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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Madonna _ True Blue ● The Album Rate Results
Posted by: liamk97 24th July 2016, 01:36 PM
HYPE!
xx | Papa Don't Preach
xx | Open Your Heart
xx | White Heat
xx | Live to Tell
xx | Where's the Party
xx | True Blue
xx | La Isla Bonita
xx | Jimmy Jimmy
xx | Love Makes the World Go Round
Posted by: HausofKubrick 25th July 2016, 03:49 PM
So excited for this! The singles and Where's the Party to do well but really, I love it all lmao.
Posted by: River Lea 30th July 2016, 04:20 AM
Papa Don't Preach to win. 
Posted by: SamJudd 30th July 2016, 04:23 PM
I predict that 'Papa Don't Preach' will win, and think that 'Jimmy Jimmy' will finish last, and 'Love Makes The World Go Round' to finish in 8th place.
Posted by: vibe 30th July 2016, 06:20 PM
Top three should be
Papa don't preach
Live to tell
La Isla bonita
But there was a lot of love for open your heart 
Posted by: liamk97 31st July 2016, 01:38 PM
~ Why, oh why, do fools fall in love with fools like you? ~
Highest: 8 (Josh.) Lowest: 4 (mr_pmt)
Out first is the album's penultimate track 'Jimmy Jimmy', inspired by the 50s icon James Dean. Madonna confessed to imagining he grew up in the same neighbourhood as her yet still managed to make it big - a fantasy that is told in the lyrics where Madonna acts as a next door neighbour narrating the goings on of Dean. In turn, the lyrics are a reflection of Madonna's own breakthrough and it is fitting that this song appears on what would become her best selling studio album. The production takes its influence from early 60s pop and makes for a fun, care-free pop party, however it does lack the boldness and innovation of the 5 singles which means it automatically slips into the lower half of the album.
Posted by: HausofKubrick 31st July 2016, 03:00 PM
A definite weak link on the album but still brilliant. I love the lyric you've chosen to represent it Liam
Posted by: Joe. 31st July 2016, 03:03 PM
I think La Isla Bonita will win.
Posted by: vibe 31st July 2016, 04:57 PM
No surprises with Jimmy Jimmy coming last!
It is so fun and lovable tho
Posted by: SamJudd 31st July 2016, 06:18 PM
I predicted right, I do agree that 'Jimmy Jimmy' is the weakest track on this album, it's okay enough, nothing special though. I predict that 'Love Makes The World Go Round' or maybe 'White Heat' will drop next.
Posted by: HausofKubrick 31st July 2016, 10:04 PM
Yeah perhaps! Either way I think it'll be a tough battle between these as the top 2...
Posted by: liamk97 1st August 2016, 10:33 PM
It's a great little hook, isn't it? I've been taking a lot of notice of 'Jimmy Jimmy' recently and it's that lyric that has cemented itself in my head.
Posted by: liamk97 2nd August 2016, 09:46 PM
~ Make love not war we say ~
Highest: 8.5 (Qween, Josh.) Lowest: 5 (River Lea, Regina)
An album closer often supplies a short and sweet summary of the album's content and purpose which is certainly the case with 'Love Makes the World Go Round'. It's an uplifting, carnival-esque anthem that encourages universal caring and understanding; a very fitting conclusion to an album that celebrates love, escapism and freedom. Rumour has it that this was considered as lead single, possibly as a result of its performance at Live Aid in August 1985, but I think it works better tagged onto the end of the album opposed to kick starting the era. It's just not strong enough for that level of status - sure, it's a jolly pop moment but far from a solid classic and the lyrics, when you pay attention to them, are slightly naff and don't work effortlessly the likes of 'Holiday' and 'Everybody' do. Imagining this as the lead, especially at the expense of 'Papa Don't Preach'/'Live to Tell', I could see a very different future for Madonna.
Posted by: HausofKubrick 2nd August 2016, 11:50 PM
Again, another lovely but ultimately TAME song on the album. Results going well so far but I feel they were the obvious bottom 2 the rest could get interesting.
Lmao imagine if it was made lead single 
Posted by: vibe 3rd August 2016, 02:35 PM
White heat will be gone next .
Posted by: SamJudd 4th August 2016, 05:35 AM
Actually really like 'Love Makes The World Go, Round' and yeah I do agree it wouldn't have worked at all as a single, much better as an album track, just love it's carefree nature and sounds very much like a Eurovision song contest type song...or is that just me.
Reckon 'White Heat' will drop next.
Posted by: HausofKubrick 4th August 2016, 10:08 AM
Yeah has to be White Heat out next!
Posted by: liamk97 4th August 2016, 10:15 AM
~ Papa I know you're going to be upset ~
JUST KIDDING x
Posted by: HausofKubrick 4th August 2016, 10:18 AM
!!!
DON'T DO THAT TO US 
Posted by: liamk97 4th August 2016, 11:06 AM
"Bal I knew that you were going to be upset." 🎶
Posted by: River Lea 8th August 2016, 12:38 AM
7...wait, that's a joke, right? 
(oh, I see, it is 
)
Posted by: Joe. 9th August 2016, 10:09 PM
WTF
Posted by: liamk97 11th August 2016, 01:42 PM
~ This is a bust ~
Highest: 9.5 (Regina) Lowest: 6 (mr_pmt)
As predicted, 'White Heat' is out next (not 'Papa Don't Preach' - sorry guys!). It begins with a soundbite of the 1949 James Cagney-starring film of the same name, which adds to the retro/Madonna's childhood interests/love theme of the album and gives a sense of prestige. The song doesn't quite live up to that status and feels obvious as the first album track following two such killer starts, but it is still so feel good with a chorus that becomes more of an earworm as it progresses. Songs like these are necessary on albums that hold more serious or complex vibes to them and 'White Heat' continues to proves Madonna's ability to make you wanna get into the groove.
Posted by: mr_pmt 11th August 2016, 06:28 PM
I was on the phone and actually believed the 'Papa Don't Preach' being 7th when I saw as my attention was divided. 
Posted by: Tyler 11th August 2016, 07:30 PM
~ Papa I know you're going to be upset ~
JUST KIDDING x
I almost fainted.
(Pa- so sorry for missing this! One of my favorite albums of all time.
)
Posted by: HausofKubrick 12th August 2016, 12:14 AM
White Heat is OK. But that's all the "filler" done now (I mean none of them are really filler but you know what I mean) so it's strictly down to the AWESOME stuff now.
Posted by: liamk97 13th August 2016, 10:35 AM
Yeah that makes sense. The singles are all killer and is probably widely accepted as her best run of singles (obviously there's the Confessions singles but that's more from just a fan's perspective); then there's 'Where's the Party?' which I feel really does hold its own against similar Madonna songs that were even singles.
Posted by: liamk97 14th August 2016, 12:40 PM
~ I want to free my soul ~
Highest: 10 (SamJudd, River Lea) Lowest: 7 (dandy, mr_pmt)
I'll let you into a secret: until the last minute, this was actually in the Top 5, ahead of one of the singles, which I think says a lot as to how great this track is. Seeking freedom in music has been a key theme in Madonna's music ever since her first single 'Everybody' and it takes centre stage in 'Where's the Party?'. It's based on self-advice Madonna gave herself whenever she was experiencing a tough time from the press - whenever it got on top of her, she'd shake herself off and seek out the happiness she originally set her eyes on when becoming a star. She sings of a coming-of-age, having to work hard all week and deal with the usual struggles of life, but remembering that the weekend offers her time to be herself and let her inhibitions go. She can become one with music and just let her body do what comes naturally. It's a simple message but nevertheless an important one and Madonna ensures that everyone else will feel the way she herself wants to feel by supplying such a strong hook of a chorus that is memorable and exudes joy. It's the sort of lyric that can be belted out across a stadium and get everyone repeating back, to the point where the song actually proves itself a worthy competitor to the likes of 'Holiday' and 'Music'.
Posted by: SamJudd 14th August 2016, 07:19 PM
'White Heat' - Yes definitely in the right place here, a really good album track no complaints.
'Where's The Party' - Another definite firm fave of mine and stands as one of Madonna's best album tracks, a definite standout moment on 'True Blue', so joyous and full of energy and really fun and positive. I really like the timeless message it has and can appeal to just about anyone, really love the lyric "Don't wanna grow to old to fast, gotta make the good times last, I'm ready now....
I honestly think the fact that it wasn't made a single, makes it a whole lot more special, as the 5 released were just perfect And even if this was made a single it would have probably been a big hit like all the others, and I also like it in it's remixed form on 'You Can Dance', which didn't have any proper singles released and this could have been a promo release from that or something, well it's just an idea.
Anyway great track and in the definite right place here. I think the next track to fall will be 'True Blue'.
Posted by: Tyler 19th August 2016, 12:04 AM
'Where's The Party', if this were on almost any other pop album it would be one of, if not THE shining moment of the album.
So, instead of saying "aw that should be higher", I'll just say what an amazing album!
Posted by: HausofKubrick 19th August 2016, 09:57 AM
Where's the Party has become a firm favourite of mine after delving into this album a fair bit more with the 30 year anniversary. I adore it and the "I'm not living in fear, I'm just living in chaos" lyric is one of my favourite singular moments of the entire album It's such a simple song but packed full of joy and release!
Posted by: liamk97 19th August 2016, 01:25 PM
~ I'm so excited 'cause you're my best friend ~
Highest: 11 (Josh.) Lowest: 5 (mr_pmt)
Remaining Top 5 by the skin of its teeth, thanks to a generous 11 from Josh., is title track 'True Blue'. The song name comes from an expression used by then-husband Sean Penn, of whom the song is dedicated to, and Madonna adopts a persona and sound of 60s girl groups and doo-wop, both of which are usually associated with the theme of unconditional love. The cutesy, teen-ish vocals adds to the charm and innocent nature of the song; qualities that are certainly the main selling points. I've sometimes got the impression that some find this sound too 'beneath' Madonna and she's expected to deliver something bold and fresh rather than harking back to past glories, but I find this song so endearing with a melody that gets into your head just like any other Madonna song and, as a one-off and 'suitable-of-the-moment' song, I truly revel in it.
Posted by: liamk97 19th August 2016, 01:32 PM
So, instead of saying "aw that should be higher", I'll just say what an amazing album!
This is how I feel about Confessions tbh. It never dips under 7/10 quality for me so you get some real gems of songs appearing only mid-way on my album rank, when they'd appear higher on other pop albums.
It would have been nice if 'Where's the Party?' could have stayed above 'True Blue' just to emphasise how good it is if an album track can appear higher than a single (I know that's a really naive view but it would look nice).
Posted by: Joe. 22nd August 2016, 12:05 PM
True Blue 
Posted by: HausofKubrick 23rd August 2016, 08:14 AM
Yeah I think I would've wanted 'Where's The Party' above this too bit it's still a lovely song <3 the video is questionable though lol ~
Posted by: liamk97 23rd August 2016, 08:42 PM
I can accept the video because she's clearly taking on a role in it and maybe being a bit tongue-n-cheek with the whole 60s theme; otherwise it is definitely corny and cheesy.
-x-
If you ignore the chart success (it would be crazy to do this if you considered that, given 'True Blue' reached #1, is one of her best sellers, and has been estimated to have sold 100k in one of its chart weeks), I'd have swapped 'Open Your Heart' and 'True Blue' around and have them as singles #3 and #4 respectively. I feel 'True Blue' has a very Christmasy quality about it thanks to the bells in the chorus and the melody in general, so I think it would suit the November release 'Open Your Heart' had (it could have been remixed slightly to emphasise the Christmasy sounds, like what Little Mix did for 'Love Me Like You'). Also, I just like the flow of 'Papa Don't Preach' to 'Open Your Heart' on the album, so I think it would have worked nicely for their single releases to be next to each other.
Posted by: liamk97 3rd September 2016, 09:55 PM
~ I've learned my lesson well ~
Highest: 11 (vibe) Lowest: 8 (HausofKubrick, Josh.)
9.5 points would usually suggest a winning score but, with an album with so many highs, first single 'Live to Tell' has to settle with fourth place. It was a daring choice to commence the True Blue era, particularly for an artist who was at this point closely associated with happy, big pop moments or, not so positively, "Minnie Mouse On Helium", but she pulled it off and it put her in a much better position for having a career with longevity. The lengthy introduction sets the mood, with the drawn out chords and chimes supplying suspense and drama, although I also find there's also a hint of something more uplifting, but that could be something I only notice due to the themes of hope explored later in the song. Madonna's delivery with the first line of "I have a tale to tell" is completely different to anything we've heard before from her, even compared to previous ballads of 'Crazy for You' or 'Love Don't Live Here Anymore'. It's very understated but you can hear such vulnerability and you genuinely believe she's experienced something upsetting. The lyrics talk about the struggle of such an experience and being afraid to reveal it, but also holding onto the hope that, one day, she'll be strong enough to do so. It's such a complex, mix of emotions without ever giving much away, so the reliance of delivering this is firmly on Madonna - she must tell the story with essentially just her voice and it's something she pulls off spectacularly. Madonna still to this date gets criticism of not having a strong voice, which is perhaps true on '''technical''' terms, but it takes a great deal of skill to convey emotion in the way she does so.
Posted by: Josh. 3rd September 2016, 10:02 PM
True Blue is actually my FAVOURITE all time Madge single, it just has one of the most infectious pop melodies ever.
For me her top three tracks are;
01 True Blue
02 Crazy For You
03 Open Your Heart
(04 Frozen)
Posted by: liamk97 4th September 2016, 12:27 PM
For me her top three tracks are;
01 True Blue
02 Crazy For You
03 Open Your Heart
(04 Frozen)
A different but fab Top 4 there! 'Open Your Heart' is one of Madonna's most exciting songs; just that whole intro with the "WATCH OUT!" and the chimes is so dramatic and energetic and most definitely up there with her best openers.
Posted by: HausofKubrick 4th September 2016, 07:30 PM
Live To Tell is like a cinematic experience everytime I hear it. Blinding song but I have many other favourites on the album! Shocked I gave it its lowest score :')
Posted by: Josh. 4th September 2016, 08:40 PM
OYH is definitely one of her most exciting but then again so is this whole album. I think Papa Don't Preach would round out my top 5 and it says a lot that 3/5 of my favourite Madonna songs out of hundreds come from just one album, it really is fantastic.
Posted by: vibe 1st October 2016, 08:58 AM
Please continue
Posted by: HausofTravis 1st October 2016, 09:17 AM
! Liam omg even I forgot about this *spanks for the laziness*
Posted by: liamk97 2nd October 2016, 01:33 PM
Oh God. 
3rd place will be up tonight.
Posted by: liamk97 2nd October 2016, 11:17 PM
~ This is where I long to be ~
Highest: 11 (Qween, Regina) Lowest: 8 (mr_pmt)
In third place is 'La Isla Bonita' - a well-known and beloved Madonna song today, but one that may have sounded very different if Michael Jackson accepted the original basis when it was offered to him first. As things stand, it marked one of the earliest occasions that Madonna proved she could elevate a song above and beyond what it appeared on paper. What could have been borderline-novelty and campy is a luxurious and heavenly affair and, ironically enough, one I've always regarded as being quite sophisticated and prestigious due to its absolute coolness and self-assurance in not requiring any big production moments to be so successful. It defines escapism and I challenge anyone who isn't transported to complete ease of mind when listening to the angelic sighs, cuban drums or Spanish guitar. It takes little thought to understand why the Hispanic style has popped up time and time again in Madonna songs, usually triumphantly, but I don't think ever pulling it off as stylish and effortlessly as it is done in 'La Isla Bonita'.
Posted by: HausofTravis 6th October 2016, 07:16 PM
ADORE <3 Always transports me to some exotic place whenever I listen to it. Also very relatable - that feeling of wanting something that is unreachable and forever dreaming about it
Posted by: liamk97 6th October 2016, 07:30 PM
Yeah, there's a really poignant and tragic undertone to it which is a strange component to such a summery, chilled song. It's a bit like how 'Papa Don't Preach' is so jolly in sound despite the lyrics, although it is much more subtly done in 'La Isla Bonita'.
Posted by: vibe 9th October 2016, 08:47 AM
Such a classic M song !!
I love she plays this and mixes it up on tour
Posted by: vibe 27th November 2016, 05:24 PM
Bump
Posted by: liamk97 27th November 2016, 11:17 PM
Thank you. 
Posted by: HausofHorrors 28th November 2016, 06:56 AM
Liam ffs! THAT'S ENOUGH SUSPENSE BUILDING JUST REVEAL THE WINNER
Posted by: liamk97 3rd December 2016, 02:00 PM
Here we gooooo...
Posted by: liamk97 3rd December 2016, 02:01 PM
~ Open your heart with the key ~
Highest: 11 (dandy, HausofHorrors, mr_pmt) Lowest: 8.5 (Regina)
Runner's up goes to 'Open Your Heart', achieving an impressive average score of over 10, which could have easily seen it crowned #1 elsewhere. Rumour has it that this was originally a rock and roll song written for Cyndi Lauper, but it instead became the first recording to make the True Blue album. It's hard to imagine what this would sound as a rock number because, in its final form, it just so perfectly epitomises what it is to be a solid, full-on-all-and-out pop song. The intro is so striking and glorious, particularly the slightly extended one used in the video, that instantly throws you into the song and puts a big grin on your face. It's a huge achievement in itself, but more so, I think, because of it not even leading into the first chorus - it's solely that introduction that creates that impact. The message of the song is a simple tale of love, but it's so empowering against the production and vocals, with the ideal notion that there is a special someone made for everyone in the world. Vocally, it's one of Madonna's best out of her big, happy, pop moments as she explores her higher and lower ranges with a brilliant yearning tone. It's a magical song that makes it easy to see why Madonna became one of the 80's greats.
~ What I need right now is some good advice ~
Highest: 11 (Joe., SamJudd, River Lea) Lowest: 9..5 (Qween)
And the winner of the True Blue rate is 'Papa Don't Preach'! Being the first song and most memorable on the album, one could assume it was an inevitable win, justifiably or not, but I think any Madonna fan could admit that its placing as the #1 track is truly deserved. Madonna took herself, and indeed pop music, to new heights with this one. It's Vivaldi-esque intro is another sparkling example of how Madonna can hook you from a mere few chords: it's grand, it's dramatic, it's enticing. For listeners at the time who were only aware of her 'Like a Virgins' and 'Material Girls', I think this would have been really intriguing with a suspense of what on earth was going to follow, because you just knew it wouldn't be about being "touched for the very first time" or playing hard to get. This anticipation is certainly matched when Madonna's lower vocal range is used to assume the role of an expecting teenager who sits her father down and begins revealing her predicament. Madonna's conviction rings true, portraying the desperation of keeping her close bond with her father in tact whilst standing firm with her decision to keep her baby, despite fears of her father's reaction. It's a challenging theme that seems so out of place in a pop song, yet the arrangement and hooks and melody just come together in a way that allows you to quite easily dance and have fun to the song, without necessarily taking away from the message. It helps that a key theme is that of self-empowerment and, essentially, love triumphing all, but it has to be said that the crafting of this song is utter genius with its success of balancing the positive and negative emotions it evokes. Undeniably, one of the most important songs in Madonna's career.
Posted by: liamk97 3rd December 2016, 02:01 PM
Remind me never to host a rate on my own.
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