@@BethThereseReactsgenuinely, it's amazing to see a channel that just appreciates good music regardless of how trendy it may be. (Fun fact, Billions by Caroline Polachek also has heavy Indian elements - the beat is entirely based around a reversed sample of the tabla, an instrument crucial to Indian classical music! The "electric guitar" sound in the bridge is meant to emulate another Indian instrument, the dilruba. Look up videos if you enjoy that sound, it's a beautiful instrument. Aurora also similarly employs Indian vocalisation styles all through her albums Step 1 and 2. You've listened to music taking from Indian roots more than you think!)
@@BethThereseReacts in promoting the album, she described it as being drug music, but also spiritual, and reflective of her life at this time, having just given birth to lola.
I was never a fan of Madonna. But ironically this album is probably one of my favourite of all time. I really enjoyed watching you enjoying it. It took me back to the first time I heard it. I remember how blown away I was listening to it. For me my favourite track always seems to change every time I listen to it. Which is often. ❤️
@alienghost7717 micheal wasn't really an artist he couldn't sustain an entire LP project front to back outside of Off The Wall. None of his albums really had any themes or concepts till the 90's and even then as a songwriter he didn't have much going against his peers. Where micheal shined was onstage, singing and dancing, acting and performing. He was more of a visual artist than he was a musician.
Just to be clear Madonna has been producing/co-producing most of her songs since 1985. Madonna has co-produced and has credits on 95% of her songs since then.
Mer Girl is about her morher's death. Nothing Really Matters and Little Star is about her daughter and becoming a mother. Shanti/Ashtangi is sang in Sanscrit which is the ancient language of Hinduism. To me Sky Fits Heaven is the escence of what the album is about, the spiritual journey. And my favorites are Nothing Really Matters and To Have And Not to Hold.
This is Madonna's most beautiful album, she welcomed Lourdes in 1996, prior to that she had starred in Evita and had trained her voice to be able to sustain the demands of the soundtrack so her voice in this album is just flawless. She was a new mother self reflecting on her past life, she has discovered spirituality and partnered with Mr Orbit who is famous for his electronic/ambient/heavy bass sounds and together they created the perfect cascade of sounds and lyrics that is this masterpiece. I also became a fan after watching her Nothing Really Matters video on MTV and this album will forever have a special place in my heart
Madonna is the Mer Girl of the song. She lived in L.A. (so by the ocean) and she took a few days to go to her family in Michigan, she also visited her mother at the cemetery. Then She wrote the song. Orbit said that she recorded it only once and decided to keep this only one take (from which she came out confused and shocked). Her mother's death was the fact that defined her entire Life, so it's appropriate that she put this Song at the end of an album consciousness and discover: not to forget things, but keep them close.
AJay is back again! She is posting again as @AJayLush. But I definitely agree, Beth and AJay are by far the most fun, sincere and in depth reactors on TH-cam
In 1998 I stayed in NY. This album was played everywhere, especially Downtown(sad it's all changed). This album has a special place n my ❤. It's so deep and a catcher!
Nothing Really Matters is my fave from this album. She shares in this song the essence of the wisdom she gained from her spiritual journey through Eastern mysticism in search of answers. The lyrics evoked karmic messaging and the Buddhist belief in the perpetual cycle of life/death/rebirth. This song took a profound meaning for her when 25 years later in 2023, she made this her opening song for her Celebration Tour after surviving a near-death-experience from a serious illness just months prior to launching this tour. Finally, that bagpipe like music strain you heard in the background is the Indian (Hindu) pungi traditional folk reed pipe music instrument used by cobra snake charmers. Appreciate your reaction and for covering Madonna’s music and artistry.
I'm a Chinese, we don't import every Madonna's album in China, but in 2000 , we have the Music album which is not her first album that imported, but for me Music is a door to a wonderful world of music which is very different experience . I didn't know she can do the music this way! And then I became a fan of her , and began to cellect all her albums, until I met RAY OF LIGHT! OMG , she is QUEEN !!! 24 years now, she is still my idol! And RAY OF LIGHT is still my favorite album!!! Thanks for share this wonderful experience with me! Love from Xi An , Shaanxi Province ,China!
This may sound silly but your reaction to Skin made me so happy. I'm glad you "got" it and managed to vibe with it. The melody is so freaking good. Maybe I'm actually the brother with ADHD (well, I do have ADHD) but listening to Skin and Sky Fits Heaven is satisfying to me in a level I just cannot explain. Also, I wanted to take the opportunity and remind you of Kylie Minogue. You seemed to enjoy Tension, so perhaps you could continue reacting to her albums backwards (the previous one is called Disco and I'm not saying you have to love it but I can't imagine a world where you'd hate it. Great reaction as always, either way ❤
This was Madonna’s comeback album after everyone had ruled her out commercially. She came back stronger than ever. Btw “Frozen” was the lead single which was a risk since it’s such a slow song and everyone was used to her fun, upbeat songs.
The training for Evita enhanced Madonna's vocal abilities and expanded her range. I believe Ray of Light is unparalleled as an album, it was just Madonna doing whatever she wanted and Ray Of Light has such a spiritual, haunting essence to it. During its creation, Madonna delved deeply into Middle Eastern and East Asian philosophy and Jewish traditions, incorporating elements of Judaism to craft an album that remains timeless and could still achieve the groundbreaking success it once did. Also this era is Madonna's best in terms of everything, she was so happy, pretty and beloved around this time. She was alongside Mariah, Celine and Whitney the biggest artist around the world. Nobody could touch them and we adore all of them❤
I'm a 56 year old man. I think I never truly appreciated the priviledge of becoming an adult with Madonna's music and at the same time see her develop as an artist and grow as a human being as her albums came out... It took someone younger like yourself to make me remember how that experience felt like and how it is experienced by someone who discovers her music journey now. So, thank you for that! Maybe you should also watch and react to some of the official music videos of this album? Frozen specifically is very good! One of my favorite Madonna songs is "Impressive Instant", in my mind her most underrated song ever. For some reason I always think it is on this album, but it's actually on the next one (Music)...
Ma’am, girl, doll… like I told you in your “American Life” review video… you’re my best friend in my head. You just get it. I was anxiously waiting to hear and watch your reaction to my most favorite track “Skin” off of this album and just like I expected… you loved it just as much as I have since 1st hearing it way back in 1998. Your reactions and commentaries as per usual are top tier hilarious but super relatable. The part where you were listening to “Swim” and you said something along the lines of: “I’m expecting this album to be serene” and then you spliced that meme foretelling the complete opposite of that assumption literally made me holler so loud here in NYC at 12 am that I scared the living lights out of my dog. Currently you’re up to “Shanti/Ashtangi” on my view but I expect more fantastic moments from you. I simply adore you and pray to God that Madonna herself will get to see your reaction videos to her music because she would totally love you. I cannot wait to hear and watch your reactions to my favorite Madonna albums: “Like a Prayer” and “Erotica”. I adore you. 🧡
‘Swim’ was my gateway drug that got me hooked on Madonna. This is another album I didn’t appreciate until I was older and now it’s my favorite! I’m currently in my Madame X era. Hope to see you headed there soon. ❤
Adele even mentions in a People magazine article that she was inspired by the Ray of Light album when making her 25 album. Ray of Light is by far my favorite Madonna album. It was ahead of its' time, and still holds up today.
So glad (but not surprised) that you liked this one. There are definitely subtle water references throughout the rest of the album. Lyrically (I mean, "Frozen"!) but also musically. "The Power of Goodbye" and "Nothing Really Matters" definitely have aquatic sound effects. The later albums you mentioned are not on the same level as ROL, but there are earlier albums that many fans like even more (Like a Prayer, Erotica, Bedtime Stories being the main three). Like a Prayer is extremely personal but probably not as consistent in terms of sound and quality. The main thing with Madonna is to keep an open mind and not have too many expectations.
This is the first album Madonna released after starting to study Kabbalah, among other spiritual wisdoms. That's also why so many of the themes on the album revolve around spirituality, especially darkness and light. She often spoke openly about how it changed her life immensely and wanted to share all this newfound knowledge through her work.
What I love about Mer Girl is how it starts out really dissonant and almost scary, but as she gains more clarity throughout the song the production becomes prettier and more optimistic. When you see it as the poem it’s meant to be it all clicks.
Pleeeeeeeaae do Erotica next! It’ another one that’s such a trip and like American Life and Bedtime Stories, so so deeply underrated for the materpieces they are. There’s a lot of context for those albums that is necessary for understanding the nuances (safe sex, losing loved ones to AIDS, smacking back at critics), but it’s so worth it to look into.
When Madonna was recording “Swim” she was notified of an important phone call. It was Donatella Versace sadly breaking the news about the death of her brother, Gianni.
Even though I really like Mer Girl as an album closer (it strangely leaves me wanting more), as a palate cleanser I suggest "Has To Be", which is in the same realm as the Ray Of Light album (it was a Japanese bonus track). Very much enjoyed this reaction video ❤
Soo glad you listened to ray of light! It’s such a masterpiece I would recommend Erotica next which flopped when it released but it’s actually very good
Skin is a jewel of POP music, trance music, every kind of music. The trance, the long journey and that phrase: put your hand on my skin and The Power of Goodbye is one of the best lyrics in the album, is such a beautiful lesson.
Your reactions totally give me new life for Madonna as who she is now I don’t know who that is anymore. Fun fact I had 3 Madonna encounters in one week in NYC in the summer of 96 it’s a whole thing I mean I was 22 years old and worked in restaurant. So the odds Anyway yea it’s a whole thing
Erotica is similar to American Life in the fact those 2 music videos and songs, both nearly got Madonna cancelled, and the albums sold poorly and alienated the mainstream audience. Divisive and ahead of their time.
Ending of this album is quite sad actually. She described the death of her mother as the phenomenon which determined all of her life decisions. Throigh all the album she was trying to find the true value of her life and in Mer Girl she hid again in the darkness.
Ray Of Light is so well put together in every aspect. There’s so much to discover from that album even after so many years it’s insane. Every song is placed with thought on this album. The album starts slow and gradually builds up to that yoga-space-club set of songs. Then is Shanti/Ashtangi - a prayer-like song which turns the album again gradually towards peaceful and slow songs. The last two songs Little Star (about her daughter) and Mer Girl (about her mother) are a great way to end the record. Dealing with birth and death, and like she said, letting go. Ray Of Light is more than just an album. It’s an experience. Thank you for reacting. It’s great to see you hearing this album for the first time - it kind of brings back memories from when I first heard it in 1998.
YAAAY! This is a masterpiece! Can't wait to Bedtime Story, Erotica, I'm Breathless, Like a Prayer, True Blue, Like a Virgin, Madame X (from 2019), Rebel Heart, MDNA, Hard Candy and last "The First Album". You still have a lot to come!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Hii Beth! Happy you are doing ok!😊 You said it right, this is her best album and it was so ahead of that time, progressive, spiritual, deep and the songwriting is outstanding here🌻🩵. With this album she showed to the world and especially to her haters that she was not the "Material girl" anymore, but a woman and a mother. Personally her 3 albums realesed in 90s (Erotica, Bedtime Stories and Ray Of Light) are my favs and in my top 3 and they definied my genres and describe it. Hope you react to Erotica next, cuz it is my fav one and it is completely diverse of ROL and her others album💕. You are nice and genuine as always, i always have a gooood time with you darling❤️. Tnx for this reaction and see ya next time💜🦋. Luv ya and wish al for you 🌼💐
I’m loving your Madonna discovery appreciation journey! Madonna is my favorite artist / persona. She’s the blueprint!! PLEASE react to her MUSIC videos!! You’ll LOVE LOVE LOVE
So glad you listened to this one! "Ray of Light" (the song) is actually a highly revamped cover of a 1970s rock song called "Sepheryn" by Curtiss-Maldoon. William Orbit came up with the arrangement and Madonna added some lyrics to come up with the final song on this album. For me, "Frozen" is the best song she's ever done. I remember hearing it for the first time on the radio when it came out. It was unlike anything in music at the time, and I was entranced! "Little Star" wasn't a single, but it was performed live on Oprah and included as the B-side on the 2-track single for "The Power of Goodbye" (the 4th single from the album). But yeah, this album is incredible. It was also her FIRST album to ever win a Grammy (since 1983, which is craziness). You should listen to the Erotica album next! It was controversial when it came out, but is now regarded as one of her greatest! And yeah, MDNA and Hard Candy aren't as good as Ray of Light, but they're still decent records. Six MDNA tracks are also produced by William Orbit, and they're by far the best of that album!
I really love these reaction series you’re doing! I listened to this album for the first time 5 years ago, when I was 18 and I can’t till this day name any other album from the 90s that sounds like it could’ve been releases today or tommorrow. I highly suggest you’d react to Bedtime Stories next and then Erotica. The 3 albums she released in 90s is imo the ones that define Madonna and show how versatile she is. Bedtime Stories is soft RnB album filled with love songs, while Erotica is more of an jazz/house hip hop influenced album that imo has influenced the music scene more than any other albums of her.
First of all, thank you for such an honest review on this album, we love you for that. I don’t know if you remember me from my last comment in the Music video, but I’m a huge Madonna fan, so I just can’t contain myself of adding some curious informations and facts here, although some of it has already been made in the section. Anyway, the main thing here is that Madonna had gone a through a lot during the late 90s, her role in Evita had been something she planned since the 80s and made her put REAL effort into it, she really felt like the acting role of her life and the fact that Lourdes’ pregnancy came during the shooting only made it more epical for her. After that, her musical journey would never be the same, she knew she needed to create something new, fresh and true to what she was experiencing. Bringing a child to the world hits different when you have been traumatized by not having a mother since 5 years old, which made her feel truly spiritual and search for the truth within through Kabbalah and lots of literature. Her main topic in Ray of Light is clearly her revival and the realization of what was the most important factors in her life, all combined with elements never seen in her music before, including her “new” voice. With that being said, the album is divided between 4 elements: water, fire, earth and air, that’s why you can sometimes feel wandering through the clouds or deep diving in the ocean, another curious fact is that the album itself was released in the US on March 3rd (03/03) of 1998 as the number 3 Is the divine number in the Kabbalah, also the title track is also the track No.3. As you can see, the album was totally immersed in her new faith, and a new faith requires a new sound, that’s where Orbit enters the scene. Madonna tried working with her usual producers (Patrick Leonard) but that was not working at all, which forced her to abandon much of his work in the album, something that resented Leonard for a long time, but she knew she had to that. William and Madonna both worked very hard on this and many elements transcended as a result. Production was so curious and meticulous, for example, the Frozen initial beat was made from Orbit’s altering a trash can being hit by a stick in the studio, I mean, wow (???). Mer Girl, as you pointed out, is a visual song, Madonna wandered through her hometown alone and was literally caught by heavy rain during her walk, which led her to a cemetery (not the one where her mom was buried btw), the experience was very deep for her and made her want to write this song and sing it in one take only, mesmerizing everyone in the studio, they all went speechless. Many other curious elements are present in this album, like Brazilian bossa nova in “To Have and Not to Hold”, Madonna hiring a professional to help her sing in Sanskrit in “Shanti/Ashtangi”, etc. In the end, Ray of Light can be seen as her magnum opus by many, after all, it sonically changed her musical career and the music scene at the time. I am glad you enjoyed it, all of Madonna albums have clear intentions, inspirations and a goal, and with Ray of Light she fulfilled her wishes, which were to announce a brand new person was born within herself, a truer one? Who knows! I look forward to seeing you react to the rest of her catalog, especially her 1989~1998 material, which includes Like a Prayer, a masterpiece that defies Ray of Light in terms of importance and the title of “Best Madonna album”. Much love from Brazil.
Every single song is amazing on this album it’s absolutely crazy how EVERY single track is a banger. Absolute masterpiece of an album. I loved seeing your reaction to this I wish Madonna made more music like this but it is truly timeless. I listened to this when I was 7 years old and there’s no one else like Madonna.
back when music videos were a huge thing and an artform for some, Madonna reigned in that area as well. If you only ever look into a few of her videos, definitely make it the videos for this album. She made them for "Substitute for Love", Power of Goodbye" "Nothing Really Matters" and "Ray of LIght", but many for other albums are great as well. Her visuals as her lyrics, are always very intentional. Her live shows always break records even her recent tour at 65 fkn years old broke attendance records in Rio for largest concert by a single artist in history!
greetings! Ray of light is in my opinion one of the best albums of all times! and Im not even a fan of Madonna as a person, the album was transcendental and marked a very important part in my life.
GURL, I was waiting your reaction to this album as if my life depends on it. I'm a HUGE Madonna fan since 1998, and I remember going to the record store to buy the CD and getting home to play it and still to this day, I remember the way I felt. This album changed my life. This album is my favourite album of ALL TIME. Thank you for your time and giving Madonna's career the place it deseves. She ran so the pop girlies could walk. - AGAIN, THANK YOU. I enjoyed every second of your video! ❤ Pls continue with your Madonna Journey ♥️
I'm so, so happy you got to this album!! I had a strong feeling from your thoughts on Madonna's, erm, "trance" effects lol that you would get sucked into this one, and it was wonderful seeing you enjoy it so much -- particularly "Skin" and "Shanti/Ashtangi" which can sometimes not be peoples' favorites. At the end of 2023 I finally got to see Madonna live in concert during her Celebration World Tour, and she opened the show with "Nothing Really Matters" in an orbiting stage wearing a crown, naturally. This album is such a journey from start to finish, and it's ultimately what converted me to a full-fledged Madonna fan. I'd been slowly getting into her singles because a dear friend of mine loved her, got really intrigued by "Ray of Light" and "Frozen", sat down to listen to the album, and the rest was history. It helped that I found it during a not so great time for my mental health, and it's funny you bring up how outrageously soothing "Drowned World" is; I'd listen to that song a lot during bad anxiety attacks and it was very calming. I've got the three-pronged symbol on the album cover as a tattoo. "Drowned World / Substitute for Love" is still probably my favorite song that she's ever done, but there's not a song on this album I dislike. I'm sure people below have already told you, you really have to understand that "Mer Girl" is entirely about her mother's death. Madonna saw the oceanic imagery as a way of cleansing herself and seeing reflections of her past thoughts and feelings, and her deeply unresolved trauma over losing her mother so early was something she had to confront harsher than she ever had before because she herself was now a mother. She'd been running from it for so long, but now she had a child tying her to one place for the first time in her life, so in her dreams she tried to continue running and instead found herself in her mother's grave -- "the ground gave way beneath my feet / and the Earth took me in Her arms....I smelled her burning flesh, her rotting bones, her decay...I ran and I ran; I'm still running away". It's a haunting song that on surface level isn't the best album closer but lyrically it brings everything to a meditative close that feeds directly back into "Drowned World" as a loop. I'm sure we would all love to see you continue with your Madonna deep dive, and if I had any advice to give, I'd just keep working backwards for now? "Bedtime Stories" is also one of her best albums and features her most enduring single, "Take a Bow", which rocked the charts and stayed at number one for over 12 consecutive weeks, as well as some really interesting production work with Babyface and Bjork, which ought to tell you how many loops you'll be thrown for lol. "Erotica" is a phenomenal album that, yes, does have some explicit songs about sex but is really a pretty deep and innovative look at human intimacy and relationships overall. "Like a Prayer" is one of her greatest albums from her earlier 80s period, and her first three albums all have their bops and moments. I love her later albums, especially "MDNA" and "Rebel Heart", but however you choose to go about it is up to you -- either way, you're working through an artist that has chameleoned through so many 'eras' and 'sounds' and 'genres' that it's a pretty dizzying ride either way :)
Thank you for this reactions. I was 16 years old when I get my copy of it and I felt just the same as you! Your reactions are my reactions: feeling inside water (first 2 tracks), jumped into space (RayOfLight), getting included in Skin and Nothing Really Matters, surprised in Shanti/Ashtangi, feeling moved in Frozen and The Power Of Goodbye (still one of my favourite M songs). Thank you so much❤ you made me feel like that teenager❤ spoiler: I still feel that teenager when I listen to this album 😂
Love your answer! That could have been my comment because i was also 16 years old when ROL was published...and totally obsessed with "The Power of Good-bye"...one of her most beautiful songs❤️👋🏻
Katy Perry said her Smile album had some influence from Ray Of Light. I think the subject and storyline that smile has to find her smile and joy back. Ray of light the album is so much me as an album. I tell people all the Time, if they want to get to know me, listen to this album. Not be morbid but I told my friends that if I pass, I want them to play drowned world/substitute for love at my funeral or listen to it if they miss me🩷 This album is really about, LIFE. And I think she did it such a profound and interesting way and I never get tired of it
This is definitely the most interesting era of Madonna's journey, both creatively and vocally indeed. She's always been "different" from the other pop artists - courage, clever provocation, profound self consciousness, highly impactful on the media, the music and the show business itself - but the 90s and 2000s are probably the brightest and most brilliant years of her productions, also because she meant to work with the most original and creative producers, music engineers and song writers across the world. Ray of light is the absolute masterpiece of that period. Great reaction, great analyse ❤ Side note: you should think about reacting to some videos of hers now 😉
OMG I got chills that you said the bass in nOthing Really Matters.. sometimes i listen to the track just following the bass, it is constantly changing, the notes are so clever and unexpected... and when I tell that to other fans they are like:WTF? You are the only person I´ve ever heard to point that out! i am not alone XDD
Love seeing your reaction to Ray of Light. It’s my second favorite album of hers - only second to American Life, which is my favorite. I love the contrast in themes of Ray of Light where it’s very much a spiritual awakening and ‘kumbaya’ vs. American Life is more of an angsty awakening of the ‘fuzzy dream’ she used to live in (and that she sees modern society is in), even in the transition of Ray of Light. That’s my interpretation at least.
Somehow when I listen to Skin, it reminds me of some place that went in the past, something that I lived, but at the same time idk if I really lived it, its amazing how madonna can do this
Skin is my second favourite. I love that you said the bridge is your favourite bit in the album so far, can you believe i was just thinking the same in that moment??? hahaha omg your reactions are priceless, you totally get the details and live the songs as it should be
Such a classic album! You should do “Bedtime Stories” or “Rebel Heart” (her best album of the 2010s) next. Although, one of my personal favorites is “Erotica”
The album "Ray of light" is the only non-commercial album by Madonna The atmosphere when listening to it is amazing I have never felt such shivers of mysticism again, except for Grimes' first debut album and especially the song "Skin". She also took inspiration from our Madonna's album But going back to "Ray of Light", there are no weak moments here Everything is fresh, a mixture of styles and extremely modern electronics Madonna should record an album in this style again
Not sure if anyone mentioned it but the day she recorded Swim was the day she got a phone call from Donatella Versace informing her that her brother (and Madonna’s friend) Gianni Versace got shot, and so that influenced her voice a bit. And that was 27 years ago on July 15th! Great reaction though!
Beth: so now you can say that you like Madonna. I love Madonna since I have use of mind... When I listened to this I really realized how capable and talented and full of art is Madonna: even after releasing albums like Like a Prayer and Erotica, which are MAGIC. Please PLEASE, BETHHHH, listen to those both albums!!!! The opening of Ray of Light is the deepest beginning of an album I've ever known, and the rest of the songs are good as well. Well, and the song Ray of Light is unbelievable. I can enter into details because I can talk about this all my life jajajajaajaj. Thank you, Beth, for your images of each song of you're reactions.
Honeyyy, i wasn't expected to find you here😂. It really surprised me🥹! Get into Madonna's discography, she is the first singer that I ever listen to in my life and i respect her so much❤️🤍. She is one of my fav singers🦋. Anyways, see ya to ur Glory's ranking! Bye 💞🌼
Mer-Girl hit best when listening to it in the dark, EarPods in. You can visualize the footsteps, the leaves and even that rusted Mainbox. It takes you on a journey.
instantly when I opened TH-cam, was my first recomendation I just love the level of attention you paid and how sincerely your expressions are, btw, 1st time I heard this album I was bored couple years latter became my Madonna favorite, maybe cuz I got more musical knowledge and stuff. You should listen to Björk! it will blown your mind!
Frozen is such a masterpiece, one of the must beautiful songs ever made. It scratches something so deep into my brain. It's stuck with me since I was a child, before I even knew the meaning of the song. Becoming fluent in English and revisiting this song has allowed me to experience it anew and appreciate it even more.
54:33 - I think you mistook it for Lucky Star. Little Star was not a single. BTW, I absolutely enjoy you discovering Madonna's discography, because you're taking me on a rediscovering journeyand I'm falling in love all over again with her works. This one is so hauntingly beautiful and deep, and you reacting to it, it's opening new layers of meaning to it. It's definitely her best, and everytime you listen to it, it will become different. That's how you can tell that a piece of art is great.
This has probably already been commented but you should know: there are some other songs she released with William Orbit between Ray of Light and Music for movie soundtracks that are worth a listen: 'Beautiful Stranger', 'American Pie' and 'Time Stood Still'. Ray of Light and Music also had B-sides worth listening to, 'Has To Be' from Ray of Light era and 'Cyberraga' from Music era.
I think those were my expressions and emotions when I heard Ray of Light for the first time back in 1998. I felt like my heart was going to come out from my mouth. It is an actual masterpiece ❤
Once again: Your reactions are SO good. Thank you so much for work (all the funny editings and stuff). What I really love is, that you take our time and give every song a chance to enfold it's potential. And that you're so open. Next Madonna album: Madame X or Rebel Heart (Deluxe).
I found your channel through another connection and now I can not stop listening to your takes and reactions. YOU DO JUSTICE to the reactions many of us spend our time listening to. All of your analogies and symbolic understandings of Madonna's work is incredibly well done. BRAVO, BETH!!
Reacting to Madonna albums in 2024 is a pure expression of true culture.
@@IspritMatson It’s never too late to experience great music! 😁💙
@@BethThereseReactsgenuinely, it's amazing to see a channel that just appreciates good music regardless of how trendy it may be. (Fun fact, Billions by Caroline Polachek also has heavy Indian elements - the beat is entirely based around a reversed sample of the tabla, an instrument crucial to Indian classical music! The "electric guitar" sound in the bridge is meant to emulate another Indian instrument, the dilruba. Look up videos if you enjoy that sound, it's a beautiful instrument. Aurora also similarly employs Indian vocalisation styles all through her albums Step 1 and 2. You've listened to music taking from Indian roots more than you think!)
@@anemonesiac Thanks for that info, that’s so cool!!
@@BethThereseReacts in promoting the album, she described it as being drug music, but also spiritual, and reflective of her life at this time, having just given birth to lola.
Period.
I CLICKED QUICKER THAN THE RAY OF LIGHT WHEN I SAW THIS VID AHHHHH
@@mehul-su7xj LMFAOOOO i love this
😂❤ same here!!
😂
Favorite album not just of Madonna but of all time.
@@Jhojsh101 Taste 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Certainly my favorite pop album. Sorry Britney and Charli.
I was never a fan of Madonna. But ironically this album is probably one of my favourite of all time. I really enjoyed watching you enjoying it. It took me back to the first time I heard it. I remember how blown away I was listening to it. For me my favourite track always seems to change every time I listen to it. Which is often. ❤️
@@dertodesking.What about Michael Jackson albums? 🤔
@alienghost7717 micheal wasn't really an artist he couldn't sustain an entire LP project front to back outside of Off The Wall. None of his albums really had any themes or concepts till the 90's and even then as a songwriter he didn't have much going against his peers. Where micheal shined was onstage, singing and dancing, acting and performing. He was more of a visual artist than he was a musician.
Her substitute for love was fame. When she had her daughter, she realized how easy it was to trade it in for real love.
Frozen is a literal masterpiece with the icy strings. It’s beautiful from beginning to end.
@@willmpls one of my favssss ❄️
Just to be clear Madonna has been producing/co-producing most of her songs since 1985. Madonna has co-produced and has credits on 95% of her songs since then.
Yes!!!!!!!
@@Arnoldego Yep!
@@Dr_Madonna didn’t say anything about writing but producing.
@@Arnoldego deleted x
writing too
Once you discover Madonna you discover a WORLD... she's just more than a Pop Star... she's a great songwriter and so poetic
@@Sebastian-rv1yk forreal, i’m in a different realm lol
Mer Girl is about her morher's death. Nothing Really Matters and Little Star is about her daughter and becoming a mother. Shanti/Ashtangi is sang in Sanscrit which is the ancient language of Hinduism. To me Sky Fits Heaven is the escence of what the album is about, the spiritual journey. And my favorites are Nothing Really Matters and To Have And Not to Hold.
This is Madonna's most beautiful album, she welcomed Lourdes in 1996, prior to that she had starred in Evita and had trained her voice to be able to sustain the demands of the soundtrack so her voice in this album is just flawless. She was a new mother self reflecting on her past life, she has discovered spirituality and partnered with Mr Orbit who is famous for his electronic/ambient/heavy bass sounds and together they created the perfect cascade of sounds and lyrics that is this masterpiece. I also became a fan after watching her Nothing Really Matters video on MTV and this album will forever have a special place in my heart
@@marieldrl That’s so cool she did the vocal training
Madonna is the Mer Girl of the song. She lived in L.A. (so by the ocean) and she took a few days to go to her family in Michigan, she also visited her mother at the cemetery. Then She wrote the song. Orbit said that she recorded it only once and decided to keep this only one take (from which she came out confused and shocked). Her mother's death was the fact that defined her entire Life, so it's appropriate that she put this Song at the end of an album consciousness and discover: not to forget things, but keep them close.
@@vito7182 Great points!
since ajayl retired from youtube, beth is the most sincere authentic and charismatic opinion I search for
AJay is back again! She is posting again as @AJayLush. But I definitely agree, Beth and AJay are by far the most fun, sincere and in depth reactors on TH-cam
In 1998 I stayed in NY.
This album was played everywhere, especially Downtown(sad it's all changed).
This album has a special place n my ❤.
It's so deep and a catcher!
Watching people discovering Madonna gems is my passion ❤
Nothing Really Matters is my fave from this album. She shares in this song the essence of the wisdom she gained from her spiritual journey through Eastern mysticism in search of answers. The lyrics evoked karmic messaging and the Buddhist belief in the perpetual cycle of life/death/rebirth. This song took a profound meaning for her when 25 years later in 2023, she made this her opening song for her Celebration Tour after surviving a near-death-experience from a serious illness just months prior to launching this tour.
Finally, that bagpipe like music strain you heard in the background is the Indian (Hindu) pungi traditional folk reed pipe music instrument used by cobra snake charmers. Appreciate your reaction and for covering Madonna’s music and artistry.
@@briandubois-gilbert8182 Ooh good info, thanks!
I'm a Chinese, we don't import every Madonna's album in China, but in 2000 , we have the Music album which is not her first album that imported, but for me Music is a door to a wonderful world of music which is very different experience . I didn't know she can do the music this way! And then I became a fan of her , and began to cellect all her albums, until I met RAY OF LIGHT! OMG , she is QUEEN !!! 24 years now, she is still my idol! And RAY OF LIGHT is still my favorite album!!! Thanks for share this wonderful experience with me! Love from Xi An , Shaanxi Province ,China!
@@LeeLee56788 💙💙💙
Ray of Light is the real Bible of Pop... Watching this video just reminded me of how I felt when I listened to ROL back in 1998
This may sound silly but your reaction to Skin made me so happy. I'm glad you "got" it and managed to vibe with it. The melody is so freaking good. Maybe I'm actually the brother with ADHD (well, I do have ADHD) but listening to Skin and Sky Fits Heaven is satisfying to me in a level I just cannot explain. Also, I wanted to take the opportunity and remind you of Kylie Minogue. You seemed to enjoy Tension, so perhaps you could continue reacting to her albums backwards (the previous one is called Disco and I'm not saying you have to love it but I can't imagine a world where you'd hate it. Great reaction as always, either way ❤
@@Matthew-ij3zm Haha not silly at all!! I have ADHD too 🤪💙 I’m down for more kylie at some point hopefully🤞🏻😅
that is VERY true. you'll love Disco!!
This was Madonna’s comeback album after everyone had ruled her out commercially. She came back stronger than ever. Btw “Frozen” was the lead single which was a risk since it’s such a slow song and everyone was used to her fun, upbeat songs.
@@maudrownedworld Love that!
FINALLY! we've been patiently waiting
@@sergio.yokoyama 😁💙 thank you!!
The training for Evita enhanced Madonna's vocal abilities and expanded her range. I believe Ray of Light is unparalleled as an album, it was just Madonna doing whatever she wanted and Ray Of Light has such a spiritual, haunting essence to it. During its creation, Madonna delved deeply into Middle Eastern and East Asian philosophy and Jewish traditions, incorporating elements of Judaism to craft an album that remains timeless and could still achieve the groundbreaking success it once did. Also this era is Madonna's best in terms of everything, she was so happy, pretty and beloved around this time. She was alongside Mariah, Celine and Whitney the biggest artist around the world. Nobody could touch them and we adore all of them❤
@@anonimous9540 💙💙💙
I'm a 56 year old man. I think I never truly appreciated the priviledge of becoming an adult with Madonna's music and at the same time see her develop as an artist and grow as a human being as her albums came out... It took someone younger like yourself to make me remember how that experience felt like and how it is experienced by someone who discovers her music journey now. So, thank you for that! Maybe you should also watch and react to some of the official music videos of this album? Frozen specifically is very good!
One of my favorite Madonna songs is "Impressive Instant", in my mind her most underrated song ever. For some reason I always think it is on this album, but it's actually on the next one (Music)...
'Power of Goodbye''s lyrics are part of my all time favourite songs ever!
Ma’am, girl, doll… like I told you in your “American Life” review video… you’re my best friend in my head. You just get it. I was anxiously waiting to hear and watch your reaction to my most favorite track “Skin” off of this album and just like I expected… you loved it just as much as I have since 1st hearing it way back in 1998. Your reactions and commentaries as per usual are top tier hilarious but super relatable. The part where you were listening to “Swim” and you said something along the lines of: “I’m expecting this album to be serene” and then you spliced that meme foretelling the complete opposite of that assumption literally made me holler so loud here in NYC at 12 am that I scared the living lights out of my dog. Currently you’re up to “Shanti/Ashtangi” on my view but I expect more fantastic moments from you. I simply adore you and pray to God that Madonna herself will get to see your reaction videos to her music because she would totally love you. I cannot wait to hear and watch your reactions to my favorite Madonna albums: “Like a Prayer” and “Erotica”. I adore you. 🧡
@@Merboy007 I’m CRYINGGGG this comment made my whole year 😭🥺💙 thank you so so much, seriously. if u get my humor then we’re def meant to be besties 👯✨
This is her best album and one of the greatest albums ever. ❤
@@escapingboredom6958 def one of the best albums ever made 💙
@@BethThereseReacts Oh it sure is.... and considering it is 26 years old.... I mean HOW RELEVANT does that still sound. Love it so much.
The music videos from this era are reeeeeally good
@@karinseregni221 Oooh
Yes @beththeresereacts please react to the videos! 🙏
Best pop album production of all time
‘Swim’ was my gateway drug that got me hooked on Madonna. This is another album I didn’t appreciate until I was older and now it’s my favorite! I’m currently in my Madame X era. Hope to see you headed there soon. ❤
@@deech1989 swim is absolutely a gateway drug
Adele even mentions in a People magazine article that she was inspired by the Ray of Light album when making her 25 album. Ray of Light is by far my favorite Madonna album. It was ahead of its' time, and still holds up today.
@@Sp4c3N00dL3 Oh yeah it definitely holds up insanely well! I’m sure it’s inspired so much music I’ve listened to
The instruments you hear in Skin are recorded on a market in Morocco ❤
@@meertenss17 Love that!!
So glad (but not surprised) that you liked this one. There are definitely subtle water references throughout the rest of the album. Lyrically (I mean, "Frozen"!) but also musically. "The Power of Goodbye" and "Nothing Really Matters" definitely have aquatic sound effects. The later albums you mentioned are not on the same level as ROL, but there are earlier albums that many fans like even more (Like a Prayer, Erotica, Bedtime Stories being the main three). Like a Prayer is extremely personal but probably not as consistent in terms of sound and quality. The main thing with Madonna is to keep an open mind and not have too many expectations.
@@FindingMadonna 💙 great point about open mind, no expectations! that’s always the best way to experience any music but especially madonna i think
Erotica is in my top 3 Madonna's albums.
Such an iconic album! Impossible Princess by Kylie Minogue is kinda like the sister album I think (it came out a year before Ray of Light too)
@@charlieo8320 Ooh ok ok noted lol
G'day it's Steven from down under again
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF POP!
'Ray Of Light' is the '2001: A Space Odyssey' of pop music.
A work of art so ahead of it's time that we're still not in it's time period.
I was obsessed with this album for six straight months in 1998. It was the only thing I'd listen to and Skin was my favorite track.
@@SRGots real!!!
I get the "soft" sentiment. Every time I hear this album it reminds me of being under a blanket or being covered in a warm liquid. It seeps into you.
@@scott8919 Yassss omg thank you lol
in some tracks the beat and drums feel wet.... i think
Madonna fan here, extremely loved the way you analyze and react to Madonna’s best project. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
@@emm9871 Thank you so much! glad you enjoyed 😁💙💃🏻
This is the first album Madonna released after starting to study Kabbalah, among other spiritual wisdoms. That's also why so many of the themes on the album revolve around spirituality, especially darkness and light. She often spoke openly about how it changed her life immensely and wanted to share all this newfound knowledge through her work.
this is the most beautiful album I have EVER listened to. I just love it from my heart
What I love about Mer Girl is how it starts out really dissonant and almost scary, but as she gains more clarity throughout the song the production becomes prettier and more optimistic. When you see it as the poem it’s meant to be it all clicks.
Pleeeeeeeaae do Erotica next! It’ another one that’s such a trip and like American Life and Bedtime Stories, so so deeply underrated for the materpieces they are. There’s a lot of context for those albums that is necessary for understanding the nuances (safe sex, losing loved ones to AIDS, smacking back at critics), but it’s so worth it to look into.
I have the beggining of Sky Fits Heaven's lyrics tattooed.
Cool
When Madonna was recording “Swim” she was notified of an important phone call. It was Donatella Versace sadly breaking the news about the death of her brother, Gianni.
@@unlikeavirgin 😔
I never knew that
Even though I really like Mer Girl as an album closer (it strangely leaves me wanting more), as a palate cleanser I suggest "Has To Be", which is in the same realm as the Ray Of Light album (it was a Japanese bonus track).
Very much enjoyed this reaction video ❤
@@johnnydrake8107 💙💙💙
Ray of Light is a masterpiece
UNTOUCHABLE
Soo glad you listened to ray of light! It’s such a masterpiece I would recommend Erotica next which flopped when it released but it’s actually very good
Frrrr, where life begins, waiting, secret garden are soooo good(not to mention iconic singles)
Definitely her most diverse album idc
Skin is a jewel of POP music, trance music, every kind of music. The trance, the long journey and that phrase: put your hand on my skin and The Power of Goodbye is one of the best lyrics in the album, is such a beautiful lesson.
@@mercedespeluffo4978 Yasss
Definitely It’s one of the best electronic ever made
For me this album was Madonna cleansing herself I adore this album so happy you covered it and hopefully enjoyed it!
@@scottsaunders5087 Yes!! Loved it 💙
Your reactions totally give me new life for Madonna as who she is now I don’t know who that is anymore. Fun fact
I had 3 Madonna encounters in one week in NYC in the summer of 96 it’s a whole thing I mean I was 22 years old and worked in restaurant. So the odds
Anyway yea it’s a whole thing
Erotica is similar to American Life in the fact those 2 music videos and songs, both nearly got Madonna cancelled, and the albums sold poorly and alienated the mainstream audience. Divisive and ahead of their time.
Candy Perfume Girl live on the Drowned World tour is so fun to watch. Madonna strumming a guitar and rippin it at the end.
@@patrickboothe229 Ooooh
Ending of this album is quite sad actually. She described the death of her mother as the phenomenon which determined all of her life decisions. Throigh all the album she was trying to find the true value of her life and in Mer Girl she hid again in the darkness.
@@thepuppetmaster7334 Oh geez, i definitely didn’t catch how weighty it is
@@BethThereseReacts You definitely need to react to her musić videos ! It’s everything ! 🙂
Ray Of Light is so well put together in every aspect. There’s so much to discover from that album even after so many years it’s insane. Every song is placed with thought on this album. The album starts slow and gradually builds up to that yoga-space-club set of songs. Then is Shanti/Ashtangi - a prayer-like song which turns the album again gradually towards peaceful and slow songs. The last two songs Little Star (about her daughter) and Mer Girl (about her mother) are a great way to end the record. Dealing with birth and death, and like she said, letting go. Ray Of Light is more than just an album. It’s an experience.
Thank you for reacting. It’s great to see you hearing this album for the first time - it kind of brings back memories from when I first heard it in 1998.
@@jiihoo8324 🙏🏻💙
YAAAY! This is a masterpiece! Can't wait to Bedtime Story, Erotica, I'm Breathless, Like a Prayer, True Blue, Like a Virgin, Madame X (from 2019), Rebel Heart, MDNA, Hard Candy and last "The First Album". You still have a lot to come!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
@@rusteeoficial 😁💃🏻💙
Hii Beth! Happy you are doing ok!😊 You said it right, this is her best album and it was so ahead of that time, progressive, spiritual, deep and the songwriting is outstanding here🌻🩵. With this album she showed to the world and especially to her haters that she was not the "Material girl" anymore, but a woman and a mother. Personally her 3 albums realesed in 90s (Erotica, Bedtime Stories and Ray Of Light) are my favs and in my top 3 and they definied my genres and describe it. Hope you react to Erotica next, cuz it is my fav one and it is completely diverse of ROL and her others album💕. You are nice and genuine as always, i always have a gooood time with you darling❤️. Tnx for this reaction and see ya next time💜🦋. Luv ya and wish al for you 🌼💐
YESSSSS SO HAPPY YOU GET TO EXPERIENCE THIS
@@flip4907 twas an Experience ikdr 💃🏻💙
I’m loving your Madonna discovery appreciation journey! Madonna is my favorite artist / persona. She’s the blueprint!! PLEASE react to her MUSIC videos!! You’ll LOVE LOVE LOVE
@@niko81680 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
So glad you listened to this one! "Ray of Light" (the song) is actually a highly revamped cover of a 1970s rock song called "Sepheryn" by Curtiss-Maldoon. William Orbit came up with the arrangement and Madonna added some lyrics to come up with the final song on this album. For me, "Frozen" is the best song she's ever done. I remember hearing it for the first time on the radio when it came out. It was unlike anything in music at the time, and I was entranced! "Little Star" wasn't a single, but it was performed live on Oprah and included as the B-side on the 2-track single for "The Power of Goodbye" (the 4th single from the album). But yeah, this album is incredible. It was also her FIRST album to ever win a Grammy (since 1983, which is craziness). You should listen to the Erotica album next! It was controversial when it came out, but is now regarded as one of her greatest! And yeah, MDNA and Hard Candy aren't as good as Ray of Light, but they're still decent records. Six MDNA tracks are also produced by William Orbit, and they're by far the best of that album!
@@GarionOrb Yes frozen is that girl! And ohh ok idk where i saw that little star was a single, lol
I NEVER KNEW!!!!! wtffffff this is so cool!!!!
I really love these reaction series you’re doing! I listened to this album for the first time 5 years ago, when I was 18 and I can’t till this day name any other album from the 90s that sounds like it could’ve been releases today or tommorrow. I highly suggest you’d react to Bedtime Stories next and then Erotica. The 3 albums she released in 90s is imo the ones that define Madonna and show how versatile she is.
Bedtime Stories is soft RnB album filled with love songs, while Erotica is more of an jazz/house hip hop influenced album that imo has influenced the music scene more than any other albums of her.
@@ratchetcow7916 Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying! 💙
Your reaction takes me back to my first listening in amazement. This ethereal work brought her career to a new level of maturity and respect.
@@charlesr63 Aw i’m so glad 😭🥹 I can totally see that
First of all, thank you for such an honest review on this album, we love you for that. I don’t know if you remember me from my last comment in the Music video, but I’m a huge Madonna fan, so I just can’t contain myself of adding some curious informations and facts here, although some of it has already been made in the section. Anyway, the main thing here is that Madonna had gone a through a lot during the late 90s, her role in Evita had been something she planned since the 80s and made her put REAL effort into it, she really felt like the acting role of her life and the fact that Lourdes’ pregnancy came during the shooting only made it more epical for her. After that, her musical journey would never be the same, she knew she needed to create something new, fresh and true to what she was experiencing. Bringing a child to the world hits different when you have been traumatized by not having a mother since 5 years old, which made her feel truly spiritual and search for the truth within through Kabbalah and lots of literature. Her main topic in Ray of Light is clearly her revival and the realization of what was the most important factors in her life, all combined with elements never seen in her music before, including her “new” voice. With that being said, the album is divided between 4 elements: water, fire, earth and air, that’s why you can sometimes feel wandering through the clouds or deep diving in the ocean, another curious fact is that the album itself was released in the US on March 3rd (03/03) of 1998 as the number 3 Is the divine number in the Kabbalah, also the title track is also the track No.3. As you can see, the album was totally immersed in her new faith, and a new faith requires a new sound, that’s where Orbit enters the scene. Madonna tried working with her usual producers (Patrick Leonard) but that was not working at all, which forced her to abandon much of his work in the album, something that resented Leonard for a long time, but she knew she had to that. William and Madonna both worked very hard on this and many elements transcended as a result. Production was so curious and meticulous, for example, the Frozen initial beat was made from Orbit’s altering a trash can being hit by a stick in the studio, I mean, wow (???). Mer Girl, as you pointed out, is a visual song, Madonna wandered through her hometown alone and was literally caught by heavy rain during her walk, which led her to a cemetery (not the one where her mom was buried btw), the experience was very deep for her and made her want to write this song and sing it in one take only, mesmerizing everyone in the studio, they all went speechless. Many other curious elements are present in this album, like Brazilian bossa nova in “To Have and Not to Hold”, Madonna hiring a professional to help her sing in Sanskrit in “Shanti/Ashtangi”, etc. In the end, Ray of Light can be seen as her magnum opus by many, after all, it sonically changed her musical career and the music scene at the time. I am glad you enjoyed it, all of Madonna albums have clear intentions, inspirations and a goal, and with Ray of Light she fulfilled her wishes, which were to announce a brand new person was born within herself, a truer one? Who knows! I look forward to seeing you react to the rest of her catalog, especially her 1989~1998 material, which includes Like a Prayer, a masterpiece that defies Ray of Light in terms of importance and the title of “Best Madonna album”.
Much love from Brazil.
@@giovuolo123 💙💙💙💙💙
Every single song is amazing on this album it’s absolutely crazy how EVERY single track is a banger. Absolute masterpiece of an album. I loved seeing your reaction to this I wish Madonna made more music like this but it is truly timeless. I listened to this when I was 7 years old and there’s no one else like Madonna.
back when music videos were a huge thing and an artform for some, Madonna reigned in that area as well. If you only ever look into a few of her videos, definitely make it the videos for this album. She made them for "Substitute for Love", Power of Goodbye" "Nothing Really Matters" and "Ray of LIght", but many for other albums are great as well. Her visuals as her lyrics, are always very intentional. Her live shows always break records even her recent tour at 65 fkn years old broke attendance records in Rio for largest concert by a single artist in history!
@@CGPOPPOOP I’m getting super curious about her mv
greetings! Ray of light is in my opinion one of the best albums of all times! and Im not even a fan of Madonna as a person, the album was transcendental and marked a very important part in my life.
@@RicPuzzles I totally agree!
GURL, I was waiting your reaction to this album as if my life depends on it. I'm a HUGE Madonna fan since 1998, and I remember going to the record store to buy the CD and getting home to play it and still to this day, I remember the way I felt. This album changed my life. This album is my favourite album of ALL TIME. Thank you for your time and giving Madonna's career the place it deseves. She ran so the pop girlies could walk. - AGAIN, THANK YOU. I enjoyed every second of your video! ❤ Pls continue with your Madonna Journey ♥️
@@jgadadi 🥺💙💙💙💙💙
You need to react to the album Erotica. It is probably Madonna's most impactful album in pop culture, as well as her most transgressive.
@@jonatassf92 Okrrrrt
@@BethThereseReactsit was VERY controversial when it came out. She was pushing boundaries no one even knew we wanted pushed.
@@BethThereseReactsPlease...Erotica.....
@@BethThereseReacts"Erotica" has to be the next....please!!!!
@@BethThereseReactsit’s AURAL SEX
I'm so, so happy you got to this album!! I had a strong feeling from your thoughts on Madonna's, erm, "trance" effects lol that you would get sucked into this one, and it was wonderful seeing you enjoy it so much -- particularly "Skin" and "Shanti/Ashtangi" which can sometimes not be peoples' favorites. At the end of 2023 I finally got to see Madonna live in concert during her Celebration World Tour, and she opened the show with "Nothing Really Matters" in an orbiting stage wearing a crown, naturally.
This album is such a journey from start to finish, and it's ultimately what converted me to a full-fledged Madonna fan. I'd been slowly getting into her singles because a dear friend of mine loved her, got really intrigued by "Ray of Light" and "Frozen", sat down to listen to the album, and the rest was history. It helped that I found it during a not so great time for my mental health, and it's funny you bring up how outrageously soothing "Drowned World" is; I'd listen to that song a lot during bad anxiety attacks and it was very calming. I've got the three-pronged symbol on the album cover as a tattoo. "Drowned World / Substitute for Love" is still probably my favorite song that she's ever done, but there's not a song on this album I dislike.
I'm sure people below have already told you, you really have to understand that "Mer Girl" is entirely about her mother's death. Madonna saw the oceanic imagery as a way of cleansing herself and seeing reflections of her past thoughts and feelings, and her deeply unresolved trauma over losing her mother so early was something she had to confront harsher than she ever had before because she herself was now a mother. She'd been running from it for so long, but now she had a child tying her to one place for the first time in her life, so in her dreams she tried to continue running and instead found herself in her mother's grave -- "the ground gave way beneath my feet / and the Earth took me in Her arms....I smelled her burning flesh, her rotting bones, her decay...I ran and I ran; I'm still running away". It's a haunting song that on surface level isn't the best album closer but lyrically it brings everything to a meditative close that feeds directly back into "Drowned World" as a loop.
I'm sure we would all love to see you continue with your Madonna deep dive, and if I had any advice to give, I'd just keep working backwards for now? "Bedtime Stories" is also one of her best albums and features her most enduring single, "Take a Bow", which rocked the charts and stayed at number one for over 12 consecutive weeks, as well as some really interesting production work with Babyface and Bjork, which ought to tell you how many loops you'll be thrown for lol. "Erotica" is a phenomenal album that, yes, does have some explicit songs about sex but is really a pretty deep and innovative look at human intimacy and relationships overall. "Like a Prayer" is one of her greatest albums from her earlier 80s period, and her first three albums all have their bops and moments. I love her later albums, especially "MDNA" and "Rebel Heart", but however you choose to go about it is up to you -- either way, you're working through an artist that has chameleoned through so many 'eras' and 'sounds' and 'genres' that it's a pretty dizzying ride either way :)
Thank you for this reactions. I was 16 years old when I get my copy of it and I felt just the same as you! Your reactions are my reactions: feeling inside water (first 2 tracks), jumped into space (RayOfLight), getting included in Skin and Nothing Really Matters, surprised in Shanti/Ashtangi, feeling moved in Frozen and The Power Of Goodbye (still one of my favourite M songs). Thank you so much❤ you made me feel like that teenager❤ spoiler: I still feel that teenager when I listen to this album 😂
@@vito7182 omg yasss so glad we had similar experiences 😁💙😂
Love your answer! That could have been my comment because i was also 16 years old when ROL was published...and totally obsessed with "The Power of Good-bye"...one of her most beautiful songs❤️👋🏻
Katy Perry said her Smile album had some influence from Ray Of Light. I think the subject and storyline that smile has to find her smile and joy back.
Ray of light the album is so much me as an album. I tell people all the Time, if they want to get to know me, listen to this album.
Not be morbid but I told my friends that if I pass, I want them to play drowned world/substitute for love at my funeral or listen to it if they miss me🩷
This album is really about, LIFE. And I think she did it such a profound and interesting way and I never get tired of it
Finally!!!! Your reaction for this master piece, thanks! XOXOXO
@@abelricardogarmendialopez6758 😁💙💃🏻
gagged with your description of SKIN 🤣
This is definitely the most interesting era of Madonna's journey, both creatively and vocally indeed. She's always been "different" from the other pop artists - courage, clever provocation, profound self consciousness, highly impactful on the media, the music and the show business itself - but the 90s and 2000s are probably the brightest and most brilliant years of her productions, also because she meant to work with the most original and creative producers, music engineers and song writers across the world. Ray of light is the absolute masterpiece of that period. Great reaction, great analyse ❤ Side note: you should think about reacting to some videos of hers now 😉
@@francescoscaglione5182 💙💙💙
OMG I got chills that you said the bass in nOthing Really Matters.. sometimes i listen to the track just following the bass, it is constantly changing, the notes are so clever and unexpected... and when I tell that to other fans they are like:WTF? You are the only person I´ve ever heard to point that out! i am not alone XDD
Love seeing your reaction to Ray of Light. It’s my second favorite album of hers - only second to American Life, which is my favorite. I love the contrast in themes of Ray of Light where it’s very much a spiritual awakening and ‘kumbaya’ vs. American Life is more of an angsty awakening of the ‘fuzzy dream’ she used to live in (and that she sees modern society is in), even in the transition of Ray of Light. That’s my interpretation at least.
@@caleb.b.t Trueeee
Somehow when I listen to Skin, it reminds me of some place that went in the past, something that I lived, but at the same time idk if I really lived it, its amazing how madonna can do this
Please watch the music video for "Frozen" " Nothing Really Matters" and "Power of Goodbye" ❤❤❤❤
@@sagelovescoffee hopefully at some point! 💙✨
Skin is my second favourite. I love that you said the bridge is your favourite bit in the album so far, can you believe i was just thinking the same in that moment??? hahaha omg your reactions are priceless, you totally get the details and live the songs as it should be
Such a classic album! You should do “Bedtime Stories” or “Rebel Heart” (her best album of the 2010s) next. Although, one of my personal favorites is “Erotica”
The album "Ray of light" is the only non-commercial album by Madonna The atmosphere when listening to it is amazing I have never felt such shivers of mysticism again, except for Grimes' first debut album and especially the song "Skin". She also took inspiration from our Madonna's album But going back to "Ray of Light", there are no weak moments here Everything is fresh, a mixture of styles and extremely modern electronics Madonna should record an album in this style again
Not sure if anyone mentioned it but the day she recorded Swim was the day she got a phone call from Donatella Versace informing her that her brother (and Madonna’s friend) Gianni Versace got shot, and so that influenced her voice a bit. And that was 27 years ago on July 15th!
Great reaction though!
Brilliant album. One of her best. Beautiful music and it really showcased her singing ability.
This album changed my life!
Beth: so now you can say that you like Madonna.
I love Madonna since I have use of mind... When I listened to this I really realized how capable and talented and full of art is Madonna: even after releasing albums like Like a Prayer and Erotica, which are MAGIC. Please PLEASE, BETHHHH, listen to those both albums!!!!
The opening of Ray of Light is the deepest beginning of an album I've ever known, and the rest of the songs are good as well. Well, and the song Ray of Light is unbelievable. I can enter into details because I can talk about this all my life jajajajaajaj. Thank you, Beth, for your images of each song of you're reactions.
@@mercedespeluffo4978 💙💙💙
One of the best pop albums of all time! So well produced. Wonderful! 🩷
@@Trent_1998 truly !!!
Álbum maravilloso con unos sonidos espectaculares y una producción mas voz = obra de arte. Viva Madonna
Rebel Heart should be the next one 💚
I love "Skin" and I regularly return to it (and other songs). This is most definitely Madonna's best album.
@@vekkstar skin is crazzzyyy
I don't listen to the queen Madonna's music but the song Ray of light is a MASTERPIECE🥺💜
@@iluvbritneygaga ITS SO GOOD
GIRL get into ittt. whether you like simple dance songs, incredible ballets, iconic pop songs, edm or techno, or r&b; she has it allll
@@omarslayz Yeah I know, I'll discover Madonna's discography when I have time🎉✨️
Honeyyy, i wasn't expected to find you here😂. It really surprised me🥹! Get into Madonna's discography, she is the first singer that I ever listen to in my life and i respect her so much❤️🤍. She is one of my fav singers🦋. Anyways, see ya to ur Glory's ranking! Bye 💞🌼
@@giulia3N I've been here for almost 2 years now✨️ I LOVE Madonna, I'll discover the queen music when I have time, have a good day love💜💗🌷
Mer-Girl hit best when listening to it in the dark, EarPods in. You can visualize the footsteps, the leaves and even that rusted Mainbox. It takes you on a journey.
instantly when I opened TH-cam, was my first recomendation I just love the level of attention you paid and how sincerely your expressions are, btw, 1st time I heard this album I was bored couple years latter became my Madonna favorite, maybe cuz I got more musical knowledge and stuff. You should listen to Björk! it will blown your mind!
@@ramonriKo thank you 🥹💙 yes i think it takes a certain level of knowledge and openness to really get into, at least in my experience
Frozen is such a masterpiece, one of the must beautiful songs ever made. It scratches something so deep into my brain. It's stuck with me since I was a child, before I even knew the meaning of the song. Becoming fluent in English and revisiting this song has allowed me to experience it anew and appreciate it even more.
54:33 - I think you mistook it for Lucky Star. Little Star was not a single.
BTW, I absolutely enjoy you discovering Madonna's discography, because you're taking me on a rediscovering journeyand I'm falling in love all over again with her works. This one is so hauntingly beautiful and deep, and you reacting to it, it's opening new layers of meaning to it. It's definitely her best, and everytime you listen to it, it will become different. That's how you can tell that a piece of art is great.
Little Star was a double A-side together with The Power Of Goodbye in the UK.
@@dasain9 Ohh yes i think i did. Ah that means a lot to me, so glad you’re enjoying 💙
@@BethThereseReactsshe performed Little Star and Ray of Light when Oprah interviewed her to promote the album
You should listen to the Japan-only bonus track called 'Has To Be' which is beautiful too. 'Ray Of Light' is such a timeless masterpiece ❤
Like a prayer, please. Her most heartbreaking album. ❤
@@davidmuller9938 💙
Omg “Oh Father” still gets me every time 😢
This has probably already been commented but you should know: there are some other songs she released with William Orbit between Ray of Light and Music for movie soundtracks that are worth a listen: 'Beautiful Stranger', 'American Pie' and 'Time Stood Still'. Ray of Light and Music also had B-sides worth listening to, 'Has To Be' from Ray of Light era and 'Cyberraga' from Music era.
I think those were my expressions and emotions when I heard Ray of Light for the first time back in 1998.
I felt like my heart was going to come out from my mouth.
It is an actual masterpiece ❤
@@niccolasarrieta Lolll love that description 💙💙💙
I’ve waited patiently for this reaction and I’m sooo glad you liked the album! It’s a cultural reset fr 🥹
@@Xplod50ful thank you 🥹💙 i am too!!! def cultural reset
I screamed so loud I think woke up my neighbors❤
@@KevinPerez-pk9lt Lmaooo 😭💙💙💙
Once again: Your reactions are SO good. Thank you so much for work (all the funny editings and stuff). What I really love is, that you take our time and give every song a chance to enfold it's potential. And that you're so open. Next Madonna album: Madame X or Rebel Heart (Deluxe).
@@philippwallerstein6864 Thank you so much 😭🥺💙
my favorite album of all time ❤ i'm so so so happy you loved it too beth :)
@@prismaze 🥹💙 you have taste forreal
I found your channel through another connection and now I can not stop listening to your takes and reactions. YOU DO JUSTICE to the reactions many of us spend our time listening to. All of your analogies and symbolic understandings of Madonna's work is incredibly well done. BRAVO, BETH!!