American Life
by Madonna
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 483 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 425 out of 483
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 483
  3. Negative: 28 out of 483

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  1. Levvy
    Jul 1, 2005
    5
    A massive letdown. It sounds like a dim imitation of its predeccessor. The only true standouts are: Love Profusion, Intervention, X-Static Process and Easy Ride.
  2. bobbyk
    Apr 29, 2003
    4
    Sad. She sounds so sad. Plus her lyrics are in the forefront of this second Mirwais production and they are horrible. Rapping about coffee? C'mon! Madonna, you still have William Orbit on speed dial don't you?
  3. AloudSound
    May 3, 2012
    6
    "American Life" is noted as one of Madonna's most underrated album to date. And yes, I agree 100 percent. But this doesn't mean just the lyrics itself. The lead track "American Life", unfortunately, describes the album fully, but tracks like "Love Profusion", "Nothing Fails" and "Mother and Father" describe Madonna in the purest of way. But letdowns are also obvious as well. "I'm So"American Life" is noted as one of Madonna's most underrated album to date. And yes, I agree 100 percent. But this doesn't mean just the lyrics itself. The lead track "American Life", unfortunately, describes the album fully, but tracks like "Love Profusion", "Nothing Fails" and "Mother and Father" describe Madonna in the purest of way. But letdowns are also obvious as well. "I'm So Stupid" is a bit too describable, and "Nobody Knows Me" is a bit too strong on Madonna's personal side... But overall, the album doesn't dissapoint for fan approval.... Just critical approval.… Expand
  4. Juan12353
    May 29, 2016
    6
    El Album Es Buenisimo, Las Letras Igual...Pero tiene mucho autotune, y se me hace un poco aburrido en algunas canciones, amo a Madonna, pero este album casi no me gusta
  5. leostarboy
    Sep 9, 2020
    6
    Overall, American Life is better for what it promises than what it delivers, and it's better in theory than practice. A massive letdown. It sounds like a dim imitation of its predeccessor. The only true standouts are: Love Profusion, Intervention, X-Static Process and Easy Ride.
  6. ferzeli
    Sep 2, 2020
    6
    Eu acho que da pra entender a nota da crítica.. isso aqui ou você ama ou você... hum... sabe?! Experimental, completamente experimental.. e pro meu paladar o sabor amargou!
  7. gabriel707
    Jul 25, 2023
    6
    Not her best work, but great album. You wont get it the first time and its not an easy listen.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2003
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. Playlouder
    40
    This album, if it came from a newcomer, could kill a career stone dead.
    Read full review
  2. Vibe
    80
    This may be the first time Madonna hasn't pushed herself to explore new ground, but at least she's chosen a good place to rest. [June 2003, p.155]
  3. Stylus Magazine
    36
    For once, Madonna has stumbled not because she reached too far, but because she didn't reach far enough.
    Read full review
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