Review Summary: Solid for its time.
When one thinks of Madonna they think of her classic material. Bedtime Stories does not include the sound that one regularly associates with Madonna. I blame the radio overplaying Like a Virgin, but I also blame the non-unique motifs of the album that none remember — Bedtime Stories is that album.
This R&B and disco influenced pop album was trend following. Madonna’s previous bubblegum pop is done away with and replaced with a more mature sound. In the process, the fun factor is diminished. It blended in with the modern times, but her spunky identity was lost in the effort to sound like generic 90s pop band #101. The album is very consistent with the type of tracks offered. That’s great news for humans obsessed with the derivative 90s sound. Therefore, variety isn’t available but neither is originality. That can be said about a lot of artists, but compared to Madonna’s stellar earlier career, this disappoints. The lyrics themselves aren’t great either, typical love chat though not done memorably.
Choruses are well done, and the instrumentals have a pleasant, soothing, sultry 90s aesthetic. Unless oneself is incredibly picky about what era of pop they enjoy, it’s difficult to deny that Bedtime Stories sounds good. Madonna’s timeless vocals spark the light of a thousand suns as always, and the songs have a luscious, foxy groove. The album is also topped off with excellent production, sounding modern enough to be played on the radio nowadays. The sound is easy to sink into and relax the time away. It’s nice, soft and pillowy, and with this consistent motif, the experience remains somewhat hypnotic.
Bedtime Stories is 90s recycling, but still good. Nonetheless, I would choose to listen to a Destiny’s Child album before this — the reason is simple. Bedtime Stories lacks energy throughout, so much that it seems like the album’s title speaks of the musical quality. These tracks may not be complete snoozers, but they also aren’t the the typical dance-y tracks one expects/wants from Madonna. The tracks may have a groove, but they are light bumps in the dark rather than club slammers. The album is much too calm and composed to be any fun, or memorable in any significant way. This album is for casual pop listeners and mainstream audiences. It’s a nice, light snack but not an entire Coffee Crisp.
I have very little desire to return to this album. The tracks are pure elevator music, so inoffensive they blend into the environment as though they’re not present. It only took five years to get completely off track after Madonna’s classic album Like a Prayer — that’s crazy. Bedtime Stories is entirely basic, vanilla pop with artificial soul. Like a Prayer, on the other hand, was infused with delight in its music and masterful beat making. This album had too many cooks in the kitchen, borrowing plentiful artists to create a mainstream sound. For example, Bjork helped work on the track Bedtime Story. The result? The album does not sound like Madonna. Intentional though it may be, and astoundingly successful for its time, the tracks are also products of their time. The album is a cute, solid slice of 90s pop, but if it stays in the past, it’s no great loss.
