100 GREATEST SINGLES OF ALL TIME - 70: MADONNA - DROWNED WORLD / SUBSTITUTE FOR LOVE

by Laurent Kelly

In 1998 Madonna highlighted a profound talent which she had not touched upon previously and which she has not been able to reach since. Still, Ray of Light stands up today as a stunning record - one filled with thought provoking, well produced and well written songs - each with good variety and pacing. From the collection the opening track Substitute for Love is my favourite. This is a brilliant song about the two dimensional nature of fame, a drug which can take you to great but shallow heights but which is no replacement for a real genuine feeling of self-worth and happiness. If Madonna had stayed down this path she might have gone on to become one of the true meaningful greats instead of settling for her Queen of Pop monikker. This record proved that she is better than that.

BEST LINE: I got exactly what I asked for / Wanted it so badly / Running, rushing back for more / I suffered fools so gladly.