"Dance2night," another cut featuring Timberlake, does a decent job of rehashing classic early-'80s club music with its thumping bass line and popping, synthesized percussion. But, again, Madonna adds no verve and even Timberlake sounds disinterested here. Slower numbers such as "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" and "Miles Away" fare a little better. Although the emphasis is more on rhythm and less on melodic hooks, the cuts are perhaps the most memorable songs on the 12-song CD.
Unlike previous Madonna albums, the tracks seem to be more important than the songs. Madonna used to be great at fitting marginal dance trends into an accessible pop context. A memorable melody was just as important as the groove.
But on Hard Candy, Madonna seems content to follow the trends instead of pushing them. Given where the pop diva is in her personal life - she's married with children - Madonna probably has little time to focus on what hipsters are doing in the underground club scene. Also, Hard Candy is the last album she owes Warner Bros. Records, her label since 1982.
