American Life (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“American Life”
“American Life” cover
Single by Madonna
from the album American Life
B-side "Die Another Day" Calderone & Quayle Afterlife Mix
Released March 2003 (digital download)
April 8, 2003 (US)
April 14, 2003 (Europe)
Format Digital download
CD single
Vinyl single
Recorded London, England
Genre Pop / Electronica / Hip hop
Length 4:57
Label Maverick, Warner Bros.
Writer(s) Madonna
Mirwais Ahmadzaï
Producer Madonna
Mirwais Ahmadzaï
Madonna singles chronology
"Die Another Day"
(2002)		 "American Life"
(2003)		 "Hollywood"
(2003)
Alternate cover
UK CD1
UK CD1
UK CD2
UK CD2
UK Promo remixes singles
UK Promo remixes singles
Audio sample
Info (help·info)

"American Life" is a pop song written by American singer-songwriter Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï for Madonna's ninth studio album American Life (2003). The song's lyrics are a criticism to the American way of life.

The song was released as the second single from the album in the spring of 2003 (see 2003 in music), and although it failed to match the chart success of past Madonna singles in the United States, "American Life" is considered to be a worldwide success as it reached number one in Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and the top ten in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The song is also well known for its controversial music video which denounced President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq. It was listed as #9 in Blender magazine's list of the "50 Worst Songs Ever".[1]

Contents

[edit] Song information

The song was co-written and co-produced by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï.

"American Life" was first released on April 8, 2003 in the U.S. and on April 14 in Europe. The song premiered on radio worldwide on March 24, the same day that it was sent out as an official digital single by mail to American fans who purchased the MP3 on Madonna's official website. The song received remixes by some of the most known in the business, including mixes by Missy Elliott, Peter Rauhofer, Felix da Housecat and Paul Oakenfold.

The single cover that was released on April 8 was different from the original cover artwork. Initially, an image of the single was released to the media showing Madonna holding a machine gun. The doctored single cover featured the same picture, but minus Madonna holding the gun.[2]

Madonna performed "American Life" on the MTV special, "On Stage And On Record", and also on her 2004 Re-Invention Tour.

[edit] Chart performance

Before its release "American Life" was aggressively marketed by Madonna's record label, Warner Bros. Warner offered the song as a maxi or two-track single, and also released it as a digital download, the first Madonna single to be made available in this format. In the U.S. the song performed rather weakly, perhaps due to Madonna's criticism of the invasion of Iraq. The digital single sold an encouraging 4,177 copies in its first week of release, allowing it to debut at number ninety on the Billboard Hot 100, but only managed to peak at number thirty-seven on the Hot 100 and stayed within the top forty for just a week. On the Hot 100 Singles Sales, the single peaked at number two and it peaked at number sixty-one on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.

On the U.S. dance chart, the single performed much better, rising to number one on both the Hot Dance Singles Sales and Hot Dance Club Play charts; the number-one position on the Club Play chart marked her twenty-ninth time at the summit. Internationally, the single achieved much greater success, going to number two in the UK and top ten in Australia, and all the way to the top in Canada and Japan.

[edit] Music video

[edit] Original version

Madonna in the original version of "American Life" video.
Madonna in the original version of "American Life" video.

The controversial music video was shot on February 6-7, 2003 at Los Angeles Center Studios in Los Angeles, California by Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund. While she made sexually and religiously explicit videos in the 1980s and 1990s, Madonna started incorporating violent images in the 2000s starting with "What It Feels Like for a Girl" and "Die Another Day". For "American Life", she took it to a new level by focusing on politics and attacking United States President George W. Bush's war on Iraq.

The video is built around Madonna, as an army sergeant major (see image on left), with a female legion of troops at a fashion show. It ends with Madonna and the troops getting into a MINI Cooper and crashing it into the catwalk. While the audience is watching in shock, Madonna hoses down the paparazzi with a water cannon, reaching a climax with fast-moving war images until Madonna throws a hand grenade which is caught by a President Bush lookalike, who transforms the grenade into a lighter to light his cigar. As soon as the storyline of the video leaked to the press, it was heavily criticized. It went so far that Madonna felt it necessary to issue a statement: "I feel lucky to be an American citizen for many reasons - one of which is the right to express myself freely, especially in my work. I understand that there have been reports about my upcoming video "American Life" in the media - much of which is inaccurate. I am not Anti-Bush. I am not pro-Iraq. I am pro Peace. I have written a song and created a video which expresses my feelings about our culture and values and the illusions of what many people believe is the American dream - the perfect life. As an artist, I hope that this provokes thought and dialogue. I don't expect everyone to agree with my point of view. I am grateful to have the freedom to express these feelings and that's how I honor my country".

Due to the political climate of the country at the time, most notably the backlash on the Dixie Chicks after they made some anti-war comments, Madonna later changed her mind on that "freedom of speech". On April 1, 2003 one day after the video was first shown on a few European and Latin American music channels, and on a prime time special on the Nine Network in Australia, Madonna pulled the video and released a statement explaining why: "I have decided not to release my new video. It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time. Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video."

[edit] Edited version

Madonna in the edited version singing in front of flags.
Madonna in the edited version singing in front of flags.

After pulling the original video, Madonna then released a performance-only edited version that premiered on April 16, 2003 on VH1. This version, which many have criticized, only contains the footage of Madonna as a general, but this time performing in front of flags instead of flames and images of war. A different version was shown as a backdrop to her performance of the song on The Re-Invention Tour. The chief difference was the alteration of the final scene to display George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein together. No new footage was filmed for the edited version.

Warner Bros. had confirmed that the unedited "director's cut" "American Life" video (in other words, the original pulled version) would be a bonus on the DVD of I'm Going to Tell You a Secret, which was released in June 2006, however, when the DVD was released in America, the "American Life" video was not included. This last version pursues all the content of the first one, but the ending is different and more violent. After Madonna's MINI Cooper reaches the catwalk and the singer starts to throw water on the paparazzi, legless and war-injured models start to crawl on the stage, helped by two nurses with their clothes full of blood. These images are mixed with actual war cameos, scenes of the fashion crowd laughing at it all and the sound of bombs and missiles covering the song. And when Madonna throws the grenade, it falls right on an empty part of the catwalk, and the singer's images on the big screen puts the hands on the ears.

Original and edited versions:

  • Director: Jonas Akerlund
  • Producer: Nicola Doring
  • Director of Photography: Eric Broms
  • Editor: Jonas Akerlund
  • Production Company: HSI Productions

[edit] Track listings and formats

UK 2 x 12" vinyl (W603T2)[3] , US 2 x 12" vinyl (0-42614)[4]
  • A1 "American Life" (Missy Elliott's American Dream Remix) — 4:49
  • A2 "American Life" (Oakenfold Downtempo Remix) — 5:32
  • B1 "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem Part 1) — 10:41
  • C1 "American Life" (Felix Da Housecat's Devin Dazzle Club Mix) — 6:10
  • C2 "Die Another Day" (Calderone & Quayle Afterlife Mix) — 8:52
  • D "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem) (Part 2) — 9:06
UK Promo CD (The Remixes) (16658-2)[5]
  1. "American Life" (Missy Elliott's American Dream Remix) — 4:49
  2. "American Life" (Oakenfold Downtempo Remix) — 5:32
  3. "American Life" (Felix Da Housecat's Devin Dazzle Club Mix) — 6:10
  4. "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem Part 1) — 10:41
  5. "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem) (Part 2) — 9:06
  6. "Die Another Day" (Richard Humpty Vission Electrofried Mix) — 6:01
UK CD 1 (W603CD1 9362 42615-2)[6], AU CD 1 (9362-42615-2)[7]
  1. "American Life" (Radio Edit) — 4:27
  2. "American Life" (Missy Elliott's American Dream Remix) — 4:49
  3. "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem Part 1) — 10:41
UK CD 2 (W603CD2 9362 42616-2)[8], AU CD 2 (9362-42616-2)[9], JP CD single (WPCR-11541)[10]
  1. "American Life" (Radio Edit) — 4:27
  2. "American Life" (Oakenfold Downtempo Remix) — 5:32
  3. "American Life" (Felix Da Housecat's Devin Dazzle Club Mix) — 6:10
US Maxi-Single (42614-2)[11]
  1. "American Life" (Missy Elliott's American Dream Mix) - 4:49
  2. "American Life" (Oakenfold Downtempo Remix) — 5:32
  3. "American Life" (Felix Da Housecat's Devin Dazzle Club Mix) — 6:10
  4. "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem) (Part 1) — 10:41
  5. "American Life" (Peter Rauhofer's American Anthem) (Part 2) — 9:06
  6. "Die Another Day" (Richard Humpty Vission Electrofield Mix) — 6:01
US Enhanced CD single (16658-2)[12], EU CD single (5439-16658-2)[13], EU 12" vinyl (W603T)[14]
  1. "American Life" (Edit With Rap) — 4:27
  2. "Die Another Day" (Calderone & Quayle Afterlife Mix) — 8:52

[edit] Videos

Videos

  1. Original Version 5:12
  2. Edited Version 3:54


[edit] Mixes

  1. Felix DaHouseCat Devin Dazzle Club
  2. Felix DaHouseCat Devin Dazzle Radio Mix
  3. Felix DaHouseCat Devin Dazzle Radio Mix (Without Rap)
  4. Headcleanr Rock Mix
  5. Missy Elliott's American Dream Mix
  6. Missy Elliott's American Dream Mix (Clean Edit)
  7. Missy Elliott American Dream Instrumental Remix
  8. Oakenfold Downtempo Mix/Remix
  9. Oakenfold Radio Edit
  10. Oakenfold Radio Edit (Without Rap)
  11. Peter Rauhofer American Anthem Part 1
  12. Peter Rauhofer American Anthem Part 2
  13. Rauhofer Radio Mix

[edit] Charts

Chart (2003) Peak
position
Argentina 2
Australia ARIA Top 50 Singles 7
Austria Top 75 Singles Sales 7
Brazil 6
Canadian Singles Chart 1
Chile 7
Denmark 1
Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2
Finland 3
France Top 50 Singles 10
Germany Media Control Top 50 10
Greece 2
Ireland IRMA Top 50 Singles 8
Italy 1
Netherlands 13
New Zealand 33
Norway Top 20 Singles 9
Romanian Singles Chart[15] 7
Spain Singles Chart 2
Sweden 2
Switzerland Top 100 1
UK Singles Chart 2
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 37
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales 1
United World Chart 1

[edit] Certifications

Country Certification
Australia Gold
France Silver

[edit] References

  1. ^ Run for Your Life! It's the 50 Worst Songs Ever! from Blender.com
  2. ^ http://hometown.aol.com/bijouaffaires/americanlife1.html 'Hometown.aol.com
  3. ^ Madonna - American Life
  4. ^ Madonna - American Life
  5. ^ Madonna - American Life (Remixes)
  6. ^ Madonna American Life - Part 1 UK 5" CD SINGLE (370520)
  7. ^ Madonna - American Life
  8. ^ Madonna - American Life (CD 2)
  9. ^ Madonna - American Life
  10. ^ Madonna - American Life
  11. ^ Madonna American Life USA 5" CD SINGLE (244271)
  12. ^ Madonna - American Life
  13. ^ Madonna - American Life
  14. ^ Madonna - American Life
  15. ^ "Romanian Top 100" Please see "Issue 20" of the year 2003

For charts and certifications:

For official versions:

Preceded by
"I Drove All Night" by Céline Dion		 Canadian number-one single
April 26, 2003 (2 weeks)		 Succeeded by
"In da Club" by 50 Cent
Preceded by
"In da Club" by 50 Cent		 United World Chart number one single
May 24, 2003		 Succeeded by
"In da Club" by 50 Cent
v • d • e
Madonna
Studio albums
Madonna (1983) · Like a Virgin (1984) · True Blue (1986) · Like a Prayer (1989) · Erotica (1992) · Bedtime Stories (1994) Ray of Light (1998) · Music (2000) · American Life (2003) · Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) · Hard Candy (2008)
Compilations
You Can Dance (1987) · The Immaculate Collection (1990) · Something to Remember (1995) · GHV2 (2001) · Remixed & Revisited (2003)
Other Compilations
Remixed Prayers (1989) · The Royal Box (1991) · The Holiday Collection (1991) · The Rain Tapes (1992) · CD Single Collection (1996) · GHV2 Remixed (2001) · Confessions Remixed (2006)
Soundtracks
Vision Quest (1985) · Who's That Girl (1987) · I'm Breathless - Music from and Inspired by the film Dick Tracy (1990) · With Honors (1994) · Evita (1996) Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) · The Next Best Thing (2000) · Die Another Day (2002)
Live Music Videos & Albums
Music Video Compilations
Music Video Singles
"Papa Don't Preach" (1986) · "Justify My Love" (1990) · "Ray of Light" (1998) · "Music" (2000) · "What It Feels Like for a Girl" (2001)
Concert Tours
Promotional Tours
Related topics
v • d • e
Madonna singles discography
Madonna
"Everybody" (1982) · "Burning Up" (1983) · "Burning Up/Physical Attraction" (1983) · "Holiday" (1983/1984/1985/1991/1999) · "Lucky Star" (1983/1984) · "Borderline" (1984/1986)
Like a Virgin
"Like a Virgin" (1984) · "Material Girl" (1985) · "Angel"(1985) · "Into the Groove" (1985) · "Dress You Up" (1985) · "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" (1986)
True Blue
"Live to Tell" (1986) · "Papa Don't Preach" (1986) · "True Blue" (1986) · "Open Your Heart" (1986) · "La Isla Bonita" (1987)
Who's That Girl
"Who's That Girl" (1987) · "Causing a Commotion" (1987) · "The Look of Love" (1987)
You Can Dance
"Spotlight" (1988)
Like a Prayer
"Like a Prayer" (1989) · "Express Yourself" (1989) · "Cherish" (1989) · "Oh Father" (1989/1995) · "Dear Jessie" (1989) · "Keep It Together" (1990)
I'm Breathless
"Vogue" (1990) · "Hanky Panky" (1990)
The Immaculate Collection
"Justify My Love" (1990) · "Crazy for You (Remix)" (1991) · "Rescue Me" (1991) · "Holiday/The Holiday Collection" (1991)
Erotica
"Erotica" (1992) · "Deeper and Deeper" (1992) · "Bad Girl" (1993) · "Fever" (1993) · "Rain" (1993) · "Bye Bye Baby" (1993)
Bedtime Stories
"Secret" (1994) · "Take a Bow" (1994) · "Bedtime Story" (1995) · "Human Nature" (1995)
Something to Remember
"You'll See" (1995) · "Oh Father" (1995) · "One More Chance" (1996) · "Love Don't Live Here Anymore (Remix)" (1996)
Evita
Ray of Light
Music
"Music" (2000) · "Don't Tell Me" (2000/2001) "What It Feels Like for a Girl" (2001)
American Life
"American Life" (2003) · "Hollywood" (2003) · "Nothing Fails" (2003) · "Love Profusion" (2003/2004)
Confessions on a Dance Floor
"Hung Up" (2005) · "Sorry" (2006) · "Get Together" (2006) · "Jump" (2006)
Hard Candy
"4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland) (2008) · "Give It 2 Me" (2008)
Other soundtracks
"Crazy for You" (1985) · "Gambler" (1985) · "This Used to Be My Playground" (1992) · "I'll Remember" (1994) · "Beautiful Stranger" (1999) · "American Pie" (2000) · "Die Another Day" (2002)
Other singles
"Me Against the Music" (Britney Spears featuring Madonna) (2003) · "Imagine" (2005) · "Hey You" (2007)
Promo singles
"I Want You" (with Massive Attack) (1995) · "Buenos Aires" (1997) · "Little Star"(1998) · "Impressive Instant" (2001) · "Thunderpuss GHV2 Megamix" (2001) · "Nobody Knows Me" (2003) · "Mother and Father (Peter Rauhofer Re-Invention Remix)" (2005) · "Future Lovers/I Feel Love (Live)" (2007) · "Music Inferno (Live)" (2007)