Inside The Groove - Madonna's Music: Recent Episodes
Edward Russell
The story behind Madonna's most famous songs
Each episode focuses on a particular track or era and discusses the creative process and how the song was received.
With reference to the videos and live performances, the episode often plays snippets from the song's multitrack session.
A brand new episode to discuss a new Madonna book. Edward interviews writer Giulio Mazzelrni about the writing of Madonna Songbook which has uncovered so many facts about her recording career - hear some of them on this episode.
Recorded in London in November 2023, a special episode in partnership with the National AIDS Trust where we gathered fans to discuss Madonna's commitment in the fight against AIDS. We raised £5000 that day - hear it now.
Recorded at the RVT on 21 October 2023, the podcast hosts discuss the recent dates by Madonna for the first London leg of the tour. Joined by special guests on the stage and with a live link up to New York and LA, we tell it like it is as Madonna launches her 40th anniversary tour.
The final (for now!) episode comes live from London with an audience of 250 Madonna fans. Join Edward, Peter and Jonathan as they chat with Lucy O'Brien, screen Artie O'Daley's brilliant movie and reveal the Top 20 most streamed Madonna songs of all time!
The penultimate episode of the podcast explores the making of Madonna's most loved (probably!) song, with details of the recording and the live performances.
Released in 1985, the movie Vision Quest featured two new Madonna songs, one of which would become her first ballad to be released as a single. But what of the third song? Hear the story of Madonna's moment in the movie, along with the original demo version of the song and find out why Gambler hasn't made it on to streaming.
Madonna's theme for the movie A League of Their Own is also one of her biggest hits, despite not being part of the Erotica project which came a few months later. Hear the story of Madonna's song, her part in the movie, who complained about the video and also an acapella or the verse from the unreleased, 7-minute version of the song.
We discuss the music, the remixes and the artwork to Madonna's latest release, plus a contribution from a Madonna fan who has been thinking about his own re-releases.
The story behind the lead single from Madonna's Ray of Light album. Hear the original demo of the song along with demos of other tracks written with Patrick Leondard. Hear a breakdown of the musical parts and get the story behind the SickKick remix from 2021.
A chance to hear this episode again, originally the fifth episode aired and telling the story of this classic track by Madonna.
A chance to hear a revisited version of this early episode about Madonna's huge hit from 2000.
A chance to hear a revised version of the very first episode of this podcast telling the story of Madonna's huge hit from 1990.
The story of Madonna's most recent studio album, inspired by living in Portugal and which saw Madonna reuniting with producer Mirwais.
Songwriting sessions, leaks and re-recordings to get this album where it needed to be. Enjoy hear the story behind Madonna's thirteenth studio album.
Madonna's 2012 EDM album may not be a fan favourite, but there's a story to be told. Hear the original writers demos behind many of the songs that made the final album, plus the story of the fantastic atwork.
From the RVT in London - a live episode - with no edits - our panel and fans discuss the 2009 Greatest Hits package by Madonna.
A mini episode to tell you how to listen to the next episode live and what to expect if you'll be joining us for the live event in London on Saturday 21 May.
The most marmite of Madonna albums - everyone has an opinion on this one, not least of all the Steven Klein artwork. Find out how that was shot and the changes made to it afterwards, plus hear some unreleased gems from the archives and the story behind the album's third single, Miles Away.
An interview with the author of a brilliant new book - Madonna: Song by Song - almost like this podcast in written form! Marc is a huge fan and has immense insight - and reveals some of his new discoveries in this very episode.
Madonna's disco-inspired album goes under the spotlight including the story behind some of the unused songs recorded for a musical project, the Steven Klein photoshoot and how Pet Shop Boys influenced the project.
Hear about the recording of this album including unreleased tracks, the demo of Nothing Fails, individual elements from Love Profusion and, of course, the very distinctive album artwork.
Madonna's first album for the 2000s brought a huge sonic change to her music and a fantastic new look for the design. This episode also put special focus on the song American Pie which was included in some territories and had quite a significant effect on Madonna's plans.
The story behind one of Madonna's most important releases. As well as the beautiful artwork and Testino photoshoot, the story of Power of Goodbye is also told.
The story behind Madonna's third compilation LP, including the songs I Want You and You'll See. Plus you can hear some unreleased tracks from that period and find out all the info on the beautiful Testino cover... plus, what was the original title and plan for this album?
The story behind Madonna's 1994 dip into R&B mid-tempo pop and a special focus on the songs Take A Bow and I'd Rather Be Your Lover.
Find out more about this provocative book and also hear some of the unreleased songs from the Erotica album.
The story behind Madonna's 1992 album - in part one, we discuss the record's main producer, Shep Pettibone, talk about the artwork and throw focus on the song Rain.
The story behind Madonna's first greatest hits package, with details about Q Sound, Blond Ambition, The Herb Ritts photography, and a special focus on Rescue Me.
The story behind the recording of Madonna's album which was inspired by her character in Dick Tracy
The story behind t he recording of Madonna's seminal album, with details of the photoshoot, the singles and a focus on Oh Father.
The story behind Madonna's first remix album with special focus on the song Spotlight - plus additional infor about Who's That Girl
The story behind Madonna's third album. With the history of its making, the photoshoot, the design, and special focus on the song Papa Don't Preach.
The story behind Madonna's second album. With the history of its making, the photoshoot, the design, and special focus on the song Material Girl
The story behind Madonna's 1983 debut album. With the history of its making, the photoshoot, the design and special focus on the song Lucky Star.
Who has covered her with Golden Kisses and when did Madonna do it better? This episode focusses on a new album of Madonna covers and also talks about the best and not so best covers of Madonna songs from over the years with special guest Darren Hayes.
Yee-haw! Get ready to line dance in celebration of that folky piece of electronica. But also to hear some of the songs which didn't make the final cut for the Music album on its release in 2000.
This episode was first released in February 2021 with part 2 only available to patrons. Now you can listen to both episodes together as a gift on Madonna's birthday. Remember to check out the new merchandise at https://merchify.me/insidethegroove/
Revisiting all four songs from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, discussing the movie with the MLVC podcast, talking about the Who's That Girl World Tour with the Immaculate Podcast plus special guests Graham Gremore from Queerty and Rod Thomas of Bright Light Bright Light who plays his cover of Causing A Commotion. Also included are brand new - exclusively for this podcast - covers of other 1987 Madonna tracks by Graingerboy, Kavana, and Darren Hayes. A celebration of Madonna for her 63rd birthday.
A tonal shift for Madonna with a song which was not only a massive hit for the singer, but brought lots of new fans on board. But it's a divisive track and era with certain fans. I'll be discussing this, telling the story of the recording and mixing and also exploring its use in the TV show Glee.
This was Madonna's second single, but it didn't have a global release so is not known as widely as some of her bigger hits, despite being a complete banger! Hear the story of its earliest versions plus how Madonna was styled, how the video was made, the special artwork by her friend Martin Burgoyne and much more!
The final part of the set of episodes about Evita is a discussion with the Honest Vocal Coach about Madonna's voice as we compare it to the other famous actors to have played the role of Eva Peron.
The second part of three episodes discussing Madonna's role in this movie and the accompanying soundtrack.
In the first of three episodes, we discover the history of the musical from concept album to stage show and on to film. You'll find out how Madonna first became involved in the mid 1980s, only to be dropped from the part but, of course, rehired for the final version. You'll get to hear some early versions of the songs by Madonna as well as excerpts from the original album and a rare remix of Buenos Airies.
No new Groove episode right now, but don't go without - have an episode from the sister podcast - all about this huge 90s hit from Sweden.
The lead single from the soundtrack to the second Austin Powers movie - The Spy Who Shagged me. A popular radio hit and a number one in 4 territories. We discuss the song's origin, its video and the other song Madonna recorded at the same time, with Latin singer Ricky Martin
The second single from the American Life album is a much-loved track by fans and especially for its video and MTV performance. However, it failed to chart in the US, following controversy around the singer. The video also drew criticism and a lawsuit and then there was the Britney kiss. An interesting time in Madonna's career that overshadows what an incredible pop song it is.
Madonna’s very first single was the template for all that was to come. With a two-song deal, she recorded it in Chelsea, Manhattan. 39 years later, she is the richest female music artist in the world. Hear the original demo, the multitrack breakdown, and more in this episode which celebrates one year of podcasting.
The first single frrom Madonna's sixth album and a big change in direction for the artist with a laid back launch to the new era. Here's the story of how it came about, along with details of the video and launch promo campaign.
With multiple Top 40 UK singles including two Top Ten hits, Kavana spent the 1990s working the music business and was also a huge, huge Madonna fan. Recalling stories of their "near miss" and also working with Patrick Leonard, he has some very interesting tales to tell.
You may be aware of Georgina aka The Honest Vocal Coach who runs a very popular YouTube channel designed to analyse the vocal styles - good and bad - of many popular singers. This episode takes a fascinating look into how Madonna's voice has developed over her career. Not to be missed!
An interview with Ian Watkins - aka H from the UK band Steps - he's a big Madonna fan and we talk about how she's touched his life over the years.
One of Madonna's most loved songs, from its origin on a cassette played to Madonna in Chicago, through to being a high;ight of the Erotica album. This episode discusses everything from Castanets to Plagiarism, via a record shop in Paris.
Starting with Donna's stories of recording the Erotica album in New York, 1992, through to the Girlie Show and beyond - right up until the Madame X era, Donna takes us on her own personal Madonna journey.
An exclusive interview with Madonna's background singer and dancer, Donna Delory. This part explores the era from the Who's That Girl tour to Blond Ambition and Donna's first solo LP.
There's no new Madonna episode this week. In its absence, here's an episode from our other podcast, Inside The Hits.
There's no new Madonna episode this week. In its absence, here's an episode from our other podcast, Inside The Hits.
Since her career began, Madonna has contributed her distinctive vocals to other people's songs and even given away some of her unreleased gems, earning big hits by proxy. With features on hits by Brtiney Speaks, Dua Lipa and Ricky Martin not to mention having the likes of Kylie Minogue, Gary Barlow and Nick Kamen take care of her cast-offs, this episode explores 20 such songs.
Love it or hate it - 'Bitch I'm Madonna' was the third single from Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' album in 2015. Hear how it was developed, along with the original demo before Scottish artist Sophie added her own touches to it. There's also discussion about other tracks from the album which changed drastically over time.
Released as a single in 1990 and performed as the closing song for Madonna's Blond Ambition tour, it's the single-that-never-was for many territories where it was held back in favour of Vogue. Nonetheless, Keep it Together is one of the highlights from the Like A Prayer album and now we learn more about its recording and hear those individual instruments clearer than ever before.
The third single from Madonna's Like A Prayer album had its origins in Madonna's Broadway dressing room. But it was the second song she'd written with the title Cherish. Find out about that unreleased track, hear the demo for Cherish and discover new and interesting facts about the song and its video.
The story of how Madonna recorded a cover of an album track by Swedish band ABBA but never release it. Hear the various demos and other tracks that were abandoned during the follow-up to Ray of Light. Also, hear the story of the recording of the ABBA original in 1981 - including the various demos.
(The full version of this episode is available to patrons only). Released as a single in 1990 and performed as the closing song for Madonna's Blond Ambition tour, it's the single-that-never-was for many territories where it was held back in favour of Vogue. None the less, Keep it Together is one of the highlights from the Like A Prayer album and now we learn more about its recording and hear those individual instruments clearer than every before.
Singer Rod Thomas aka Bright Light Bright Light talks through his Madonna memories and also discusses working with Madonna's backup singers, Donna Delory and Nicki Harris.
Excuse the sentimentality - here's an interview with my husband, about his favourite Madonna songs... and also a chance for me to answer the Something To Remember questions.
Justin has written for GQ, Guardian, Empire - many publications - about Madonna and the first of his two novels, 'The Last Romeo', has quite an imaginary new dating app..
Matt Cain, author of The Madonna of Bolton discusses the Madonna songs that have soundtracked his life.
Madonna's 2009 track recorded with Paul Oakenfold is a great song which references some ideas from her previous hits and was the lead from her greatest hits compilation of that year. Hear about its creation along with some elements left out of the final mix.
Madonna's classic track lifts inspiration and samples from other songs. Here's a refresher, but we've also identified a key loop that's used throughout the song - revealed for the first time.
One of Madonna's most experimental recordings and the title track to her ninth studio album, the song is memorable for its rap which was largely unliked by non Madonna fans, yet the song is adored by her closest followers. This episode tries to work out why the song wasn't quite so loved by all.
The second part of my discussion where we talk Leonard, Bray, Shep, Orbit, and who we'd play in Madonna's upcoming biopic.
To celebrate six months of the podcast and 100,000 downloads, here is the first part of a discussion on the various songs Madonna has written and recorded for movies. Edward discusses songs such as Beautiful Stranger and Sooner or Later with Darren Hayes.
Madonna's first, big, international release and the opening track on Immaculate Collection - this song may sound very 1983, but it still cuts it when played on the radio today. It was almost never recorded by her but was turned around in under five days at the cost of $10,000 - why has it endured?
A dive into the most famous of all Madonna's remixes - and a listen to the changes made for the single remix, too. We try to examine why Madonna would become so smitten with this version that it would be what she took on the road for 1990's Blond Ambition tour.
One of Madonna's first songs. Hear how it was written, how it was recorded, what the people behind the song think of it and we also go there... down the Lady GaGa route but not before examining what song Madonna was "influenced" by. Plus there are a few things you may never have heard before...
This stunning song won Madonna a Golden Globe for its use in the movie WE and would also be an emotional highlight of the MDNA album. This episode discusses the creation of that record and shines the light on other tracks. Included in this episode are Madonna's raw vocal - without effects - and also a version of Masterpiece sung by the original writer.
Madonna's most recent album, Madame X has also been her most ambitious and diverse. This episode looks at one of the more radio-friendly tracks along with insight into two of the other songs including one which was the subject of some contention from another writer.
A teaser for the patron-only episode about the live versions of Vogue including rare rehearsal audio and examples of the many iterations of the song.
The third single from Madonna's Confessions On A Dancefloor album is a fan favourite. Originally recorded in Sweden, it was reconstructed by Stuart Price in London before being included on Madonna's tenth studio LP.
Madonna has sold 300 million records worldwide in a career fast approaching 40 years, but people only talk about the scandals and never the music. Here at Inside The Groove, we break it down...
When Madonna performed this song - for the very first time - at the MTV VMAs in 1984, her manager told her that her career was over. He was wrong. It's the song that turned her into a household name. It was written by a pair of songwriters and produced by the top producer in town, Nile Rodgers. This episode discusses that process and plays in tracks from the studio session and the subsequent remix by Jellybean.
Penned by Bjork and British producers Nellee Hooper and Marius De Vries, this song would be the turning point for Madonna as she moved from commercial music to a more avant garde sound. The podcast also talks about the jettisonned follow up to Erotica recorded with producer Shep Pettibone, naming many of the lost tracks that Madonna dumped when she had a change of direction on the album - including some rarely heard demos from that period.
A brief discussion on this 1989 song through the use of demo recordings, interviews with the collaborators and a rare live recording from the 90s.
The 20th movie in the James Bond franchise was released on 007's 40th movie anniversary and who better to write the theme tune than Madonna? Die Another Day was also a sneak peak of her upcoming new album, American Life, which would be released a few months later and once again paired the singer with producer Mirwais. But the song's story was not an easy ride as it went through at least one title change and faced problems from the studio...
A demo of this 2005 song has leaked with quite different verses, so here's a chance to hear it and find out a little more about how it ended up on the internet.
The ultimate 1980s dance tracks and one of the finest musical compositions and productions of all time. Yet 'Into The Groove' couldn't be simpler and this podcast discusses the lead up to its recording, including Madonna's inspiration for the lyrics along with studio recordings and isolated tracks, a demo of the song and elements that were used in the subsequent remixes.
The song that flagposted Madonna's most controversial era, released in conjunction with her fifth studio album of the same name and her collection of erotic photographs called Sex. Erotica went through many versions before becoming the final piece of music and this podcast includes an exclusive interview with one of the songwriters.
Tony was the composer of so many tracks on Erotica which he discusses in great detail along with his experiences on the songs Vogue, This Used To Be My Playground, Rescue Me and the mixing of Immaculate Collection. There are some terrific recollections here on both a technical and personal level.
This stunning house pop track launched the Rebel Heart era, but this time with a controversy not of Madonna's making as it was rushed out early following a leak of 13 songs from Madonna's new project. But this is an opportunity to explore the creation of the song and listen to isolated tracks including the piano played by Alicia Keys. We also get to hear a demo of the song which may be regarded as superior to the released version.
Has Lady Gaga ripped of Madonna? That's what some fans are saying... so I'm hot off the line to NYC where I spoke to Tony Shimkin, the man who recorded and edited Vogue and wrote several other songs with Madonna for the definitive word.
What happens when you combine Madonna with Stuart Price and ABBA? You get one of the most fantastic pop songs of all time and as her highest-selling digital single, a great commercial success too. The song's origin was as part of a musical written by Luc Besson, but can be traced back even further to the summer of 1979 when ABBA rehearsed their tour at Europa Studios in Stockholm. Hear outtakes from that ABBA record along with the stems from the Madonna song which would hit no. 1 around the world.
Lucy is author of the definitive biography of Madonna, Like An Icon, which charts the singers career and includes interviews with many of the key players from Madonna's times in the studio and on the road. Here, she discusses the book, her research and her own thoughts on Madonna as a songwriter, producer and performer.
The song that closed one era of Madonna's career and began another and it still sounds fresh almost 30 years later. Shrouded in controversy, not least of all for its video, which was banned from MTV, but for the fact that three separate legal cases were brought against the song's producer, Lenny Kravitz. Also discussed is the issue of sampling, the singer's Immaculate Collection album and the isolated tracks from the studio session for Justify My Love.
The first single from True Blue was also the main song from husband Sean Penn's movie 'At Close Range'. The story behind the writing and recording with collaborator Patrick Leonard is as dramatic as the film itself and, by listening to the isolated tracks from the studio recording, a new depth can be found to one of Madonna's most popular song.
Second single from the album Hard Candy, Madonna's co-write and co-sing with Pharrell Williams, has stood the test of time as we deep dive into this 2008 single, listening to demos, multitrack takes and a brief tutorial on pitch correction.
In this special episode, I chat with Madonna fan, musician, and singer Darren Hayes, about his love of the icon and the story behind his astonishing cover of her song Ray of Light. Darren describes the time he met Madonna and gives an in depth appraisal of some of the finest moments of her career.
Second single and title track of Madonna's Grammy award-winning album, Ray of Light also features a stunning vocal performance from the singer. Its origin dates back to a 1971 British folk song which was dramatically reworked by producer William Orbit.
Borderline was key in launching Madonna's career and this is the story of, not only the artist's signing to Sire records, but the recording with producer Reggie Lucas. Included is a demo recording, isolated track from the session and a brief history of a small, black, orange and wooden box, which would - like Madonna - change the pop music scene... forever!
Writer Peter Rafelson has contacted Inside The Groove to give his full account of the writing process behind Open Your Heart, which was the subject of confusion when presented in episode 2 of this series. Now we have the full story of the creation of one of Madonna's biggest hits.
The song that would hit no.1 in over 20 countries was seen as a "success for avant garde music" by the track's co-writer and producer Mirwais as it heralded a new era for the superstar. But how and where was the song recorded? Listen to not only a rarely-heard demo of the song, but also individual, isolated tracks including Madonna' raw vocal takes and outtakes, tracked twenty years ago.
The fourth single from Madonna's hugely acclaimed and highly successful album, True Blue, started out as a demo for Cyndi Lauper. But the writers of the track have very different stories about its origins. Listen to a demo along with studio takes from the original multitrack to find out how Open Your Heart was created and why it's one of her most popular singles to date.
Madonna's 'Vogue' is 30 years old and one of the singer's most popular hits. But did you know it was recorded as a b-side? Did you know that it's backing track is based on a Janet Jackson song? And do you want to hear studio outtakes from the original 1989 recording session?
Inside the Groove has it all. Listen now.