After taking nearly four years holiday (well, a baby, the record label, that one single, and all that Evita nonsense) the ever controversial and rarely surprising Madonna makes her return. Noteworthy here is the lack of risque subject matter--but pay no mind to the naughty little girl all grown up rubbish the press feeds you--it's just another pose. And she'll, no doubt, pose all the way to the bank.

This time she plays a safe, light weight game, that's so easy to digest it's like LL Cool J doing a sitcom. Are we to look forward to a Christmas album--maybe a duet with Celine Dion?

The first single and best track "Frozen" is the highlight here-- good vocals, good music, it all clicks. Veteran Techno Wiz, William Orbit shows up to co-write, co-produce and throw around a few useless samples and repetitive loops that, regrettably, grow old.

If you're a fan, just buy it, you won't be disappointed. Not quite a ray of light but definitely a valid effort from someone who really doesn't need to bother with such things, you know, albums and all that money in the bank. In the past you could always count on Madonna to bring something interesting to the party--this time she's just stamping your hand at the door.