sound completely fresh. As a precursor to Madonna's Sex book this album also provides a sort of soundtrack to the fantasies of Madonna's then-alter-ego, Dita. As it turns out, this was Madonna's worst-selling album commercially although it did go multi-platinum. That's a shame since this is such a remarkable record, but the world was not ready for sexual fantasies to start circulating in such a mainstream way. I believe this is one of Madonna's best albums...right up there with Ray of Light and Music! I think I'll go listen to it right now....

This album is highly overlooked. This album was very overshadowed by the Sex Book and video to Erotica, but there is more this album than sex. Madonnna was rebelling and started to explore sexualty, lust and androgny. All this songs on this song are exceptionally wonderful.

1. Erotica: The infamous song that started a revolution. This song is very kinky and has a samlping of Kool and the Gang's "Jungle Boggie". Despite it's sexual nature this song is still hot and deserved more success.

2. Fever: A Very nice cover of Peggy Lee's classic. Madonna gives the song a whole new sound, that's only Madonna. But the version Madonna used in the Video to the song is by far superior to this one. You can find the video version on the German Single of Rain.

3. Bye Bye Baby: A song that kinda doesn't fit in on this album. I don't think it fits in anywhere, but it still good. Madonna is rekindling her high pitched voice in this song.

4. Deeper and Deeper: A wonderful song. This song was a gay pride song, that rocked. Madonna wanted to revist the disco years in this song. She even throws in a line from Vogue, for good measure.

5. Where Life Begins: Proably the most sexual song on the album. Madonna is wonderful with metaphors and this song prooves it. She compared "Dinning In, Eating Out" to something more than a fresh cooked meal at dinner time, if you know what I mean. The beat to this song is wonderful it is kinky, but sensual and intimate.

6. Bad Girl: This is one of My favorite songs on the album. I adore this song, the music the lyrics. They are gorgeous. Madonna is talking about a Girl, who is quite provacative and tends to make money off sex and gets drunk every night. She really portrays, that Bad Girls can have feelings, too, and how they may not always like their lifestyle, it's their's and it's hard to change.

7. Waiting: A hot song, where Andre Betts Hip hop style appears. Madonna is talking about a relationship, in which her guy is not treating her like he used too and how she just can't let go. This is a great song and one of my favs.

8. Thief of Hearts: A great song. I love it!! Madonna now gets a little mad at a "cheap treat" who'll screw anyone and is trying to screw her man. The best line is where Madonna sings "Bitch, you do it, you take it, you screw it, you fake it, undo it, you'll break it." This is one of the best songs on the album.

9. Words: A wonderful song. Madonna here talks about how people degrade you and hurt you with words.

10. Rain: OMG. What a gorgeous song. This song is so full of love and power. It's horriable, that this song did not make it to GHV2. It well deserved it. The beat and vocals are absolutely mezmorizing.

11. Why's It So Hard: A very emotional song. Madonna, is discussing today's discrimination and predjisim. She mainly talks about homosexulaity and religion, here. This is a wonderful, powerful song.

12. In This Life: This song is very emotional, proably the most emotional on the album. Madonna is talking about a friend she had who died at age 23 from aids. She talks about the advice he gave her. This is song will bring tears to your eyes and it really make you think about Aids and other diseases in the world. Madonna really makes a good quote at the end. "Some say life's not fair, I say people just don't care".

13. Did you Do It? A Remix of Waiting. Here Madonna just sings the chorus of Waiting, whilst Dr. Dre Raps. Basically this song is revealing what Madonna's guy is doing while she is "Waiting".

14. Secret Garden: This is most likley the most poetic song, Madonna has ever released. Sex does kinda come to mind when you first hear the title, but as you listen you see more. Madonna is hinting at longing to be mother.

This ALbum is by far one of the best Madonna has ever released. It was ahead of it's time in 1992 and is still ahead of it's time in 2004.

I'm listening to it right now. "Rain" to be exact. It's listening to this that reminds me to post a review here, where everyone gets a voice. Unfortunately, some people use that voice to be nasty. People can not like something, but they don't have to be rude and insulting. I may be biased, but I consider this album to be her second best, with Ray Of Light the only one ahead.

As the 90s dawned, Madonna was on top of the world. Blonde Ambition was the biggest tour of the past few years, Immaculate Collection was a smash, and the single "Justify My Love" was big on the charts. People were shocked at the song. Madonna, who had just sand the wholesome "Cherish" now wanted to kiss in Paris and make love on a train. If only they knew...
Sex was the beginning. The steel-bound book was released to enormous hype in the summer of 1992. Critics wasted no time in trashing the pornographic photo album, but sales were brisk. Actually, they were phenomenal and a second printing was ordered almost immediately. Not long later, Body Of Evidence came out in theatres. It was the story of a woman that killed a man with sex. Madonna was the star. Critics trashed the movie as well, and it flopped. At the height of this sexual parade, Erotica was released. The album debuted in 2nd place on the charts, shocking industry insiders who had expected HUGE sales, given the publicity lavished on the album. "Erotica" the first single became a hit. "Deeper and Deeper" did as well. "Bad Girl" was mediocre at best. "Rain" did alright. But this didn't stop Erotica from nosediving down the charts. It should be noted that by the time "Rain" came into the picture, the album wasn't even among the top 100 anymore. In all, some 1.8 million people bought the album, which is alright, but when your last LP has sold upwards of 7 million copies, it's not good.
First of all, Madonna had a reason for it all. Up until then, the press and the public had been fascinated with her. It wasn't enough to have her music. They needed to know about every little detail of even her private life. She decided to give it all to them on such a scale that it would never happen again. Smart move, considering she's still a superstar with huge sales and we leave her alone for the most part.

The album begins with "Erotica." This is my favorite song on the album. The pulsating beat and the spoken lyrics are all perfect. The next track is a cover of "Fever." I love the club music for it. And Madonna's lower voice gives it a foreboding sense of darkness, instead of the light premise the song offers. "Bye Bye Baby" is more light. Her vocals are somewhat "heliumized." Sending problematic lovers off is fun. "Deeper and Deeper" is another favorite. It's danceable and fun. The lyrics are very uplifting, and I love the Vogue references. "Where Life Begins" is one of the explicit songs. It basically tells us how to give oral sex. But it's jazzy and the piano works. "Bad Girl" is actually a good song. It basically tells the story of, well, a bad girl. "Waiting" has another great beat. Truer words were never spoken: "If you have to ask for something more than once or twice, it was never your to begin with." "Thief Of Hearts" is fun. Madonna gets to swear and stuff. I love when she asks "which leg do you want me to break?" "Words" has a great rhythm. This another great dance song and fits the spirit of the album. "Rain" is one of the best ballads she's ever made. It's still cold to fit with the rest of the music here, but it's still intimate and nice. "Why's It So Hard" is R&B-flavored and for once, I'm enjoying something R&B. "In This Life" can be called the epic piece of the album. It's dedicated to one of Madonna's gay friends who died of AIDS. It's beautiful and perfect in every way. It makes the disease REAL. "Did You Do It" is another favorite. The beat and the lyrics and everything come together. "Secret Garden" is somewhat coded. Lyrics about her asking him to plant the seed and watch it grow. I think this is about her desire to have a child. It's funny too.

This isn't about sex for the most part. It's about love, and turning that into sensual intimacy. If America had taken an hour out of their lives to listen to what the album was about, it would have been one of Madonna's biggest successes yet, if not THE biggest. Everything here is top-notch, and I just hope one day it's appreciated. Luckily she bounced back because very few people's careers in music justify so many comebacks, and hers is one that justifies them all.

Alongside Ray of Light, alongside Like A Prayer...this album is one of Madonna's best of all-time (definitely in her top 4 albums ever). How could it be so forgotten?! Apparently NO ONE realized this album was even released. This is some of the best work Madonna has ever produced; sexy (but not pornographic), daring (but not over the top), raises awareness (but doesn't preach), and it makes you dance!
1. Erotica-the awesome title track. The house beat, haunting vocals, that infamous bass-line...what more could you want?!
2. Fever-Madonna's cover of Peggy Lee's classic. This is Madonna's best cover EVER. This song even rivals Justify My Love in sexiness.
3. Bye Bye Baby-Another dance song, this one slightly more tongue-in-cheek. Gets you movin'
4. Deeper And Deeper-First off, this is my FAVORITE Madonna song EVER! of ANY album! It's totally disco, flamboyant, and FABULOUS. Worth the entire album.
5. Where Life Begins-if you get what she's singing about, you can't help but blush! This is a smooth little number.
6. Bad Girl-One of her best vocal performances. It's also one of the songs that really keeps this album from going over the top...it keeps it grounded. Great song.
7. Waiting-another sassy little number...very soulful.
8. Thief Of Hearts-this song is fierce. Don't wanna mess with Madonna's man!
9. Words-another dance tune with a catchy hook. Great verses.
10. Rain-And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the beautiful jewel of the album. Gorgeous ballad.
11. Why's It So Hard-Wow. This song is great AND has a positive message.
12. In This Life-And this is Madonna's personal side. This song is about Madonna's friends who died of AIDS.
13. Did you do It-a remix of Waiting. This is the only track that is unnesessary.
14. Secret Garden-WOW! Wonderful Jazzy little number. Very poetic.
In short, with Erotica Madonna combines pop, house and dance with a touch of r+b/soul and a pinch of jazz. You need this album in your collection, Madonna fan or not! Good job M.

My 'career' as a dance club DJ began around '85, shortly after Madonna's career took off for the stratosphere. And since I was working with my own collection and trying to satisfy a fair variety of listeners, I was lucky to discover Madonna's near-universal appeal with dancers. I count myself among her early fans, and have followed each new release (musical or theatrical) with growing satisfaction. Strangely, I never thought of Madonna as an "album artist," so much as a hitmaker. That is, until I bought "Erotica."

The daring progression of musical styles and themes that mark her first half dozen albums is brought to fruition with "Erotica." While some critics and non-fans saw the album (and accompanying "Sex" book) as an inevitable decline into decadence, "Erotica" is a literate and thoughtful recording that deepens on repeat playings. And (surprise surprise) it turns out that Madonna had a lot more on her mind than sex and sexuality. If there is a true "concept" behind the album, I'd say it's intimacy and passion.

The title track opens "Erotica" with a note of brittle, bassy sleaze; her detached voice-over sets the mood for the music to come. Like earlier songs that relied on recitation ("Justify My Love," "Rescue Me"), "Erotica" takes a few plays to really 'sink in' with listeners. Spoken encouragements and outright commands woo the listener with hidden pleasures, an apt (if obvious) way to create a sense of immediacy and intensity. And before the last whisper of "Erotica" is forgotten, the album plunges into the Peggy Lee classic, "Fever," a synthesized torch song layered over a spare rhythm track. "Bye Bye Baby" maintains the tempo and adds an air of jaunty insouciance, a reminder that in "Erotica" it's Madonna who is in control. "Deeper and Deeper" is one of Mo-Mo's most compelling dancefloor dramas, an irresistable combination of rhythmic punch and yearning vocals.

"Where Life Begins" slows the tempo, as if to bring the dancers back to the boudoir. The frank language of this track (an ode to oral sex) maintains a sense of good humor, and to dismiss this track as "too graphic" or "raunchy" is pure brunette chauvinism. "Bad Girl" is seemingly auto-biographical, and adds an odd note of self-recrimination to the album. "Waiting" is a gem; a negectful lover gets his comeuppance and is dismissed before he can offer a single excuse, all set over a jazzy bit of bump and grind music.

Next, Madonna takes aim at a would-be rival, and sends her packing in "Thief Of Hearts." The edgy minor key of this song segues nicely into "Words," another passionate rebuke to a lover who is more of a player. Before the mood of "Erotica" sours on intimacy, "Rain" offers a soulful view of love and affection, "washing away sorrow" and "taking away pain".

For me, the next two tracks are the weakest on the album. "Why's It So Hard" sounds good-intentioned, but a bit whiney as well. "In This Life" brings the album to a somber anti-climax, and it's thoughtful lyric has the (un?) intentional feel of moralizing after so much hedonistic wordplay. It's another good-intentioned effort that sounds out of place on "Erotica."

"Did You Do It" recycles the backing track from "Waiting," substituting boastful raps for Madonna's lyrical rebuke. It's a logical counterpoint to "Waiting," if a bit predictable. The closing track, "Secret Garden," has a jazzy underbelly, and features a Beat-inspired recitation from Madonna. Part stream-of-conciousness, part invocation, it comes as a wistful nod to passion spent and a reminder that intimacy is heightened by imagination.

"Erotica" isn't a flawless recording, the most obvious detriment being the vocal mix. Madonna occasionally sounds detached from the music, a tinny presence set between a rolling bassline and thudding beats. But apart from this (and a handful of lyrical pretense), "Erotica" is an impressive collection of songs that show alternate sides to intimacy without sounding preachy or hypocritical. Whether or not you find the album "sexy" is a matter of personal taste. "Erotica" is Madonna's vision, and you don't have to be a voyeur to get off on what she sees.

-Stoned Soul

-Erotica (1992)-

Released back in 1992, this is the album that caused a national backlash against Madonna. In 1992, Madonna released this album, which peaked at #2 in the US, and has only sold around 2 million copies to date. Madonna also released the box office bomb "Body of Evidence", and the international smash "Sex" book. This was when Madonna was at the peak of her sexual assault on the world. This is definitely one of my favorite Madonna albums of all time, and it's also one of my favorite albums of all time. The first single to be released from this album was the title track, and it's definitely one of the sexiest songs of all time. It's also a very dark song, which just makes the song even more amazing. The video that was released with this song caused even more controversy than "Justify My Love", and was of course, banned from MTV. Again, the video was released on VHS, and sold millions. The other singles released from this album were "Deeper and Deeper", which peaked at #7 in the US, and is one of Madonna's best dance songs, "Rain", an absolutely beautiful ballad, which only peaked at #14 in the US, "Fever" which is an amazing cover of Peggy Lee's 50s classic, wasn't released in the US, but peaked at #6 in the UK, "Bye Bye Baby", which also wasn't released in the US, but peaked at #15 in Australia, and "Bad Girl", which is one of my all time favorite Madonna songs, and is my favorite Madonna ballad. Just an absolutely stunning song, but so underrated, only peaking at #36 in the US.

1. Erotica (10/10)
2. Fever (10/10)
3. Bye Bye Baby (10/10)
4. Deeper and Deeper (10/10)
5. Where Life Begins (10/10)
6. Bad Girl (10/10)
7. Waiting (10/10)
8. Theif of Hearts (10/10)
9. Words (10/10)
10. Rain (10/10)
11. Why It's So Hard (/10)
12. In This Life (10/10)
13. Secret Garden (10/10)

This is another one of the few albums I own where I would rate every song 10/10. "Where Life Begins" is a slow and jazzy song, and I love the analogys it uses. "Waiting" is another great song. It's another jazzy song, but a lot of the songs on the album are. "Theif of Hearts" is one of my favorite unreleased songs, where Madonna uses the word "b****" quite a few times. My favorite part is where Madonna sings "You do it, you'll take it. You screw it, you'll fake it. Undo it, you'll break it. You're over, you can't take it". I love it! "Words" is definitely my favorite unreleased song. Everything about this song is just great. "Why It's So Hard" is kinda reminiscent of "Till Death Do Us Part" from "Like a Prayer", where it's upbeat and catchy, but the lyrics are more dark and depressing. A great song. "In This Life" is a sad and stunning ballad about some of the friends Madonna has lost to AIDS. Another one of my favorites. "Secret Garden" is probably my least favorite song on the album, but it's still a great song. The lyrics are very poetic, and it sounds like a song about Madonna longing to be a mother. Now, there are lots of people that have said that this album is just about sex, but that's not true. There are only about 2 or 3 songs on here about sex. All in all, the is definitely one of Madonna's best albums, which deserved so much more recognition than it ever recieved.

My Top 5 off of the album are...

5) Words
4) Rain
3) Erotica
2) Deeper and Deeper
1) Bad Girl