Ray of Light

Dance Music, Dance MP3:

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"Ray of Light" has been called "one of the great pop masterpeices of the 90s". On it's release in February, 1998, critics raved that it was Madonna's "richest, most accomplished [CD] yet" and her "most mature and restrained album".

The lead single "Frozen" was written by Madonna with longtime collaborator Patrick Leonard ("Papa Don't Preach", "Live to Tell") and introduced the world to Madonna's new darker, electronic sound. It became a top ten hit around the world and was remixed for the clubs by Victor Calderone and the Stereo MCs. The remix became a #1 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club/Play Chart.

RAY OF LIGHT:

The second single, "Ray of Light," was based on track "Sepheryn," written by Clive Maldoon & Dave Curtis. Other credited writers on the hit were Madonna, William Orbit, and Christine Leach. This song was yet another departure for Madonna in terms of "sound" as it featured a combination of electronic beats and guitar riffs. Victor Calderone's remix became the #1 most played club song in America in 1998.

Meanwhile outside America, "Drowned World/Substitute for Love" was released as the third single in August, 1998. While it was a #1 hit in Spain, it peaked at #10 in the U.K. and top twenty in Canada and Australia. The single release contained the BT & Sasha Ashram remix backed by "Sky Fits Heaven" (Calderone).

The ballad "The Power of Good-Bye" was chosen as the fourth International single. In the U.K., it was released as a double A side with "Little Star". The single peaked at #11 in the U.S. but was a top ten song in many other major markets. In addition, the Junior Vasquez remix, though never released commercially, received significant club play.

The fifth, and final, single culled from the CD was "Nothing Really Matters". "Nothing Really Matters" added to the hits tally for Madonna and cosongwriter Patrick Leonard, going top ten in territories around the world. In the U.S., The Peter Rauhofer (Club 69) remix went to #1 on the dance chart.

"Ray of Light" was nominated for five Grammys, including Record and Album of the year, a rare feat for an Electronica CD. It won three: "Best Dance Recording," "Best Pop Album," and "Best Recording Package". It went on to sell an estimated 18 Million copies around the world.

Dance Music, Dance MP3:

Frozen (Calderone)

ROL (Calderone)

Drowned World (BT & Sasha)

Nothing Really Matters (Club 69)

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