I'm Going to Tell You a Secret

Like anything great that Madonna does, I’m Going to Tell You a Secret has a more provocative title then what is presented. That is to say, the title will make you talk and peek your interest regardless of what quality the material is. Since I can only review the album and not the documentary in this section, I stand by that opening salvo.

While the documentary might be revealing and exposing, the accompanying music is just selected highlights from the Re-Invention Tour, possibly her best-named and best–overall tour. Without the accompanying costumes, choreography, and video footage, these live versions are only half-way presented. That doesn’t stop them from being, generally, smart and interesting reinterpretations of her material.

“Holiday” is now a jungle beat that slowly builds until finally exploding in an orgy of Euro-disco, “Vogue” gets an even deeper house groove, while “Into the Groove” gets an everything and the bagpipe player treatment. Missy Elliott cameo included. The inclusion of “Imagine” into her setlist, and on this album seem slightly unnecessary. She’s been singing the same credo for the past 25 years. Only with a disco beat. Watch the doc's footage of the performances for the full story. DOWNLOAD: “Susan MacLeod/Into the Groove”