Madonna - The Immaculate Collection

The naughtily titled Immaculate Collection culls 15 of Madonna's Top 10 singles from 1984 to mid-'90, plus 2 new ones that continued the run (the dirty, trunk-bumping funk of "Justify My Love"--a Lenny Kravitz production that justifies his entire career--and the danceable desperation of "Rescue Me"). Rooted in disco and classic AM pop from girl groups and ABBA to Strawberry Alarm Clock, Madonna made savvy, touching music throughout her first golden era. These tracks retain their sonic and historical significance while, like "She Loves You" or "Rocket Man," still brightening any space they're being played in. Far more than just a wise, irreverent image-maker--like the Beatles or Elton, come to think of it--Madonna during these years was the gift that kept on giving, forever fresh, sexy, hooky, and joyously sharp. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com essential recording

 Madonna Rocks
This is my first Madonna purchase and I am very pleased with it. Quite a number of the songs are the ones that I grew up with. I totally enjoy the album. March 27, 2008

 Irreverent and fun collection of Madonna's early hits
The cheekily titled Immaculate Collection contains the majority of Madonna's smash hits from the 1980s to early 1990, including such pop standards as Like a Virgin, Papa Don't Preach, Holiday, La Isla Bonita, and Material Girl. However, there are some other great slow additions that don't receive quite as much radio play in the present, including Crazy For You, Live to Tell, and Open Your Heart. There's one of Madonna's edgier, more overtly sexual tracks at the end of the CD, Justify My Love, that foreshadowed her Erotica and Sex period.

Although I was too young to remember most of these firsthand, especially earlier tracks like Borderline or Lucky Star, it's a testament to Madonna's enduring legacy that I know so many of them by heart from radio exposure and soundtracks. Even though the production (synths, drum machines) dates many of them, they are still enjoyable on their own, many with stronger lyrical chops than I would have expected for dance pop.

To be honest, this would have been better as a 2CD set to allow for major omissions such as True Blue, Angel, Dress You Up and Who's That Girl, but fans looking for her earlier dance hits such as Vogue and poppy delights such as Holiday and Cherish won't be disappointed. Also, several of the songs are remixes rather than original album versions, which may disappoint some fans, but overall, this is a pleasing pop confection sure to bring back memories of the '80s from one of music's enduring voices and trendsetters (cone bras, anyone?). March 14, 2008

 Pure garbage
It's so sad to think that some people actually spend their hard-earned money on superficial "music" like this, when there's so much great music out there with real heart and soul. You know, depth? Ever heard that word? Know the meaning of the word? Music with great arrangements and intelligent lyrics. Ever listened to music like that? No? Didn't think so. That's why you're reading this review... February 14, 2008

 A MUST-HAVE COLLECTION
'The Immaculate Collection'confirms once and for all Madonna's mastery of the pop single. This set contains about 80% of Madonna's singles of the
period 1984-1990 plus two new songs 'Justify my love'and 'Rescue me'(both turned out to be top ten singles). There are some important items missing like 'Who's that girl', 'Dress you up', and 'Causing a commotion'but they were replaced by not-so obvious choices like 'Into the groove, and it really works. This is an important album, even if you don't care about Madonna. It summarizes a small but extremely signficant part of the music of the 1980's.
January 31, 2008

 Incredible Gts Hits Album!!
What an awesome collection of amazing hits from the one and only, Madonna! I love all these songs! They also bring back some cool memories for sure... January 28, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...