After the amazing success of “Ray of Light” and “Music,” there has been much anticipation surrounding the new Madonna album.

Fans eagerly expect her to knock another one out of the park, to complete a trilogy of great works to captivate the music world.

Madonna strikes out with “American Life.” Madonna always tries to keep up with the latest trends in music, and usually she fits right in. But “American Life” proves Madonna is too old to fit in anymore.

-The biggest reason why this album is so bad is Madonna thinks she can rap. Yes, that’s right; she tries to rap and fails miserably.

On her first single, “American Life,” she talks about how bad life is at the top and how unsatisfying it is to be rich and famous. She tries to tell us that the things that matter most aren’t the things we place so much importance on.

Unfortunately, the dreaded rap comes in at the conclusion of the song.

“I got a lawyer and a manager/ An agent and a chef/ Three nannies an assistant and a driver and a jet.”

The album contains three tracks that deserve attention. The first being “Mother and Father.” It has an awesome bass beat and an extremely catchy chorus. The dance beat is a little retro with hints of her earlier works. It is nice to hear Madonna do something she knows people like. The good ol’ Madonna complete with a pop sound and catchy lyrics.

“X-Static Process” and “Profusion” take a turn in a different direction. These acoustic ballads are excellent songs. The love for her husband, Guy Ritchie, is felt in the lyrics. “Profusion” sends a message of thanks and love to someone who seems to put her mind at ease; we can assume this is her husband.

Madonna wraps up the album with “Easy Rider,” a song that seems to sum up where she is in her life. “I come full circle/ To my place/ I am home.”

It’s a perfect way to end the album, not just from a lyrical perspective, but also from a musical perspective.

The album just feels like a let down. Maybe after this album Madonna will realize that her time in the music industry as a performer is over. It is time to call it quits before she releases and an album that is worse than “American Life.”