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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. EinarJ.
    May 3, 2008
    3
    You must be joking.
  4. WilliamG.
    May 2, 2008
    10
    Great new sound. Perfect follow up to last CD.
  5. AngeloB.
    May 2, 2008
    10
    I love it.
  6. LouisP.
    May 2, 2008
    10
    An amazing album with only a few flaws. Spanish Lesson is trite and Candy Shop should have been MIA because it doesn't it isn't as fresh as the rest of the album; some of us have had the track since last summer. LOVE Give It 2 Me and Dance 2night.
  7. 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.
  8. MickaP
    May 2, 2008
    3
    This album sucks! Disappointing doesn't even begin to describe it!
  9. AndreaM
    May 2, 2008
    10
    Awesome album, every song on it is excellent and I just can't stop listening to it!
  10. GabrielC.
    May 2, 2008
    10
    Excellent!
  11. 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).
  12. DanTheMan
    May 1, 2008
    4
    Huge disappointment after the highly enjoyable Confessions.... Madonna is capable of far better than this unoriginal and repetitive drek.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. DenysL.
    May 1, 2008
    10
    Madonna successfully integrates the musical styles of her new producers without losing her own sound. "Miles Away, " with its heartbreaking lament, "So far away" is classic Madonna. The song should be her 3rd release after "Give It To Me." Her promotional concert at the Roseland Ballroom confirms the fact that she is simply unrivaled!
  17. JoeP.
    May 1, 2008
    3
    Just one decent song(4 minutes).
  18. Chris
    May 1, 2008
    1
    Queen of reinvention is desperate. Maybe two ok tracks at best.
  19. Mark
    May 1, 2008
    6
    It's fine, but I feel like I've heard it all before.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. AndrewH
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Madonna is simply brilliant. Always. I love her stuff with a message, but this is perhaps her best album since "Ray of Light." (And I love the others, so that means something.) It's not as serious, but it's where she is right now and at the end of the day, it's good stuff. "Give It 2 Me," "She's Not Me," "Beat Goes On," "Dance 2 Night," etc. are among her best dance Madonna is simply brilliant. Always. I love her stuff with a message, but this is perhaps her best album since "Ray of Light." (And I love the others, so that means something.) It's not as serious, but it's where she is right now and at the end of the day, it's good stuff. "Give It 2 Me," "She's Not Me," "Beat Goes On," "Dance 2 Night," etc. are among her best dance songs. "Devil" and "Voices" are beautiful, and "Miles Away" is perhaps the most gorgeous Madonna song ever. The album's full of good stuff; even the weakest track ("Spanish Lesson") is decent.… Expand
  23. AlexisN.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Amazing album...i love it!
  24. MiloszP.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Brilliant!
  25. Tom
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Great catchy songs
  26. JamesM.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Hard Candy is an awesome, eclectic edition of R and B pop fusion. Several of the tracks are irresistible and make you want to dance. Give it To Me alone is worth the album purchase. For Madonna fans everywhere and for those who loved Confessions on a Dance Floor.
  27. EH
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Amazing album. I think she has the right, after all her years in the record business, to make an album that is just pure fun to listen to, which is what hard candy is all about.
  28. SaraZ.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    I love hard candy its her best album.
  29. CarlosA.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    It's a very cool just dance and enjoy album, no pretentious kaballah stuff, etc.
  30. 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.
  31. MarkW.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    this album is off the hook! it's madonna being just down right fun again! i love it!
  32. JosephM.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Fantastic album. She sounds absolutely rejuvenated. It's refreshing to hear THIS Madonna again after all these years.
  33. Smarts
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Best pop album so far this year.
  34. MaryannW.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    love it!
  35. TristanC.
    Apr 30, 2008
    8
    And one more thing... Entertainment Weekly gave this album a B+, how does that factor in as an 83??? The accuracy of this website is definitely questionable.
  36. MarcoC.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Simply put: A masterpiece!!!
  37. 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.
  38. JoeS.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    FANTASTIC album! One of her most consistent!
  39. RobertH.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    This album is flawless! The production is so layered and constantly surprising. Standout tracks for me are 'She's Not Me', 'Incredible', 'Give It 2 Me', 'Miles Away and 'Devil Wouldn't Recognise You' 10 Out Of 10
  40. franl.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    It¡s fantastic dc, madonna is the queen.
  41. MohamadA.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    One of her best ! The perferct follow-up to "Confessions on a dance floor" ! :>
  42. CavitD
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    I'm in love with this album, it's one of her best. Funky!
  43. kirkorkirkella
    Apr 30, 2008
    8
    Metacritic's score seems to be a bit skewed towards the negative - I've read lots of positive reviews from reputable sources that aren't included here. it's not at all surprising that places like pitchforkmedia don't like this - they don't want to alienate their hipster indie-rock audience by acknowledging that something good can occasionally come out of the Metacritic's score seems to be a bit skewed towards the negative - I've read lots of positive reviews from reputable sources that aren't included here. it's not at all surprising that places like pitchforkmedia don't like this - they don't want to alienate their hipster indie-rock audience by acknowledging that something good can occasionally come out of the mainstream. for the rest of us who aren't quite so stuck-up, this album is a big old slab of fun. enjoy it for what it is.… Expand
  44. PeterJ.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    What can you say to describe this, this is gobsmackingly brilliant, didn't think it would go right but it's a Madonna record at heart! Madonna never lets you down, with every album being a stunner! Love Madonna, she's right up there as one of the best artists of all time, you'll never regret loving Madonna!!!
  45. JK
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Awesome work. Probably her best.
  46. EAB
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    She hasn't had this fun on an album since Like A Prayer and hasn't gotten as artistic as Ray Of Light.
  47. KevinS
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Don't listen to anyone that says this is not a good album. This is one of Madonna's BEST albums. The majority of the tracks are just awesome, and this album deserves to be listened to with the volume up and the bass pumping! A real crowd pleaser of an album. Fun, exciting, and very danceable.
  48. mugul16
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    I love it....!!!! Madonna have done a great job again!!!
  49. DanielC.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Great album...!!!
  50. PhilipG.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Excellent! I'm so relieved.
  51. JamieI.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    One of her best in my opinion. Love Give it 2 Me, Beat Goes On, Miles Away, Heartbeat.
  52. JohnS
    Apr 30, 2008
    1
    Not great. The songs are all generic. She's too old to be singing these kinds of songs.
  53. [Anonymous]
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Fantastic.
  54. GillesB.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    I really enjoy this record: impressive production, quality song writing and, above all, an amazing Madonna. I had been expecting such quality since Music: no fillers, only potential hits. I was worried the album would sound ordinary, too similar to Nelly Furtado and Gwen Stefany, but the people who say it does have NOT listened to Hard Candy properly: it's a pure Madonna style, with I really enjoy this record: impressive production, quality song writing and, above all, an amazing Madonna. I had been expecting such quality since Music: no fillers, only potential hits. I was worried the album would sound ordinary, too similar to Nelly Furtado and Gwen Stefany, but the people who say it does have NOT listened to Hard Candy properly: it's a pure Madonna style, with a lîtlle (excellent) Timerberlake urban flavour now and then.… Expand
  55. MartinC.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    One of the most innovative Madonna album
  56. LeonardoC.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    This is amazing! It's retro and futuristic at once, and even thou she requested the fashion producers, she didn't become a plastic icon as it happens for 8 of 10 artists when they adventure themselves that side... Go, Madge!
  57. Anti-K
    Apr 30, 2008
    8
    Well, if musicOMH.com and Karen/Brent says Madonna sucks then that must be true, right? Well, no. Sorry to disappoint but that isn't necessarily the case here. First off, let me state for the record that I can't stand Madonna. Everything about her grates me the wrong way but I do have the conviction and the scruples to give someone their dues when...well, it's due. This is Well, if musicOMH.com and Karen/Brent says Madonna sucks then that must be true, right? Well, no. Sorry to disappoint but that isn't necessarily the case here. First off, let me state for the record that I can't stand Madonna. Everything about her grates me the wrong way but I do have the conviction and the scruples to give someone their dues when...well, it's due. This is a good album because no album that Timberland has been near could ever be rubbish. Except that one had did in the late '90s...when he was still fat. Buy this album so that Madonna can afford that extra black child she's always wanted. … Expand
  58. SarkesY.
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    NO WAY NEAR AS BAD AS SOME ARE MAKING IT, not better than confessions was but i think the pre-buzz is trying to kill it, really fun party/dance album more 80's vibe than anything she's done recently: CANDY SHOP, GIVE IT 2 ME, MILES AWAY, INCREDIBLE amd DEVIL are my FavEs!!!!!!
  59. Max
    Apr 30, 2008
    8
    It's not her best album but it is good!
  60. Val
    Apr 30, 2008
    9
    Every song has something great to offer and you won´t stop dancing...it´s not a producers album. Madonna´s stamp is all over the place.
  61. 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.
  62. JosiM
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    Though same tracks are pretty weak, there are a lot of gems here. They jsn't need some time to shine. It's not an album you'll love on the first listen. I wouldn't even call it a grower. You just need to feel the music, 'cause above all this is a straightforward dance album...
  63. DaveR.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    wow Hard candy is just the best madonna album ever!!!!!
  64. RickyH.
    Apr 29, 2008
    8
    Not her best, but it's a grower so far. I'm on the 3rd listen and some of the tracks are getting infectious. Some are a bit overdone. Dance2night is adorable.
  65. JoeC
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    An excellent CD. True the Madonna form and includes some of the best songs of her career. It's a pity that Metacritic has failed to look more broadly for reviews - you will find some give this record 5/5 and 4/4...but bias will always exist when Madonna is reviewed!!
  66. 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.
  67. IvanC.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Absolutely brilliant album! She did it again.
  68. sRe78
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Her best album in ten years. Catchy, fun and lighthearted.
  69. chinap.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Yes, metacritic forgot to post the great reviews from: Salon.com, About.com, Sputnikmusic, Attitude, the LA times, and the New York Times.... Hmmm....
  70. johnk.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Yes. Metacritic isn't being fair. This site has ignored almost all of Hard Candy's good reviews!
  71. 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.
  72. AndyM.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    This is a solid album and defintely one of Madonna's better ones. Songs like Give It To Me, Dance 2Nite, and Voices are probably some of Madonna's best songs since the Music album. I noticed that a lot of the critical reaction is mainly against her current choice of mainstream collaborators (Timbaland, P. Wlliams, Timberlake) which is rather unfair, if this was produced by an This is a solid album and defintely one of Madonna's better ones. Songs like Give It To Me, Dance 2Nite, and Voices are probably some of Madonna's best songs since the Music album. I noticed that a lot of the critical reaction is mainly against her current choice of mainstream collaborators (Timbaland, P. Wlliams, Timberlake) which is rather unfair, if this was produced by an unheard producer it would be considered nothing short of genius.… Expand
  73. 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.
  74. HenryG
    Apr 29, 2008
    4
    Atrocious for an artist of her calibre. So dissapointing. 2, maybe 3 decent tracks tops. I love her too.
  75. BJN.
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    Hot and Jumpin' new and freshly fun
  76. AbelardoJ.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Amazing. Full of funky beats and melodic rythms. Miles awa being the best.
  77. Karen/Brent
    Apr 29, 2008
    1
    Dire one down.
  78. ChrisR.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Amazing album!!! One of her best!!!
  79. JonathanD.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    This score is not accurate; the New York Daily News gave it 5 out of 5 stars, and People Magazine gave it 4 out of 4 stars...there are countless other amazing reviews, but this site picks and chooses which ones they're going to use.
  80. RyanK.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    I was a little worried about whether I would like Hard Candy after the first single, 4 Minutes, was released. Now that I've heard the whole album, I would say that 4 Minutes is possibly the weakest track, and not really indicative of the album as a whole. Hard Candy is being hyped as a kind of R/B/Hip-Hop album, but it's not hip-hop at all. In fact, I would say that this album I was a little worried about whether I would like Hard Candy after the first single, 4 Minutes, was released. Now that I've heard the whole album, I would say that 4 Minutes is possibly the weakest track, and not really indicative of the album as a whole. Hard Candy is being hyped as a kind of R/B/Hip-Hop album, but it's not hip-hop at all. In fact, I would say that this album is what Confessions on Dancefloor was supposed to be: a return to Madonna's 80's club roots. This album actually has more of a retro/disco vibe than Confessions. Stand-out tracks: Heartbeat, Miles Away, Incredible Low points: 4 Minutes, Pharell's singing, and Kanye's lame rap on Beat Goes On… Expand
  81. BrettR
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    Amazing! My favorites are Heartbeat, Give It 2 Me, and Devil Wouldn't Recognize You. I haven't stopped playing it for 3 days. I am thrilled and think it's the best dance album in years.
  82. MichaelS
    Apr 26, 2008
    2
    Wow, this is her worst album! :| R.I.P Madonna.
  83. 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.
  84. DamahS.
    Apr 24, 2008
    10
    Madonna is finally back to form, no spirituality or political nonsense. It's been awhile since I heard an album with hardly any fillers and filled with highly produced and well written music that flows very well together, starting off sexy and flamboyant and then ending on a much darker and intellectual note - something very few artists are capable of pulling off. A very enjoyable Madonna is finally back to form, no spirituality or political nonsense. It's been awhile since I heard an album with hardly any fillers and filled with highly produced and well written music that flows very well together, starting off sexy and flamboyant and then ending on a much darker and intellectual note - something very few artists are capable of pulling off. A very enjoyable listen and certainly won't leave my play list for at least a couple of months.… Expand
  85. SergioG.
    Apr 24, 2008
    9
    At least an album with a thought behind the musical and vocal research. Madonna hasn't been singing in so many different styles for a while...Finally, her extension has become more flexible too. All in all, a very sweet candy! P.S. props to Pharrell!!!!
  86. 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
  87. 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.
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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]
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »