The Bottom Line
Disappointment would be the best word to describe my reaction to Madonna's first single from her upcoming MDNA album. Collaborating with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj, two of the most gifted young women in popular music, she has delivered something that is simply ok. Judged by her own very high standards, "Give Me All Your Luvin'" is a weak bubblegum trifle.
Pros
- Singalong chorus
Cons
- Weak bubblegum production
- Lack of fire
- Standard issue rap features
Description
- Written by Madonna, Martin Solveig, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Michael Tordjman
- Produced by Madonna and Martin Solveig
- Released February 2012 by interscope
Guide Review - Madonna - "Give Me All Your Luvin'"
Madonna gives us cheerleader dance pop. Unfortunately, "Gimme All Your Luvin'" doesn't have the over the top humor of Toni Basil's "Mickey" or the amphetamine rush of Avril Lavigne's smash "Girlfriend," the standard bearers in this niche. Instead, we have a light, frothy piece of dance pop bubblegum that fails to truly excite. Madonna seems intent on inviting us to set aside the stresses of everyday life and join her in a carefree, fun-filled world. Unfortunately, on "Gimme All Your Luvin'" that world sounds rather robotic and dull.
Madonna enlisted both M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj to deliver guest raps here. Both sound like they are phoning in the performance to provide window dressing to attract younger pop fans. For something a bit more adventurous, listen to M.I.A.'s latest single "Bad Girls" or even Nicki Minaj's flawed "Stupid Hoe."
Madonna often seems to reserve the lead off single spot from an album for one of the most powerful tracks in the project. Her last two lead singles were the ABBA sampling dance floor rush of "Hung Up" and the charging marching band sound of her collaboration with Justin Timberlake on "4 Minutes." "Give Me All Your Luvin'" pales in comparison. It is easy to sing along with the chorus here, but there is little musical substance beyond that. Madonna simply doesn't seem fully engaged here and Martin Solveig's bubblegum approach to the production doesn't help.
Looking forward to MDNA the album, she has reunited with William Orbit, who co-produced the masterful "Ray Of Light," and Italian dance producer Benny Benassi is involved as well. Let's hope for something a bit closer to the challenge and fun of Madonna classics of the past. For now, "Give Me All your Luvin'" is Madonna lite. Listen to it and then turn back to the legacy of 37 top 10 hits and realize everyone can have a bad day.
