Hard Candy
by Madonna
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 562 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 398 out of 562
  2. Mixed: 89 out of 562
  3. Negative: 75 out of 562

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  1. VictorC
    Apr 5, 2009
    8
    Madonna now adds a new type of sound to her array of styles. "Miles Away" really shines on this album.
  2. JensO
    Aug 1, 2009
    8
    She doesn't reinvent the wheel on this one, but the album contains some great tracks.
  3. RichH
    Nov 12, 2008
    8
    Its an album which takes time to be appreciated. I now love the album, it has some awesome tunes and some hot beats but it's not a Madonna album. Its not innovative enough, too main stream and too contrived to be a Madonna classic. Its hot, it's no confessions, but its hot. Could do with less JT, shoe doesnt need him.
  4. JerrodL.
    Apr 23, 2008
    8
    Okay, so it's not a Confessions, Ray of Light or even Music, but it's great. Madonna's going back to an American radio friendly sound, and she works it out. Usually opting for lesser known producers, Madonna's decision to work with Timbalake and Pharrell left me a little worried. Although their trademark sounds are all over this album, Madonna really makes it her gem, Okay, so it's not a Confessions, Ray of Light or even Music, but it's great. Madonna's going back to an American radio friendly sound, and she works it out. Usually opting for lesser known producers, Madonna's decision to work with Timbalake and Pharrell left me a little worried. Although their trademark sounds are all over this album, Madonna really makes it her gem, not theirs. Standout tracks for me include Candy Shop, Give It 2 Me, Dance 2night and the breakdown halfway through Incredible.… Expand
  5. RonB.
    Jun 18, 2008
    8
    When compared to Confessions, I can't give it more than an 8/10. I don't understand the negative reviews, because it's really not that bad. There are some classic tracks on here such as Devil, Give It To Me and Miles Away. She was only putting out an album that would attract an American audience that failed to see the wonder of her last, and greatest album.
  6. Nickkk
    May 5, 2012
    8
    There's rhythm, theres plenty of room for dancing. The only reason why I'm not giving it a 10 is because after a while listening to this album you may get depressed - some happy song would have been just fine.
  7. itz_giological
    Jun 2, 2011
    8
    Hard Candy is probably Madonna's first weightless album that embraces fully the influences of urban genres R&B and hip-hop. If sometimes uneven, the dance floor scorchers come non-stop. Lacks in depth but very very fun.
  8. Juanki
    Aug 23, 2011
    8
    Hard Candy is pleasing to hear, clearly aimed at a younger audience yet using sexual innuendos as a way of attracting her older fans. One of Madonnas traits!
  9. michaelmadonna
    Aug 8, 2013
    8
    Another triumph for Madonna!
    Hard Candy see's Madonna use r&b which she dabbled with on Bedtime stories only its the 21 Century R&B

    album highlights include:
    - 4 minutes
    - give it 2 me
    - shes not me
    - Devil wouldnt recognise you
    - Candy shop

    its a great album with great success!
    just another one for Madonna to add to the collection
  10. longjetty7
    Apr 1, 2015
    8
    This is probably in my top 5 Madonna albums, so it really confuses me why people don't like it. It's upbeat and fun, start to finish, and there are a lot of great hooks and choruses here that make it very enjoyable. The style is also a nice change of pace from her other stuff, this being a bit more percussion heavy. My personal favorites are 4 Minutes, Incredible, Dance 2Nite, and DevilThis is probably in my top 5 Madonna albums, so it really confuses me why people don't like it. It's upbeat and fun, start to finish, and there are a lot of great hooks and choruses here that make it very enjoyable. The style is also a nice change of pace from her other stuff, this being a bit more percussion heavy. My personal favorites are 4 Minutes, Incredible, Dance 2Nite, and Devil Wouldn't Recognize You. Even the oft reviled Spanish Lesson is fun, mostly because it's so quirky and bizarre. Overall, I highly recommend this album. It gets lots of plays from me.… Expand
  11. DevilPray
    Feb 26, 2015
    8
    I was 14 when i first heard this album. From then i became obsessed with Madonna. I love everything in this album. One of the best albums from 2008...
  12. iksisijs
    Nov 17, 2015
    8
    Šis albums iznāca R&B ēras norieta laikā 2008. gadā, kas, iespējams, varētu būt par iemeslu albuma zemajiem komerciālajiem panākumiem. Saturiski tas sastāv no diva veida dziesmām – pusi producējis Timbaland, tostarp lielāko albuma hitu 4 minutes, duetu ar Džastinu Timberleiku; otru pusi – Farels Viljams. Tieši šis mūziķis/ producents savos 40 gados pagājušo gad piedzīvoja karjerasŠis albums iznāca R&B ēras norieta laikā 2008. gadā, kas, iespējams, varētu būt par iemeslu albuma zemajiem komerciālajiem panākumiem. Saturiski tas sastāv no diva veida dziesmām – pusi producējis Timbaland, tostarp lielāko albuma hitu 4 minutes, duetu ar Džastinu Timberleiku; otru pusi – Farels Viljams. Tieši šis mūziķis/ producents savos 40 gados pagājušo gad piedzīvoja karjeras mezmarizēšanos ar hitiem Get Lucky un Blurred Lines, kura iedīglis, manuprāt, sastopams šajā albumā, t.i., dziesma Give it 2 me, kurā Madonna lustīgā R&B un deju mūzikas savijuma pavadījumā dzied par to, kā visa pasaule ir bezbailīga mūziķa priekšā. Pieņemu, ka šobrīd, laikā, kad arī Timbalands un Džastins Timberleiks, kā arī vieglāka R&B mūzika sāk atgriezties radiostacijās, Hard Candy būtu tieši laikā, jo tajā samijās iepriekšminētais žanrs ar Madonnai raksturīgajām melodiskajām dziesmām un liriku ziņā neatkarīgo skatījumu uz pasauli. Noklausoties visu albumu jāsecina, lai gan 4 minutes bija komerciāli veiksmīgs singls, kurš ticis pārdots 6 miljonos eksemplāru ASV, tajā ir ļoti maz pienesuma no Medžas un tas ‘aprija’ pārējo albumu, kurš ir pilns ar no šī brīža skatu punkta inovatīvām dziesmām. Veiksmīgākās no tām iepriekšminētā Give it 2 me; Spanish Lesson, She’s not me, Devil Would not Recognize You.… Expand
  13. gabomdna
    Dec 7, 2017
    8
    If she had included across the sky this would be an amazing album, but this has amazing beats, the rythms are incredibles, as simple as this, it's a wonderful album.
  14. someonewhocares
    Jul 4, 2022
    8
    Sometimes, You have to be in the mood to dance to listen to this album entirely. Songs like MIles Away, Give It 2 Me, and Spanish Lesson are all excellent songs to dance to.
  15. RobertM.
    May 10, 2008
    7
    There is more single material rather than a great album full of strong songs Best Songs-4 Minutes,Give It To Me,Heartbeat,Beat Goes On
  16. SidS
    Apr 26, 2008
    7
    Good enough! A couple of tracks are excellent (Miles Away, Gi2M) but it doesn't come anywhere close to her last album's giddiness.
  17. DickyMix
    May 1, 2008
    7
    Let's face it, we've grown to expect more imaginative things from Madonna. But the bottom line is that it's quite a good pop record. Not earth-shattering or genre-bending. Just sugary pop fun. The title says it all.
  18. LuisG.
    May 4, 2008
    7
    how much more life is there for timbaland beats when will singers start using actual instruments in thier songs ? ... HARD CANDY is no different than Nelly Furtados " Loose" Justins " Future Sex Love Sounds" and Britneys " Blackout" which is no benefit to MADONNA " ConFessions..." was a masterpiece and HARD CANDY is just an atempt to capitalize on the whole urban sound on radio.. ist no how much more life is there for timbaland beats when will singers start using actual instruments in thier songs ? ... HARD CANDY is no different than Nelly Furtados " Loose" Justins " Future Sex Love Sounds" and Britneys " Blackout" which is no benefit to MADONNA " ConFessions..." was a masterpiece and HARD CANDY is just an atempt to capitalize on the whole urban sound on radio.. ist no disaster just not very original.... UK diva Kylie Minogue " X" had more funk and flare check that out...… Expand
  19. NunoM.
    May 8, 2008
    7
    It's an ok album with some great tracks, not a great album. Nice for the summer.
  20. RuanH
    Aug 21, 2008
    7
    More highlights than dissapointments, and an overall very good pop album. However by the standards Madonna had set with her 2005 'Confessions' album... Hard Candy fails in nearly every creative aspect. Most credit here is due to producer Timbaland.. who keeps forking out hits wherever he sets foot.
  21. K.B
    Sep 28, 2008
    7
    I have no doubt that 'Hard Candy' is a good album... Some of the songs are impossible to dislike, but other ones are impossibles to hear... It's too warm... And what I think about it?? I think that Madonna can do somethings REALLY better.
  22. EricZ
    Apr 29, 2008
    7
    Sounds like Britney Spears, any pop star could have made it. I agree, the production has overtaken her own persona. But it's not her worst, American Life will take that prize.
  23. CBRN10
    Mar 25, 2012
    7
    this album found madonna in the commercial spotlight, which made her sound boring and re done. While this era gave us give it 2 me and heartbeat as well as devil wouldn;t recognize you, it left some fans yearning for M to drop the "at the moment producers" for the underground ones that had previously made her successful.
  24. SumitSumbria
    May 15, 2016
    7
    A very good album but not a Madonna standard album. The dance beats and the Justin Timberlake flavoured production sounds stunning at times but fails to justify Madonna. Madonna delivers a very powerful message on the song "Beat Goes On". She sings.....
    "Say what you like
    Do what you feel You know exactly who you are The time is right now You've got to decide Stand in the back or be    A very good album but not a Madonna standard album. The dance beats and the Justin Timberlake flavoured production sounds stunning at times but fails to justify Madonna. Madonna delivers a very powerful message on the song "Beat Goes On". She sings.....
    "Say what you like
    Do what you feel
    You know exactly who you are
    The time is right now
    You've got to decide
    Stand in the back or be the star".
    The album contains some very precious gems - "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" and "Voices".    … Expand
  25. kevindouglas
    Feb 22, 2017
    7
    Bom disco, sonoridade exata das produções de Timbaland e Pharrell porém sem perder a essência de Madonna. Um álbum onde ela ainda conseguia alinhar a criação de hits com qualidade musical.

    Candy Shop: 7 4 Minutes: 6 Give It 2 Me: 5 Heartbeat: 7 Miles Away: 9 She's Not Me: 8 Incredible: 8 Beat Goes On: 9 Dance2Night: 6 Spanish Lessons: 6 Devil Wouldn't Recognize You: 8 Voices:    Bom disco, sonoridade exata das produções de Timbaland e Pharrell porém sem perder a essência de Madonna. Um álbum onde ela ainda conseguia alinhar a criação de hits com qualidade musical.

    Candy Shop: 7
    4 Minutes: 6
    Give It 2 Me: 5
    Heartbeat: 7
    Miles Away: 9
    She's Not Me: 8
    Incredible: 8
    Beat Goes On: 9
    Dance2Night: 6
    Spanish Lessons: 6
    Devil Wouldn't Recognize You: 8
    Voices: 7
    Ring My Bell: 7

    Total: 7,1    … Expand
  26. leostarboy
    Sep 9, 2020
    7
    Overall, Hard Candy sounds a bit too much like Madonna’s trying to catch up with the American R&B princesses. Having said that, she holds her own for the most part, and when her own voice shines through, she reminds us why she’s outlasted so many.
  27. ewertonmm
    Jun 15, 2019
    7
    What a hard task - to be the following release after the globally acclaimed Confessions On a Dance Floor (2005), no, really, what a DOUBLE hard task, she also had to present something new after only 2/3 years of her last reinvention.

    This is not a bad record at all, people just didn't get it because it's Madonna doing R&B. It's not like she hasn't done it before, it was just at a bad    What a hard task - to be the following release after the globally acclaimed Confessions On a Dance Floor (2005), no, really, what a DOUBLE hard task, she also had to present something new after only 2/3 years of her last reinvention.

    This is not a bad record at all, people just didn't get it because it's Madonna doing R&B. It's not like she hasn't done it before, it was just at a bad timing. Electropop/EDM was getting back at it's track and she was a little late. But, the whole record itself is very well produced, the highlights are amazing tracks (Devil Wouldn't recognize/Miles Away) and it was the background for the highest grossing tour for a solo act (still holds that record as of 2019!/female). I only wish she hadn't kept "Across the Sky" out of the final cut.    … Expand
  28. MyleeneFRW
    Nov 30, 2020
    7
    Честно говоря, при первом прослушивании альбом кажется обычным, местами скучным, но на самом деле альбом очень хорош, но многие песни АБСОЛЮТНО проходные.
  29. Mark
    May 1, 2008
    6
    It's fine, but I feel like I've heard it all before.
  30. AlexJ.
    May 3, 2008
    6
    Its good, for both fans and typical listeners. Many funky and catchy beats, but its not great and nowhere near as good as some of madonna's other albums.
  31. ClifC.
    Jul 21, 2008
    6
    Okay people!... Madonna is one of the greatest thing that happened to Pop music... Until 2005's "Confessions on a Dance Floor". Could she be called "Queen of Pop" with an album like Hard Candy?! Not sure. There is no creativity (using the same notes and sounds that Timbaland used in Nelly Furtados and Justin Timberlake's music... They even sound disgusting now!), no sincerity, Okay people!... Madonna is one of the greatest thing that happened to Pop music... Until 2005's "Confessions on a Dance Floor". Could she be called "Queen of Pop" with an album like Hard Candy?! Not sure. There is no creativity (using the same notes and sounds that Timbaland used in Nelly Furtados and Justin Timberlake's music... They even sound disgusting now!), no sincerity, no re-invention, it's BRAINLESS... There's absolutely nothing special. It would be a great album for Britney Spears, but for Madonna...!? The greatest songs are from co-producer Pharrell Williams ("Give It 2 Me", "She's Not Me", "Incredible" and "Beat Goes On"), and I only credit Timbaland for "4 Minutes".… Expand
  32. JohnP.
    Apr 30, 2008
    6
    Not a bad record, but not great either. After becoming relevant again with Confessions, Madonna has lost some momentum. By the way, folks, perfect scores should be reserved for transcendent works -- this one simply doesn't qualify.
  33. Jack
    Jun 8, 2010
    6
    This is not one of Madonna's stand out albums. It lacks the depth of Ray of Light or the fantastic feel-good moments of confessions; I can think of more stand-out moments for Madonna. Having said that, the album does contain many good songs, highlights being Give It 2 Me, She's Not Me and Beat Goes On. After Confessions, I was expecting something special from the Queen of Pop, This is not one of Madonna's stand out albums. It lacks the depth of Ray of Light or the fantastic feel-good moments of confessions; I can think of more stand-out moments for Madonna. Having said that, the album does contain many good songs, highlights being Give It 2 Me, She's Not Me and Beat Goes On. After Confessions, I was expecting something special from the Queen of Pop, but this sadly, despite being co-produced by some of the top producers around, lacks the magic of some of her previous albums.… Expand
  34. OwenM
    May 6, 2008
    6
    Not bad, the last one was better.
  35. FionaM.
    Apr 5, 2009
    6
    It has some really good songs and some really bad ones. It's a lot more uneven than her other records. Also thematically and lyrically it's not unified like her other records. Also I don't think R&B and hip are her style. She sounds much better and at home doing dance or pop/rock. Also, I really miss her ballads.
  36. JoeyB
    May 25, 2008
    6
    I don't know why she gave up on the techno style of the last two albums. This album seems forced and her voice sounds terible. I am all for change if it is for the better. This is not!
  37. RIProo
    Mar 25, 2012
    6
    I'm really waiting MDNA, because i don't like this a lot. Sure, this is Madonna's worst album. Yes there are good songs ( I think that Miles Away it's fantastic ) but there are bad songs like "Spanish Lesson" and "incredible", too. And this is the first Madonna's album that doesn't have a particular or revolutionary sound. So, a quite good album but when you are Madonna people want fromI'm really waiting MDNA, because i don't like this a lot. Sure, this is Madonna's worst album. Yes there are good songs ( I think that Miles Away it's fantastic ) but there are bad songs like "Spanish Lesson" and "incredible", too. And this is the first Madonna's album that doesn't have a particular or revolutionary sound. So, a quite good album but when you are Madonna people want from you a great album, not quite good. (sorry for my English)… Expand
  38. grechen
    Sep 2, 2019
    6
    Hard Candy, although counting with good producers and songwriters, seems boring to what 4 Minutes, the first single of the album, promised.
  39. jeremy128
    May 4, 2021
    6
    El album tiene canciones increibles e inolvidables como 4 Minutes o Give it 2 Me, Excelente Producción, Letras Pegajosas, Pero hay algun Problema, El album ha envejecido muy mal, demasiado mal
  40. KholbyW
    May 5, 2008
    5
    This cd sounds like Spice Girls without the Spice Girls...So many of the beats remind me of early spice girls songs. I feel like the only way this cd will be decent is through remixes. I guess there's the occasional decent song, but it's really a step down from confessions.
  41. RezJ
    Apr 28, 2010
    5
    I think Madonna lost her way in music with this album. she wamted to try something new but it didn't work. i think R&B beats don't fit on her. the only songs u can bear in this album are "Miles Away" and "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You". they sounds like real Madonna. we all expected more from her after her huge success in "Confessions on a Dancefloor".
  42. BitBurn
    Apr 29, 2008
    5
    Madonna & hip-hop was never a very successful marriage. And, stubborn as she is, she had to go back again on that road that leads nowhere. When will she ever learn that her niche is, and always was, dance music? And that is why this album compared to her previous masterpiece "Confessions On A Dance Floor", is quite forgettable and bleak.
  43. ZaneS.
    May 3, 2008
    5
    What happened Madonna? How could you write songs like "Candy Shop," "Incredible" and "Spanish Lesson"? How can you stump to the Justin-clone "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You"? All this sounds so dated and it's all been done in 2006. You're no longer the leader of the pack.
  44. aditmi
    Mar 24, 2012
    5
    Nothing special, it just felt like "another Madonna's album". Her hip-hop collaborators clearly can't make that "thing" happen. Tracks like "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" or "Miles Away" are exceptionals.
  45. TommyA
    Mar 26, 2012
    5
    Hard Candy is by far the worst Madonna album to date. After Confessions, this is incredibly disappointing. It is a good album, but not a good Madonna album - I expected much more. Nevertheless, it does have it's moments and, if you forget it's Madonna, it's actually a decent album (but I can't help but compare it to her other albums which are much better). If I was to listen to Hard Candy,Hard Candy is by far the worst Madonna album to date. After Confessions, this is incredibly disappointing. It is a good album, but not a good Madonna album - I expected much more. Nevertheless, it does have it's moments and, if you forget it's Madonna, it's actually a decent album (but I can't help but compare it to her other albums which are much better). If I was to listen to Hard Candy, I'd skip exactly half the album (which is not good at all). The tracks you should listen to are the first three, Beat Goes On, Devil Wouldn't Recognize You and Voices. Don't even bother with the others. If this was an EP with the aforementioned 6 tracks, it would get a perfect rating, but the other 6 songs are horrid in my opinion… Expand
  46. marcmyworks
    Dec 4, 2013
    5
    Probably one of the weakest albums in Madonna's repertoire. The two best tracks being the first two singles but overall the effort falls short. I hate when bad albums happen to great artists.
  47. victorcarter
    Nov 21, 2016
    5
    Its good, for both fans and typical listeners. Many funky and catchy beats, but its not great and nowhere near as good as some of madonna's other albums
  48. ManuelContreras
    Apr 7, 2018
    5
    muchos dirian que es su peor trabajo, es algo malo pero no tanto, el album tiene lo suyo
  49. FabPop
    Mar 27, 2020
    5
    So catchy at the beggining but so dissapointing by the end.

    Is a good attempt but not enough...
  50. infsai
    Mar 27, 2020
    5
    This album is too cohisive. Some songs (like "Heartbeat" and "Miles Away") could be even better if someone other than The Neptunes would handle those tracks production.
  51. MeLikesMusic
    May 10, 2021
    5
    Okay. Being Madonna, nothing she does is not innovative. Nonetheless, after 3 years of releasing one of her best projects and a pop masterpiece which was Confessions On A Dancefloor, this album fell pretty flat for the standards. Although 4 minutes is an amazing song and Give it 2 me is almost as good, the more you get through the album the more you want to listen to anything else. LessOkay. Being Madonna, nothing she does is not innovative. Nonetheless, after 3 years of releasing one of her best projects and a pop masterpiece which was Confessions On A Dancefloor, this album fell pretty flat for the standards. Although 4 minutes is an amazing song and Give it 2 me is almost as good, the more you get through the album the more you want to listen to anything else. Less than half of the songs are pretty lackluster, and some songs like Incredible and She's Not Me, are way too long to be that mediocre.… Expand
  52. Amruk
    Sep 19, 2021
    5
    Recycling the same sound over and over throught this album kills it. Listening to whole project doesn't have any sense, hence every song is very similar to another. Listening to songs individually is much better, and they click then. Because of that I would argue that 'Hard Candy' is not only Madonna's worst album I've listened to, but also her attempt to do something like Drake doesRecycling the same sound over and over throught this album kills it. Listening to whole project doesn't have any sense, hence every song is very similar to another. Listening to songs individually is much better, and they click then. Because of that I would argue that 'Hard Candy' is not only Madonna's worst album I've listened to, but also her attempt to do something like Drake does nowadays. And also a bad attempt to ride Timbaland sound.
    However, even though that whole album is one-sound mush, there are some highlights. "4 Minutes" shows true Timbaland and Danja glory, while "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" is still similar to rest of non-singles, it's darker, and more enjoyable. Album closer "Voices" is the darkest song out there, and the most distinctive - it doesn't sound like anything on the album. I also like "Give it 2 Me", "Miles Away", "Heartbeat", "Beat Goes On", and "Dance 2Night".
    However too much cohesiveness it's not the only flaw here. "She's Not Me" and "Incredible" are stretched out to 6 minutes...why? Cut those unnecessery outros! "She's Not Me" is sucha sassy song, but it's dragged down with its leangth...    … Expand
  53. misk
    May 1, 2008
    4
    Madonna at it's worst. Generic US stuff. Another BigMac but this time unedible even on cnbs. Bedtime Stories crap at least had Human Nature and Bedtime Stories.
  54. HenryG
    Apr 29, 2008
    4
    Atrocious for an artist of her calibre. So dissapointing. 2, maybe 3 decent tracks tops. I love her too.
  55. BrandonS.
    May 1, 2008
    4
    Madonna's worst. Nowhere near as good as Confessions. Whereas Erotica was a brilliant critique/response to modern repressive sexuality, this cd is the singer as a horny old lady, with Justin Timberlake as her studly poolboy. To be blunt, like the pictures in the liner notes, it's kind of gross. Some of the songs are pretty good, rhythmic and funky - but the overall disgusting Madonna's worst. Nowhere near as good as Confessions. Whereas Erotica was a brilliant critique/response to modern repressive sexuality, this cd is the singer as a horny old lady, with Justin Timberlake as her studly poolboy. To be blunt, like the pictures in the liner notes, it's kind of gross. Some of the songs are pretty good, rhythmic and funky - but the overall disgusting tone drags the good stuff down.… Expand
  56. DanTheMan
    May 1, 2008
    4
    Huge disappointment after the highly enjoyable Confessions.... Madonna is capable of far better than this unoriginal and repetitive drek.
  57. AppleYoung
    Dec 14, 2013
    4
    Eu odeio esse álbum, uma sonoridade chata, letras vergonhosas, eu não sei como Madonna teve coragem de gravar essa porcaria. WTF is Incredible? Desperdício de tempo e dinheiro com esse álbum lixoso.
  58. heitorlopees
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Sem dúvida o pior álbum da Madonna, os singles são muito bons mas no resto o disco se trona datado e com uma sonoridade igual em todas as músicas, para quem gosta dos sons dos anos 200 de Justin Timberlake e Timbaland é um bom álbum, mas para quem não ficou preso no tempo esse é um disco dispensável na discografia da Rainha.
  59. mathewd.
    Apr 30, 2008
    3
    There are only about 3 or 4 good songs thanks to her team of producers. Nothing original here. It all sounds what's been on the radio for the past few years. What would Madonna have done through her career without the great record producers she's hired.
  60. J.D.
    Apr 30, 2008
    3
    Atrocious by anyone's standards. Is incredibly sad to hear her get down to this kind of mess she has been able to avoid for so long.
  61. svc.
    May 1, 2008
    3
    First album where it doesn't sound like Madonna is calling the shots. She should be ahead of the curve, not following it. No stand out tracks. No intelligence. No good. (And I am a fan).
  62. JoeP.
    May 1, 2008
    3
    Just one decent song(4 minutes).
  63. MickaP
    May 2, 2008
    3
    This album sucks! Disappointing doesn't even begin to describe it!
  64. EinarJ.
    May 3, 2008
    3
    You must be joking.
  65. JoeB
    May 8, 2008
    3
    Very disappointing...this cd feels forced, like Madonna knows as it goes along that it's just not working...her collaborators have too much leeway, and they're terrible. Timberlake's 4 Minutes is putrid, and why do hip-hop artists feel the need to repeat names a dozen times in songs??..."Madonna...Madonna....Madonna..." so lame it's laughable....Madonna needs to grab Very disappointing...this cd feels forced, like Madonna knows as it goes along that it's just not working...her collaborators have too much leeway, and they're terrible. Timberlake's 4 Minutes is putrid, and why do hip-hop artists feel the need to repeat names a dozen times in songs??..."Madonna...Madonna....Madonna..." so lame it's laughable....Madonna needs to grab the reigns again, these Bozo's ruined this effort. I have no problem with a misstep, I haven't disliked anything from her before this, but I guess her big mistake was letting over-rated drecks take over her album entirely.… Expand
  66. CraigSa.
    Apr 30, 2008
    3
    Such an ordinary album. She uses the same lame gimmicks such as Timberland as a producer, that everyone uses. If those gimmicks had any real talent we might get a good album, instead we get the same mediocre music that floods our bland airwaves and dance floors the last couple years.
  67. B
    May 3, 2008
    3
    One word - ew.
  68. Steven
    Apr 23, 2008
    3
    Blech! I cannot stand Madonna fighting for attention against Pharrell's production. I enjoy both of them, but definitely not together. Hard Candy, in my opinion, is Madonna's single-largest misstep.
  69. IanR
    May 25, 2008
    3
    As a huge Madonna fan, I'm disappointed. Never has she sounded more bored and more like a guest on her own songs. Enlisting the help of Timbaland and Timberlake reeks of desperation, and this half-baked effort contains no Madonna classics and only a handful of tolerable songs. Her worst studio effort without question.
  70. Seasz
    Apr 14, 2012
    3
    I'm a huge Madonna fan and i loved Confessions, but I'm really dissapointing with this album, the lyrics are generally stupids and She sounds tired, hopefully her next album will be much better.
  71. WilliamV.
    May 2, 2008
    2
    it seems Timbaland makes all albums looks like the same thing. For me, Hard Candy is a more pop "loose". Terrible. Madonna is a good singer, but she doesn't need to put sexuality in evidence all time. This is soooo boring. Missing "Erotica" so much.
  72. Magnolia
    May 5, 2008
    2
    The biggest disappointment of the year! Young stars, such as Adele, Duffy, Estelle and even Britney released much and much better albums. What a shame for Madonna!
  73. MichaelS
    Apr 26, 2008
    2
    Wow, this is her worst album! :| R.I.P Madonna.
  74. DomoR.
    May 1, 2008
    2
    Production values are superb but the music itself is oddly soulless and vapid. Madonna at 50 is sounding like a 14 year old squeeze box boy toy wannabe, with her nasally register spewing really bad lyrics full of adolescent motivation. Hey, Madonna, grow up already. Cut a record with your brother in law Joe Henry and cut back on all the attempts to be trendy. This album is already 18 Production values are superb but the music itself is oddly soulless and vapid. Madonna at 50 is sounding like a 14 year old squeeze box boy toy wannabe, with her nasally register spewing really bad lyrics full of adolescent motivation. Hey, Madonna, grow up already. Cut a record with your brother in law Joe Henry and cut back on all the attempts to be trendy. This album is already 18 years old, sounding ever so much like a downgrade of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation. Sure, some of it is danceable but once the music ends, and believe it's ended on this disc, there's nothing but the sound of a vacuous cash register.… Expand
  75. ChrisS.
    Jul 31, 2008
    2
    I really tried hard to like this album, but failed. The songs are just so simple, and forgettable. What in God's name does the whole "boxer" costume have to do wtih "Hard Candy"? However, I have to praise Madonna a little bit, because not many of her fellow senior citizens have the energy to do what she does.
  76. owenrw89
    Dec 10, 2016
    2
    Terrible album. Not just in terms of her own catalogue, but by other artist's catalogues too. This was the first time Madonna was following the trend, instead of setting it. Timbaland's production was fated to date, and it did (within about 6 months). Most of the tracks contain little melody or dance-ability. It somehow sounds very expensive yet cheap and nasty at the same time. The onlyTerrible album. Not just in terms of her own catalogue, but by other artist's catalogues too. This was the first time Madonna was following the trend, instead of setting it. Timbaland's production was fated to date, and it did (within about 6 months). Most of the tracks contain little melody or dance-ability. It somehow sounds very expensive yet cheap and nasty at the same time. The only thing that saves this album from being a total dud, are a few select tracks that have Madonna's true sound/feeling - "Miles Away" & "Give It To Me".… Expand
  77. Muddsjr
    Jun 29, 2014
    2
    People seem to have forgotten that this is the maker of Like A Prayer, Ray of Light, Music...
    I appreciate Madonna likes to change styles with each album she does.. but I simply cannot see anything as stunning and emotionally charged as the mentioned work she has previously done in this album...
  78. MichaelK
    Oct 6, 2008
    1
    Creativity is a word out of madonna's vocabulary. The album is irritating, futile, hypocritically innocent and all in one: show of. Is the worst of a
  79. JohnS
    Apr 30, 2008
    1
    Not great. The songs are all generic. She's too old to be singing these kinds of songs.
  80. Chris
    May 1, 2008
    1
    Queen of reinvention is desperate. Maybe two ok tracks at best.
  81. Karen/Brent
    Apr 29, 2008
    1
    Dire one down.
  82. LukeR.
    May 19, 2008
    1
    Not impressed- she can do much better than that.
  83. GinaB.
    May 3, 2008
    1
    I'm a big Madonna fan, but this cd is truly disappointing. Somehow I feel like this cd should have been called, "How Madonna Lost Her Groove". Her voice was emotionless throughout, and appeared drowned by the overproduced tracks. I'm hoping that with her next cd, Madonna will do Madonna.
  84. ThomasW
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    Wrost album of the year. Bye bye Madonna...
  85. Justin
    Apr 29, 2008
    0
    She's now old enough to be a grandma, which is why her childish need for attention and shock is so pathetic... and thanks again for ruining Guy Richie's career.
  86. Parkus
    Jun 24, 2008
    0
    Awful. Vile artwork. Simple melodies and dire lyrics.
  87. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    0
    Hard Candy is a serviceable . The album is irritating.Atrocious for an artist of her calibre. So dissapointing
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2008
31
#31 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Blender
    80
    It's fun to hear here negotiate the contours of Top 40 pop for the first time since "Like A Prayer," without any European house music hose-head gumming up the pleasure and catharsis with mediative schmaltz. [May 2008, p.73]
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Candy finds her dropping her Kabbalah string on the dance floor and readopting an American accent to offer up an unpretentious, nonstop dance party.
    Read full review
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Whenever Hard Candy threatens to get boring, something always happens to recapture your interest, but the three songs in which Madonna actually seems to forge a genuine connection with her musical helpmeet leave the rest of the album in the shade.
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