Madonna - Ray Of Light (1998) [Complete CD]

Ray of Light is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released in early 1998 by Maverick Records. A major stylistic and aesthetic departure from her previous work, Bedtime Stories, Ray of Light is an electronica and techno-pop record which incorporates multiple genres, including ambient, trip hop, psychedelic music and Middle Eastern music. Mystical themes are strongly present in the music and lyrics as a result of Madonna embracing Kabbalah, her study of Hinduism and Buddhism, and her daily practice of Ashtanga yoga.

Ray of Light was met with universal acclaim upon its release and is often considered Madonna's magnum opus. Critics praised the singer's new musical direction, contemplative songwriting, and mature vocals, alongside Orbit's complex, innovative production. The album has also been credited with introducing electronica into mainstream pop culture and affirming the 39-year-old Madonna's relevance during a period of major teen-marketed artists. Retrospectively, the album has continued to receive acclaim and is considered one of the greatest pop albums of all time. Madonna has referred to it as her quintessential album. Ray of Light won four Grammy Awards from a total of six nominations at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards.

The album entered the US Billboard 200 at number two, with the biggest first-week sales by a female artist at the time. It also peaked at number one in 17 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and on the United Kingdom Albums Chart, and charted within the top-five in most musical markets. Worldwide, Ray of Light has sold over 16 million copies and is one of the best-selling albums by women. Five singles were released from the album, including the international top five hits "Frozen" and "Ray of Light".

Tracklist:
01 - Drowned World / Substitute For Love 0:00
02 - Swim 5:09
03 - Ray Of Light 10:07
04 - Candy Perfume Girl 15:29
05 - Skin 20:07
06 - Nothing Really Matters 26:27
07 - Sky Fits Heaven
08 - Shanti / Ashtangi
09 - Frozen 40:12
10 - The Power Of Good-Bye 46:24
11 - To Have And Not To Hold 50:36
12 - Little Star
13 - Mer Girl

Audio: 195 kbps 48.000 kHz

Personnel
Unless otherwise indicated, Information is adapted from the album's liner notes.

Madonna – vocals (2–5, 7–13, lead on 1, 6), producer
Craig Armstrong – string arrangements (9–10)
Mike Bradford – programming
Pablo Cook – flute (2)
Mark Endert – engineer
Fergus Gerrand – drums (1–2), percussion (13)
Kerosene Halo – design
Niki Haris – background vocals (6)
Vyass Houston – translation
Jon Ingoldsby – engineer
Ted Jensen – mastering
Suzie Katayama – conductor
Patrick Leonard – additional music arranger (9), producer
Donna De Lory – background vocals (6)
Patrick McCarthy – engineer
Marc Moreau – guitar (5)
William Orbit – producer, sound effects
Kevin Reagan – art direction, design
Dave Reitzas – engineer
Steve Sidelnyk – additional drum machine (6, 12)
Matt Silva – engineer
Eddie Stern – translation
Mario Testino – photography
Marius de Vries – keyboard (9), music programming (9), producer