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. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    0
    Hard Candy is a serviceable . The album is irritating.Atrocious for an artist of her calibre. So dissapointing
  2. 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.
  3. JacqueM
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Smash hits 4 minutes and 4 million copies sold Hard Candy, I am still waiting for the reissue of Vinyl.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. Justinscotts
    Nov 16, 2020
    9
    it’s fun. has bops.groovy. but not that the best thing ever. rather listen to the tour version Sticky and Sweet
  9. Rodsmerchan
    Sep 15, 2020
    10
    It’s the most underrated albums of Madonna’s Career. A piece of art that shines 12 years later
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. jcalves93
    May 23, 2020
    10
    Para um álbum que em 2008 foi acusado de soar clichê e mais do mesmo, Hard Candy envelheceu muito bem. Soa interessante e fresco mesmo depois de 12 anos. Um prato cheio para os fãs e para o público jovem que está conhecendo o trabalho da Madonna agora.
  13. FabPop
    Mar 27, 2020
    5
    So catchy at the beggining but so dissapointing by the end.

    Is a good attempt but not enough...
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. rodolpho_h
    Aug 6, 2019
    9
    I discovered this album a decade later and I love this record. JT, Tim and Pharrell did their own thing but M somehow managed to put a twist of her pop-oriented instinct with her signature lyricism. This album is pure fun and I love how buoyant this record is. There's this rawness that was lack since her Like A Virgin days and in tracks like Candy Shop and She's Not Me, she sang with soI discovered this album a decade later and I love this record. JT, Tim and Pharrell did their own thing but M somehow managed to put a twist of her pop-oriented instinct with her signature lyricism. This album is pure fun and I love how buoyant this record is. There's this rawness that was lack since her Like A Virgin days and in tracks like Candy Shop and She's Not Me, she sang with so much sass that I didn't hear since Erotica. The frivolous side of her seemed meshed with her serious confessional side better than COADF which I felt didn't match up enough. She and JT should collab more as I felt they connected with each other more as songwriters compare to Nicki Minaj or Quavo. That connection really reflects in this record and I love M pushed Timbaland signature beats further with tracks like Voices where lush orchestra somehow melts with trip-hop beats magnificently. I can relate to this record personally and the downside is that M singing was pushed into more staccato which at times felt vacant.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. ManuelContreras
    Apr 7, 2018
    5
    muchos dirian que es su peor trabajo, es algo malo pero no tanto, el album tiene lo suyo
  19. 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.
  20. tintin_tintine
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    This is the best album for running. Period. Thanks to this album I've managed to finish my first marathon and Olympic triathlon last year. Strongly recommend for athletes and fitness music lovers!
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  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. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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...
  28. 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...
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. Visser
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    I just love this album. I know that lot of Madonna fans hate it, and I don't know why. It's really good, especially songs that Madonna wrote with Pharrell (Heartbeat, SNM, Incredible).
    I can listen to this all the time.
  32. DarkBates
    Nov 6, 2013
    9
    I love this album. Her voice is sounding amazing! Timbaland and Justin weren't her bests collaborations, but they did a good job with her. "Miles Away" and "Beat Goes On" are the best. And Give It 2 Me is a great song to hear and dance when you're happy!
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. 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
  39. 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.
  40. 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!
  41. 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.
  42. SantixRdeCh
    Jun 11, 2010
    10
    Great album. i didn't like 4 minutes at first, but i was only a matter of time so I could like it. My favs: Spanish Lesson, She's not me, Heartbeat, Give it to me, Candy Shop, Beat goes on.
  43. 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
  44. 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".
  45. JensO
    Aug 1, 2009
    8
    She doesn't reinvent the wheel on this one, but the album contains some great tracks.
  46. John
    Jul 2, 2009
    9
    Far from perfect, I have yet to find any Madonna album that is, Hard Candy is, however very close. Of course it lacks the huge stand out moments that its predecessor had in Hung Up, Sorry and Jump. But it, as a complete album, holds together well, it flows better than any other Madonna album I can think of. The stand out tracks for me are: She's Not Me, Beat Goes On (Feat. Kanye Far from perfect, I have yet to find any Madonna album that is, Hard Candy is, however very close. Of course it lacks the huge stand out moments that its predecessor had in Hung Up, Sorry and Jump. But it, as a complete album, holds together well, it flows better than any other Madonna album I can think of. The stand out tracks for me are: She's Not Me, Beat Goes On (Feat. Kanye West), Spanish Lesson, Give It 2 Me, Heartbeat and Devil Wouldn't Recognize You. In typical Madonna style, the balladry, is Excellent. In truth the only, and regretably longest, mistake on the album is Incredible, which really shows how weak her voice is if not treated properly. This coupled with the dreadful lyrical content and rather passe beats, it adds up to being the albums only real mistake.… Expand
  47. KennyC
    Jul 1, 2009
    8
    This album is not as good as Confessions; it doesn't have that album's brilliant combination of back-to-basics dance and the emotional core of Ray of Light and Like a Prayer. However, that being said, Hard Candy is still an extremely enjoyable record, filled with thumping modern beats (see the production credits) and catchy choruses. Anyone who claims that the music and This album is not as good as Confessions; it doesn't have that album's brilliant combination of back-to-basics dance and the emotional core of Ray of Light and Like a Prayer. However, that being said, Hard Candy is still an extremely enjoyable record, filled with thumping modern beats (see the production credits) and catchy choruses. Anyone who claims that the music and Madonna's personality have been drowned out by the production just isn't giving the album the chance it deserves.… Expand
  48. 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.
  49. 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.
  50. JoshP
    Jan 3, 2009
    10
    Hard candy is a rare gem that is full of life and perfection and excellently produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, Pharrell, kanye and The Neptunes. Madonna is at the top of her game with this album and it is one of her better efforts,the noughties are the new eighties for Madonna. tracks-4 Minutes,Give it 2 Me,Miles Away,She's Not Me,Beat Goes On,Dance 2night,Spanish lesson,and Devil Hard candy is a rare gem that is full of life and perfection and excellently produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, Pharrell, kanye and The Neptunes. Madonna is at the top of her game with this album and it is one of her better efforts,the noughties are the new eighties for Madonna. tracks-4 Minutes,Give it 2 Me,Miles Away,She's Not Me,Beat Goes On,Dance 2night,Spanish lesson,and Devil are exceptional songs.… Expand
  51. SeanF
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    Fantastic considering the worst song on the album was a number 1 Hit!
  52. PaulineD
    Nov 25, 2008
    9
    The first Madonna album with all that hip-hop, R&B, and dance music experimenting, this CD will make the perfect party going wild.
  53. AnnAnne'
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    This album sure is hot!Best songs are Devil wouldn't recognize you,miles away,voices and beat goes on!
  54. 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.
  55. 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
  56. 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.
  57. ThomasW
    Sep 14, 2008
    0
    Wrost album of the year. Bye bye Madonna...
  58. 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.
  59. DejanS.
    Aug 20, 2008
    10
    So far... Her best work! She's in pop again!
  60. 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.
  61. 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
  62. RobertW
    Jul 20, 2008
    9
    It's a grower.
  63. Nickalli
    Jul 17, 2008
    9
    Madonna the Best!
  64. J
    Jul 14, 2008
    9
    There are some jams on this album.
  65. RonaldF.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    Madonna doesn't disappoint she still has the touch despite 25 years in the industry.
  66. Parkus
    Jun 24, 2008
    0
    Awful. Vile artwork. Simple melodies and dire lyrics.
  67. 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.
  68. AnthonyF.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    I have been a fan of Madonna for her entire career. As a teen in the 80s she was the soundtrack to my life. I think this album is great with one exception. Spanish Lesson. If it is a lesson shouldn't you be telling me the actual meanings of the words instead of kinda what you think they mean.
  69. James
    May 26, 2008
    9
    A very solid Madonna album, featuring some of her best songs in recent history including GIVE IT 2 ME, HEARTBEAT, MILES AWAY, INCREDIBLE and DEVIL WON'T RECOGNIZE YOU. Excellent vocal performance as well. Go Madonna!
  70. 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!
  71. 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.
  72. JoseB.
    May 23, 2008
    10
    METACRITIC your not including best reviews like the New your times or Los Angeles times there are also good reviews on People and US magazine it will improve the average of the album, you are only adding the bad reviews, don´t know why.
  73. LukeR.
    May 19, 2008
    1
    Not impressed- she can do much better than that.
  74. GradyP.
    May 13, 2008
    10
    No, it's not the soul-searching journey Ray of Light is, nor is it the amazing space disco odyssey Confessions on a Dance Floor is; however, Hard Candy is a constantly dancable (is that a word?) album that still ranks among her best work, number 5 on my personal list of favorite Madonna albums. It's like she looked back on that girl that was rolling around in a wedding dress at No, it's not the soul-searching journey Ray of Light is, nor is it the amazing space disco odyssey Confessions on a Dance Floor is; however, Hard Candy is a constantly dancable (is that a word?) album that still ranks among her best work, number 5 on my personal list of favorite Madonna albums. It's like she looked back on that girl that was rolling around in a wedding dress at the MTV awards, going back in time, kicking her ass, then drinking her blood while recording the new album. Madonna is just THAT badass. Definitely worth a listen.… Expand
  75. killerblow
    May 11, 2008
    8
    This is how a pop album should be: no pretensions, no nonsense, with feet-stomping, finger-snapping danceable tunes that would appeal to everyone.
  76. LeonardH.
    May 11, 2008
    9
    A great companion to CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR! Don't believe the urban slant--this is just great, classic Madonna wrapped in heavier, modern beats. Almost each track is single worthy on this pop album; Madonna should be very proud to have delivered one of her best albums 25 years into her career!
  77. michalis
    May 11, 2008
    9
    A very good disc that brings Madonna up to date but the album's producers don't leave her the space she needs to be Madonna. Quite fun and easy listening but we demand more.
  78. DeeDeeDee
    May 11, 2008
    8
    Hard candy is sweet, tasty but have empty calories. Guilty pleasure. It's fun but complitly dispossible. She could have it so much better.
  79. 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
  80. mr
    May 9, 2008
    9
    As one who ignored the panning of American Life (which was so incredibly underrated) and appreciates the chances Madonna takes (much of Erotica is also incredibly underrated), I approached this album with enthusiasm and trepidation. First two listens, I wasn't quite sure. After that, total bliss. Are you freakin' kidding me? This is the sweetest album we've had on constant As one who ignored the panning of American Life (which was so incredibly underrated) and appreciates the chances Madonna takes (much of Erotica is also incredibly underrated), I approached this album with enthusiasm and trepidation. First two listens, I wasn't quite sure. After that, total bliss. Are you freakin' kidding me? This is the sweetest album we've had on constant play in our cars. So many albums are reconsidered in hindsight, and I'm sure this will be one that ends up on future critics' lists as a great fusion of the sounds, musicians and producers of a certain time period mixed with an artistic icon who actually is a major part of the creative process. And those same critics will claim that they loved it at the time. Kudos to everyone involved.… Expand
  81. DanielC.
    May 9, 2008
    10
    Great album...!!!
  82. NunoM.
    May 8, 2008
    7
    It's an ok album with some great tracks, not a great album. Nice for the summer.
  83. 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
  84. EnriqueF.
    May 7, 2008
    8
    It´s a good album, it has excellent tracks, but I think that Madonna could have done something more exciting like Confessións. Anywaysm it has the "MADONNA" seal, and that is guaranteed.
  85. OwenM
    May 6, 2008
    6
    Not bad, the last one was better.
  86. KIR
    May 6, 2008
    10
    Old-school, funky, as fresh as her first album... just great!!!
  87. 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.
  88. Craig
    May 5, 2008
    9
    solid, fun summer album. get off your lazy and cynical arses and enjoy it. probably the most straight-up fun album she's put out since Like A Virgin.
  89. 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!
  90. PetrS.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    absolutely amazing album. It's better than Confessions, American Life, Music!
  91. djv
    May 4, 2008
    9
    It's very catchy, vocally she hasn't sounded this good since Ray of Light. It's not anything new, but it's certainly isn't bad.
  92. robertb.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    I'm a fan, but i tend to be critic of Madonna. In this album she manages to balance it all, catching up with today's music, being more mainstreem, and still be herself and delivering to her hardcore fans. The greatest thing is she's having fun and being the feisty Madonna we lost track of for many years!
  93. T.
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Very smart album, lot of hits, US-oriented, hope it will work there.
  94. 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
  95. GiuGiuFrickey
    May 4, 2008
    9
    It's quite good actually. It can't be compare with the other albums but sounds very commercial. The lyrics can be very childish ->see "Spanish lesson" but there are also some good tracks. A 9 for this album, I think it worths a 9.
  96. Bardo
    May 4, 2008
    10
    hard candy is her best album of a decade.
  97. ChsM
    May 4, 2008
    8
    Sure it's safe, by Madonna's standard. But like the album "Music," this is a fun record but with lots more potential hits: Beat Goes On, Miles Away, Heartbeat. Pharell's tracks are, surprisingly to me, much better than the Timbaland/Timberlake collaborations.
  98. yori
    May 3, 2008
    10
    For me the album is a perfect hybrid of all the Madonna personas and sounds we've heard over the years but with an up to date vibe....there's RnB,Disco,Electonica,Retro etc etc...there's Bitchy,Fun,Lonely and Self-Reflective....from her vocals to the sound and vibe....a perfect goodbye record to Warner and 25 years Yeap,she's not steps ahead but she has been so many For me the album is a perfect hybrid of all the Madonna personas and sounds we've heard over the years but with an up to date vibe....there's RnB,Disco,Electonica,Retro etc etc...there's Bitchy,Fun,Lonely and Self-Reflective....from her vocals to the sound and vibe....a perfect goodbye record to Warner and 25 years Yeap,she's not steps ahead but she has been so many times AND after the block she received from american radio who can blame her for wanting to go mainstream and lighter this time....T-H-I-S is the dance record she set out to make a couple of years ago... The people she worked with this time are as familiar in the music world as her,so people seem to have a hard time accepting their presence or influence.But the record still screams Madonna. i can live without one or two songs but the rest... gems :) Everything she does gets reactions from both extremes but rarely gets apathy,which is always preferable in life....lol. ....which is also another reason to love her! Stop complaining,play the album,dance and enjoy your summer soundtrack!… Expand
  99. 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.
  100. B
    May 3, 2008
    3
    One word - ew.
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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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