{Note: The Madonna Timeline is an ongoing feature, where I put the iPod on shuffle, and write a little anecdote on whatever was going on in my life when that Madonna song was released and/or came to prominence in my mind.}
This is a pretty straight-forward paint-by-the-numbers pop love song, the kind that Madonna can do in her sleep, and it sort of sounds like part of it was done in exactly that way. Another of the more lack-luster cuts off her otherwise-electric MDNA album,’Superstar’ is standard fare, with its adulatory lyrics and bubblegum melodies, and as such it feels a bit flat.
You’re like Brando on the silver screen
You’re my hero in a mythical dream
You are perfect just the way that you are
You’re Mike Jordan, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, love the way that you are
Ooh la la, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, that’s what you are
It may be most notable for its use as the 2012 Bravo television summer theme song, and it does have an easy-going summer vibe to it, somewhere along the soft-focus lines of ‘Cherish’. But the latter eventually won me over – this one has yet to do so.
I’m your biggest fan, it’s true
Hopelessly attracted to you
You can have the keys to my car
I’ll play you a song on my guitar
Oooh la la, you’re my superstar
Oooh la la, love the way that you are
Oooh la la, you’re my superstar
Oooh la la, that’s what you are
Still, it’s neat to hear Madonna ticking off other historical greats, a little wink and nod to her epic ‘Vogue’ rap, and the song should also be noted for it being the first on which her daughter Lola added backing vocals. (Though if no one told me that I’d never have heard it – and to be honest, it’s still a stretch to make them out.)
You’re my gangster
You’re like Al Capone
You’re like Caesar
Stepping onto the throne
You’re Abe Lincoln
Cause you fight for what’s right
You’re my angel
Bringing peace to my life
Ooh la la, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, love the way that you are
Ooh la la, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, that’s what you are
Usually, she does a little better in the lyrics department, especially when swooning over objects of desire. These are too trite and repetitious to merit much more than passing notice, and that’s not something you can typically do with Madonna.
I’m your biggest fan, it’s true
Hopelessly attracted to you
You can have the password to my phone
I’ll give you a massage when you get home
Ooh la la, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, love the way that you are
Ooh la la, you’re my superstar
Ooh la la, that’s what you are
I’m guessing she didn’t find much of interest in this either, as it was one of the few cuts on the MDNA album that she didn’t perform on the most recent tour. I’m equally uninspired, and unimpressed. Let’s just fast-forward.
