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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Madonna: Veronica Electronica review – Ray of Light rarities range from perfect to perfunctory
It's hard to overstate the impact of Ray of Light, Madonna's seventh album. Released in 1998, it totally reshaped Madonna's career, embracing trip-hop, electronica and Britpop and essentially proving to an unfriendly public that she was one of pop's great auteurs. It spawned one of her biggest singles – the haunting power ballad Frozen – and its title track is still a staple of radio and DJ playlists. In the past few years, many of contemporary and underground pop's most significant names – including Caroline Polachek, Addison Rae, a.s.o., Shygirl and FKA twigs – have referenced Ray of Light, whether directly or indirectly. It's a fool's errand to try to make a case for the best or most significant Madonna album – she has at least five strong contenders – but if there's a consensus pick, it's Ray of Light. Which is why the announcement of Veronica Electronica, a full-length Ray of Light remix album, was met with such hysteria from fans earlier this year. Madonna has spoken at length over the years about both Veronica the character – in true Madonna fashion, Veronica stems from a vaguely contradictory concept in which she is both a girl dancing at a club and, somehow, 'medieval' – and the album, which she intended to release after Ray of Light but ended up shelving. For diehards, the promised record is something of a holy grail – never mind that this long-awaited release only contains two truly new songs, one of which, an old demo titled Gone Gone Gone, has been floating around on the internet for years. Even so, it's hard to deny the simple pleasures that can be derived from hearing some all-time great Madonna remixes cut down to radio length and sequenced like the original Ray of Light. Drowned World/Substitute for Love sounds great taken out of its original glacial trip-hop context and turned into a DayGlo acid rager by BT and Sasha; the emotional ambiguities of the original song are replaced with warm positivity, and you can easily imagine the song soundtracking the final minutes of a raging house party as the sun begins to rise. Other tracks, such as Peter and Victor's remix of Skin – the other new song here – take an opposite tack; they heighten Skin's innate moodiness with a steely, exploratory techno beat punctuated by big, sharp breaks, turning the original track into something tweaky and unsettled. As is often the case with remix records, there are moments on Veronica Electronica that feel perfunctory – namely, the Club 69 remix of Nothing Really Matters. Perhaps any remix of the original song will always be held to a higher standard, given its status as one of the only out-and-out club tracks on Ray of Light, but unlike many of the remixes on the album, it feels as if there's no relationship between the source material and the rework here, aside from Madonna's vocal, which is looped to the point of irritation. It's frustrating when people claim to 'hate remixes', as if you can put a blanket statement on an entire artform, but this kind of remix may make you sympathise with the sentiment. Fabien's Good God mix of The Power of Good-Bye, on the other hand, represents all the potential of a curio project like this: a bizarrely minimal drum'n'bass rework of one of Madonna's best ballads, it finds enormous power in the conflict between Fabien's increasingly frenetic drums and Madonna's serene, sorrowful vocal. It's a surprisingly appropriate lead-in to Gone Gone Gone, a song so brilliantly weird that you really can understand why it was left off the original album. It is, essentially, a wistful breakup ballad set to a squelchy electro beat – a surreal tonal clash that hardly gels with Ray of Light's placid waters, but which gives a surprising amount of insight into Madonna's creative state at the time: here is one of the biggest stars in the world, in her creative prime, throwing anything at the wall to see what sticks. For that peek behind the curtain alone, Veronica Electronica is worth the price of admission.
Buzz Feed
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
2025 Songs Of The Summer Predictions
So far in 2025, we've had new albums from Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Benson Boone, and even Will Smith. With the year far from over, I feel like it's time to predict what hit will be crowned the "song of the summer" before we're any deeper into the year. So, I asked my fellow trending news and pop culture enthusiasts at BuzzFeed which song they believe is the 2025 "song of the summer," and everybody had great responses. Here are which songs they picked (including my own selection). "Manchild" — Sabrina Carpenter "I didn't like it at first but it has grown on me, and no other song has appeared and become a 'song of the summer' for me, so I guess this one is it this year. It's so damn catchy!"—Nora Dominick, Senior Entertainment Editor Check out the music video for "Manchild." "New Friends" — Flowerovlove "'new friends' by flowerovlove is pure pop perfection. The bridge ('You're just a man / Why would I be your friend?') is iconic, and I hope her career blows up like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan's did last summer!"—Kristen Harris, Staff Writer Check out the visualizer for "New Friends." "Vibes Don't Lie (Remix)" — Leon Thomas & Big Sean "Not to be dramatic, but this song was MADE for sun-lounging and rosé-sipping. If you're a fan of slow, sexy R&B, this — and any Leon Thomas track, TBH — is for you."—Leyla Mohammed, Staff Writer Check out the YT audio of "Vibes Don't Lie (Remix). "Wifey Riddim" — Shygirl ft. Jorja Smith & SadBoi "Colossal team-up, infectious production, eye-catching video—what else could you want? Shygirl is, as always, always bringing the heat."—Larry Fitzmaurice, Senior Weekend Editor Check out the music video for "Wifey Riddim." "Nokia" — Drake "My song of the summer (despite it being released in February) is 'Nokia' by Drake. No matter your feelings about Drizzy in 2025, the man has always known how to master a catchy summer song — and this track is no exception. As well as being a total bop, 'Nokia' asks the all-important questions for a true hot girl summer: 'Who's calling my phone?' and 'Where the fuck the function?' Get me some sun, a spicy marg, and what more could I need?"—Ellen Durney, Staff Writer"Mine is Drake's 'NOKIA.' It's just so groovy! Whenever I hear, 'Where the f*** the function,' it's like a call to action. Like, I immediately want to get up and find the vibes."—Chelsea Stewart, Weekend Editor Check out the music video for "Nokia." "Can We Talk About Isaac?" — Rachel Chinouriri "This song belongs on every summer playlist, in my humble opinion — it's bright, pop perfection that makes you wanna dance around the room and sing into a hairbrush. I saw her perform the song at her headline tour last month, and the energy of the crowd was electric. I think we're long overdue for a Rachel Chinouriri summer."—Angelica Martinez, Latine Editorial Lead Check out the official visualiser for "Can We Talk About Issac?" "You Got Time and I Got Money" — Smerz "This is a *true* version of summer: languorous in the sticky heat, yearning but woozy, fun but TIRED. It's a pop song with just enough cheek and just enough swagger. It's a Smerz Summer."—Alex Naidus, Editorial Director Check out the music video for "You Got Time and I Got Money." "Ribs" — Lorde "RIBS — LORDE — This is my song of the summer for 2025 because I listen to it when I am depressed and baby, look around, this song has never been more relevant. Also, despite it being my depression song, it's also a certified bop, so if you see me driving down the road crying while listening to this song for the 17th time this week, no you didn't!"—Lara Parker, Director of the Lifestyle and Trending News Check out the YT audio for "Ribs." "Headphones On" — Addison Rae "The song of the summer is 'Headphones On' by Addison Rae. Am I correct? No. Do I care? NO!!!!"—Sarah Wainschel, Deputy Director, Aud Dev"To me, this year's song of the summer glory belongs to Addison Rae for blessing us with 'Headphones On' because not only is it a bop, but it genuinely feeeels like summer. It doesn't take itself seriously, makes my brain feel smooth, and forces me to forget about The Grind™ and soak up some (much needed) vibey vibes instead. Just like summer. Guess I gotta accept the pain. 💅"—Kelsie Hammond, Junior Community Strategist Check out the music video for "Headphones On." "Boots on the Ground (Where Them Fans At)" — 803Fresh "I think 'Boots on the Ground' by 803Fresh is definitely the song of the summer. It's catchy, and it feels new and familiar at the same time. No matter how many times I hear it, it makes me dance."—Tafi Mukunyadzi, Senior Editor Check out the music video for "Boots on the Ground." "No Broke Boys" — Disco Lines & Tinashe "Hearing this song for the first time made me feel like I was driving through California with the car roof open, even though I was actually in my mother's SUV in the suburbs "—Natasha Jokic, Senior Staff Writer Check out the official audio for "No Broke Boys." "End of the World" — Miley Cyrus "It SHOULD have been 'End of the World' by Miley Cyrus, but you all let it flop. A poignant, relevant song (the political climate—HELLO) with a catchy-as-hell, ABBA-esque beat: Miley delivered everything you could want in a song of the summer!! I'll never, EVER forget that you let her (and me) down!!!"—Matt Stopera, Founding Editor Check out the music video for "End of the World." "Final Boss" — MARINA "MARINA's newest album is full of bangers, but the final song is my favorite. It's wildly catchy, and it's the perfect 'getting ready to go out' song. Shout-out to 'CUNTISSIMO' as a runner-up."—Hannah Marder, Senior Staff Writer Check out the visualiser for "Final Boss." "Asking 4 A Friend" — Bermuda Search Party "You know that feeling in the summer when the sun starts to set around 9pm and you find yourself in a backyard surrounded by good friends and the music that's playing just hits all the right vibes. That's Bermuda Search Party. Their sound is so nostalgic and yet of this very moment. It's like their music is from a cut scene of a movie you always wanted to be in except this time it's your real life, soak it in. When the brass comes in, you cant help but move your feet and smile. Oh and if you can, go see them live, its magic."—Jennifer Tonti, Senior Audience Development Strategist Check out the music video for "Asking For a Friend." "Ace Trumpets" — Clipse "There's something about a pure gangster, grimy, gully beat by Pharrell that makes you frown in utter disgust that just hits the inner east-coast child in me. You know that stank face you make when the beat is soooo good? THIS! Not to mention hearing Pusha T and Malice reunite and lay down entire verses where they rhyme with one word the whole time. Lyrical mastery. Insanity. On repeat over here."—Karlton Jahmal, Sponsorship and Assignments Editor at BuzzFeed Check out the lyric video for "Ace Trumpets." "Is It?" — Tyla "Tyla "Is It?' is my song of the summer because it's such a summery, flirtatious bop with a super cute music video to accompany it. Tyla continues to prove that she's a formidable main pop girlie!"—Terry Carter Jr., Director of Pop Culture and Celebrity News Check out the music video for "Is It?" And finally, "Hold My Hand" (Jet2holidays Version) — Jess Glynne The internet has spoken! The song of the summer is Jess Glynne's 2015 song 'Hold My Hand', but not the original. No. 'Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday' commercial being repurposed for TikTok videos and Instagram Reels. I've been a fan of the song before the 2022 Jet2holidays ad, but I have discovered a new love for the track with that quirky British voice talking over a video of a toddler tumbling down padded stairs.—Myke Thompson, Jr. Staff Writer Check out the TV advert for Jet2holiday. Now it's your turn! What do you think is the 2025 song of the summer? Share in the comments or use this anonymous form.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Charli xcx Burns ‘Brat' Down During Glastonbury Set While Gracie Abrams Stars as ‘Apple' Girl
Charli xcx set 'Brat' on fire during her Glastonbury set on Saturday night — literally. Headlining the Other Stage, the avant-garde pop star began her set business as usual with the Shygirl remix of '365' followed by '360.' But then, before launching into 'Von Dutch,' the neon green 'Brat' curtain that was serving as a backdrop started burning. Charli reveled in the destruction as the stage lights turned red, seemingly signaling a sinister turn. More from Variety Kneecap Leads 'F-- Keir Starmer' Chant at Massive Glastonbury Set Amid Growing Controversy in the U.K. Matty Healy Says the 1975 Doesn't Want Its 'Legacy to Be One of Politics' at Glastonbury Headlining Set: 'We Need More Love and Friendship' Lorde Surprises Glastonbury With Set Celebrating 'Virgin' Release: 'I Didn't Know if I'd Make Another Record, but I'm Back Here Completely Free' However, her set continued as normal, with little differences from her recent headlining spots. When it came time for 'Apple,' fellow Glastonbury artist Gracie Abrams was selected to perform the TikTok-famous dance as the crowd went crazy. 'I'm known to have the heart of a stone but this is very fucking emotional right now,' Charli said of headlining the Other Stage (Neil Young was top billing at the Pyramid). 'I feel very grateful. Thank you so much, you're cool as fuck. But not as cool as me, bitch.' 'Party 4 U' and 'Vroom Vroom' proved to be later highlights of the set, finally getting the hospitality side of the crowd dancing (Harry Styles and Eddie Redmayne were spotted in the exclusive section). Charli danced in the (fake) rain once again for 'Track 10,' wowing the crowd, and ended the set with 'I Love It,' shockingly not bringing out any surprise guests (though her 'Girl, So Confusing' collaborator Lorde played a secret set on Friday). As the crowd exited, Charli's outro message displayed on the screens made clear that the burning of the 'Brat' banner was only for show. 'We had to do it and it looked cool,' the message said. 'I think you all have proven to me that 'Brat' is forever.' Charli has been making the festival rounds this summer, most recently performing at Primavera Sound in Spain, where Chappell Roan was the 'Apple Girl,' and curating her own lineup at London's Lido Festival, where she brought out 'Rewind' collaborator Bladee. Back in April at Coachella, she brought out a trio of surprise guests, including Billie Eilish for 'Guess,' Lorde for 'Girl, So Confusing' and Troye Sivan for 'Talk Talk.' At Lido, she declared that 'Brat' summer would last forever, displaying a message at the end of her set that read: ''Brat' summer is over. But actually… I don't think it is. So tell me the truth: Will you hate me if I stick around? Because honestly, I don't know who I am if it's over. And so… I've decided I want this to last forever. It wasn't just a summer thing… it's a forever thing. Please don't let it be over.' Charli's fiancé and collaborator, George Daniel, also headlined the Pyramid Stage on Friday night with his band The 1975. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Charli XCX tells LIDO Festival crowds Brat Summer is ‘forever'
Charli XCX tells LIDO Festival crowds Brat Summer is 'forever' The singer writhed, twisted, pumped and raved across the stage to the delight of the sold-out crowd at LIDO Festival on Saturday Charli xcx performs at Parklife 2025 Charli XCX assured Brat Summer was "forever" as she asked fans to keep the movement going. The singer writhed, twisted, pumped and raved across the stage to the delight of the sold-out crowd at LIDO Festival on Saturday. She worked her way through her hit album Brat, turning the stage into a club with strobe flashing lights, heavy techno beats and a waterfall. The crowd, a sea of lime green, sunglasses and mobile phones, roared hysterically as ragged green curtains emblazoned with Brat rolled down to the opening song 365 remix, featuring Shygirl. Dressed in a cropped top resembling cellophane, yellow bra, studded black leather hotpants with XCX in diamantes on the bottom and thigh-high boots, the 32-year-old strutted across the stage and down the runway, twerking to fans and the rolling cameras. "Where the f*** you at?" she yelled to the crowd, who shouted the lyrics back at her. Article continues below She tore down the Brat curtains and walked into the aisle, touching outstretched hands as Von Dutch started playing. The singer needed no background more than the alternating flashing white, black, blue and red lights as she filled the stage with her presence, club dancing and attitude. Fog surrounded her as she danced and scowled at the camera, dropping to the floor, headbanging and shaking her body. As the sun set, she asked: "You ready?" and yelled with autotune: "Put your hands up" as Club Classics began, jumping up and down with her hands in the air. A sudden cameo showed YouTuber and presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg performing a viral TikTok dance to the song Apple, while Charli XCX sipped an Aperol spritz on stage. She asked: "Are you getting f***** up tonight?" To which the crowd roared. She introduced Girl, So Confusing in autotune by saying: "If you came with your best friend, then this one is for you. "Especially when sometimes you had a fight and you make up with them and you're in a way better place than before." Speed Drive, a song she wrote for the Barbie movie, was introduced as a song "for my girls who want to drive really really, really fast". Charli told fans: "this was a real pleasure to come here with basically all my favourite artists. I hope you had as much fun as I did. This is not the end though, I promise". She teased the audience, asking: "Is this like a Brat Summer again or should I put a bullet in it?" During a techno version of Sympathy Is A Knife, she furiously stabbed at her chest and tossing her hair around while crawling on the floor. After another remix of 365, Bladee and AG Cook came on to help Charli sing. There was a technical error when she realised they were singing the wrong rendition and she laughed as she went off stage to correct the song, running back on and awkwardly hugging her friends, telling the crowd, "My bad". The trio danced around the stage together, and Charli joyfully told them "love you". She said: "F*** them other cities" to thunderous cheers from the crowd as Party on U began. The crowd was delighted to hear Charli sing an older song, Vroom Vroom. The stage went black and a creaking noise was made before a waterfall started cascading from the sky. Charli stood under it and raised her arms to sing Blame It On Your Love. She flicked her hair back and dropped to the floor as the camera spun around her. The final song was Icona Pop's I Don't Care (I Love It). "This is it", she said, leaving the stage while the screens in her iconic Brat font asked the crowd whether Brat Summer was truly over. It read: "But actually I don't think it is. "So tell me the truth. Will you hate me if I stick around? "Because I don't know who I am if it's over. "And so I have decided. I want this to last forever." Followed by fireworks, the message signed off: "It wasn't just a summer thing. It's a forever thing. Please don't let it be over." . The singer curated the line-up for the day, inviting her friends and co-creators The Dare, FiFi, Rose Gray, 070 Shake and Gesaffelstein among others for a dance, club-like atmosphere. Article continues below The star-studded event saw the likes of actor Harris Dickinson, Lily Allen, Paul Mescal, singer Shygirl, Will Poulter and Lewis Capaldi walking around enjoying the music and beating sun. Named after Victoria Park's historic Lido Field, the music series was announced last autumn in East London. Jamie xx, Massive Attack and London Grammar have also headlined across the festival which has been attended by celebrities including Harry Styles and Naomi Campbell.
BreakingNews.ie
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Charli XCX tells LIDO Festival crowds Brat Summer is ‘forever'
Charli XCX assured Brat Summer was 'forever' as she asked fans to keep the movement going. The singer writhed, twisted, pumped and raved across the stage to the delight of the sold-out crowd at LIDO Festival on Saturday. Advertisement She worked her way through her hit album Brat, turning the stage into a club with strobe flashing lights, heavy techno beats and a waterfall. The crowd, a sea of lime green, sunglasses and mobile phones, roared hysterically as ragged green curtains emblazoned with Brat rolled down to the opening song 365 remix, featuring Shygirl. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charli (@charli_xcx) Dressed in a cropped top resembling cellophane, yellow bra, studded black leather hotpants with XCX in diamantes on the bottom and thigh-high boots, the 32-year-old strutted across the stage and down the runway, twerking to fans and the rolling cameras. 'Where the f*** you at?' she yelled to the crowd, who shouted the lyrics back at her. Advertisement She tore down the Brat curtains and walked into the aisle, touching outstretched hands as Von Dutch started playing. The singer needed no background more than the alternating flashing white, black, blue and red lights as she filled the stage with her presence, club dancing and attitude. Fog surrounded her as she danced and scowled at the camera, dropping to the floor, headbanging and shaking her body. As the sun set, she asked: 'You ready?' and yelled with autotune: 'Put your hands up' as Club Classics began, jumping up and down with her hands in the air. Advertisement A sudden cameo showed YouTuber and presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg performing a viral TikTok dance to the song Apple, while Charli XCX sipped an Aperol spritz on stage. She asked: 'Are you getting f***** up tonight?' To which the crowd roared. She introduced Girl, So Confusing in autotune by saying: 'If you came with your best friend, then this one is for you. 'Especially when sometimes you had a fight and you make up with them and you're in a way better place than before.' Advertisement Speed Drive, a song she wrote for the Barbie movie, was introduced as a song 'for my girls who want to drive really really, really fast'. Charli told fans: 'this was a real pleasure to come here with basically all my favourite artists. I hope you had as much fun as I did. This is not the end though, I promise'. She teased the audience, asking: 'Is this like a Brat Summer again or should I put a bullet in it?' During a techno version of Sympathy Is A Knife, she furiously stabbed at her chest and tossing her hair around while crawling on the floor. Advertisement After another remix of 365, Bladee and AG Cook came on to help Charli sing. There was a technical error when she realised they were singing the wrong rendition and she laughed as she went off stage to correct the song, running back on and awkwardly hugging her friends, telling the crowd, 'My bad'. The trio danced around the stage together, and Charli joyfully told them 'love you'. She said: 'F*** them other cities' to thunderous cheers from the crowd as Party on U began. The crowd was delighted to hear Charli sing an older song, Vroom Vroom. Don't have to guess who's headlining tonight. Photos: Isha Shah #LIDO #Charlixcx — lidofestival (@lidofestival) June 14, 2025 The stage went black and a creaking noise was made before a waterfall started cascading from the sky. Charli stood under it and raised her arms to sing Blame It On Your Love. She flicked her hair back and dropped to the floor as the camera spun around her. The final song was Icona Pop's I Don't Care (I Love It). 'This is it', she said, leaving the stage while the screens in her iconic Brat font asked the crowd whether Brat Summer was truly over. It read: 'But actually I don't think it is. 'So tell me the truth. Will you hate me if I stick around? 'Because I don't know who I am if it's over. 'And so I have decided. I want this to last forever.' Followed by fireworks, the message signed off: 'It wasn't just a summer thing. It's a forever thing. Please don't let it be over.' . The singer curated the line-up for the day, inviting her friends and co-creators The Dare, FiFi, Rose Gray, 070 Shake and Gesaffelstein among others for a dance, club-like atmosphere. The star-studded event saw the likes of actor Harris Dickinson, Lily Allen, Paul Mescal, singer Shygirl, Will Poulter and Lewis Capaldi walking around enjoying the music and beating sun. Named after Victoria Park's historic Lido Field, the music series was announced last autumn in East London. Jamie xx, Massive Attack and London Grammar have also headlined across the festival which has been attended by celebrities including Harry Styles and Naomi Campbell.
