Arts & Entertainment
Tough but tender
Beat-heavy but personal, Madonna exhumes mojo on new album
(Photo courtesy Liz Rosenberg Media)
Most people’s — even celebrities — public and private selves don’t have as wide a gulf between them as Madonna’s, one imagines. Her status as a pop culture icon and the human vulnerability underneath are juxtaposed wonderfully on “Rebel Heart,” the new album out this week that’s easily her best effort since “Confessions on a Dance Floor” and her most personal album since “Ray of Light.”
She collaborates with Diplo, Avicii and others to help bring in fresh sounds, but the message and mission of the album is pure, unadulterated Madonna.
On opening track and lead single, “Living for Love,” an impossibly catchy dance track, she finds strength to move on with her life and embrace love, regardless of previous heartbreak (or Brit Awards tumbles). The brilliantly composed “Messiah” is a somber and reflective ballad and would not have been out of place on “Ray of Light,” serving as a foil to the much more optimistic breakup song “Living for Love.”
“Ghosttown” is another perfectly lovely ballad. The auto-tune can get a bit distracting, but Madonna makes up for it in lyrical and production savvy.
“Bitch, I’m Madonna” and “Unapologetic Bitch” aren’t particularly distinguishable, though Nicki Minaj fans may prefer the latter where Minaj has a verse leagues better than the couplets she forced out on “Give Me All Your Luvin’.” It also has a great breakdown, which is likely thanks to Diplo. Both songs are up-tempo, danceable tracks that, lyrically, capture the tough, Teflon-like image of Madge.
As a contrast, “Joan of Arc” is haunting. Madonna expresses the pain she often feels when dealing with insecurities, criticism and other negative aspects of fame. In expressing her vulnerability, Madonna may have penned her most honest lyrics to date here.
Likewise, “Wash All Over Me” is a beautiful ballad likely describing Madonna’s struggle in the modern-day music industry, where she’s torn between trying to keep up with younger artists or going gently into that good night and, heaven forbid, retire.
Perhaps the most memorable song is the last and titular track, “Rebel Heart,” a jaunty tune tailor made for repeat listening, but one that also packs lyrical heft, where Madonna addresses her professional rebellions and need for attention. While she describes feelings of isolation, she is confident in her choices and reinventions and remains steadfast in her individualistic nature. It’s a much more mature reflection on her character than the two “Bitch” cuts.
The album isn’t without its sub-par moments. In “Devil Pray,” Madonna lists all the drugs she knows how to do. And “S.E.X” is about as subtle as its title suggests, trading in masterful lyrics and metaphor for dead horse beating. “Body Shop” borders on novelty but is musically interesting while “Illuminati” does little but perplex.
“Rebel Heart” is a musically inventive compilation and lyrically superior to more recent Madonna efforts. Across 19 tracks, she describes struggling to balance public perceptions of her strength with her hidden insecurities. It’s the album Madonna has been trying to produce for a decade. Regardless of its commercial success, it’s a brilliantly crafted album and could launch Madonna’s next heyday.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
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