Description
Madonna – Something To Remember – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Something to Remember is a compilation album by American singer Madonna, released on November 3, 1995, by Maverick Records. The album is a collection of ballads that spans her career up to that point, offering a softer, more introspective side of Madonna, which contrasts with the more provocative and upbeat pop for which she was widely known. Something to Remember includes some of her most well-known ballads, along with a few new tracks and reimagined versions of previous hits.
By the mid-1990s, Madonna had already established herself as one of the most successful and influential pop artists of all time. Known for her constantly evolving image and sound, she had dominated the 1980s and early 1990s with a string of chart-topping hits and albums. However, after the controversy surrounding her 1992 album “Erotica” and the sexually explicit book “Sex,” Madonna’s public image had become increasingly polarizing.
Something to Remember was released as a way to soften her image and highlight her versatility as an artist, focusing on the more emotional and vulnerable aspects of her music. The album compiles some of her most heartfelt ballads, offering a retrospective of her career while also introducing new material.
Something to Remember features a mix of previously released ballads, new tracks, and reworked versions of older songs, showcasing Madonna’s ability to deliver emotional and poignant performances.
“I Want You” (with Massive Attack) – The album opens with this haunting cover of Marvin Gaye’s classic, produced by Nellee Hooper and featuring the trip-hop band Massive Attack. The track blends Madonna’s ethereal vocals with a dark, moody soundscape, setting the tone for the album’s introspective nature.
“I’ll Remember” – Originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1994 film With Honors, this song is one of Madonna’s most successful ballads. The track’s lush production and heartfelt lyrics about cherishing memories make it a standout on the album.
“Take a Bow” – A No. 1 hit from her 1994 album “Bedtime Stories,” “Take a Bow” is a beautifully crafted ballad co-written with Babyface. The song features a smooth, orchestral arrangement and lyrics that reflect on unrequited love and the end of a relationship.
“You’ll See” – One of the new tracks recorded for the album, “You’ll See” is a powerful ballad about resilience and independence. Co-produced by David Foster, the song showcases Madonna’s vocal range and emotional depth, becoming a hit single in its own right.
“Crazy for You” – A classic ballad from the soundtrack of the 1985 film Vision Quest, “Crazy for You” was one of Madonna’s earliest chart-topping hits. The song’s simple yet effective arrangement highlights her ability to convey deep emotion through her vocals.
“This Used to Be My Playground” – Originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1992 film A League of Their Own, this melancholy ballad reflects on lost innocence and nostalgia. The song became a No. 1 hit and is one of the more poignant tracks on the album.
“Live to Tell” – One of Madonna’s most iconic ballads, “Live to Tell” was originally featured on her 1986 album “True Blue.” The song’s powerful lyrics and haunting melody make it a standout, and it’s often regarded as one of her best vocal performances.
“Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” – This track is a re-recorded version of the song originally featured on her 1984 album “Like a Virgin.” The new version features a more stripped-down, soulful arrangement that highlights the emotion in Madonna’s performance.
“Something to Remember” – The title track, originally from her 1990 album “I’m Breathless,” is a tender ballad that reflects on love and memory. The song’s inclusion on this compilation emphasizes its emotional resonance.
“One More Chance” – Another new track, “One More Chance” is a simple, acoustic ballad that showcases a more vulnerable side of Madonna. The song’s understated arrangement allows her voice and the lyrics to take center stage.
Something to Remember is characterized by its focus on ballads and more introspective songs, showcasing a different side of Madonna than what was typically associated with her pop hits and provocative image. The album’s themes revolve around love, loss, heartbreak, and resilience, offering a deep, emotional connection with the listener.
Musically, the album blends pop with adult contemporary and orchestral elements, with many of the songs featuring lush arrangements that emphasize Madonna’s vocal performances. The production is polished yet allows the emotional core of each song to shine through, making it a cohesive and powerful collection of work.
Something to Remember was well-received by both critics and fans, who appreciated the opportunity to see a different side of Madonna’s artistry. The album was praised for its strong selection of ballads and its ability to showcase Madonna’s versatility as a performer. Commercially, it was a success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and going multi-platinum in the United States.
The album also played a key role in reshaping Madonna’s public image, helping to present her as a more mature and multifaceted artist. It demonstrated her ability to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level, and many of the songs from the album remain fan favorites to this day.
Something to Remember stands as an important compilation in Madonna’s discography, highlighting her ability to deliver powerful, emotionally resonant performances. The album serves as a testament to her versatility and her skill as a balladeer, offering a different perspective on her career during the mid-1990s.
For fans of Madonna, Something to Remember is an essential collection that captures some of her most moving and timeless songs. The album continues to be appreciated for its depth and its role in solidifying Madonna’s status as one of the most influential and enduring figures in popular music.
1995 Album of ballads
180 Gram Vinyl
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
I Want You
I’ll Remember (Theme From The Motion Picture With Honors)
Take A Bow
You’ll See
Crazy For You
This Used To Be My Playground
Live To Tell
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore (Remix)
Something To Remember
Forbidden Love
One More Chance
Rain
Oh Father
I Want You (Orchestral)
