Offbeat Oddity

My mom would play the Falling Into You album in the car when I was younger, so that's how I was introduced to Celine. This song was our favorite. In fact, I just heard it in the dentist office the other day, which was a pleasant surprise.

Although I'm mostly familiar with her singles, not albums, it could be a stylistic choice or she wants to preserve her voice. Big vocals don't seem to be "in," so it doesn't seem to be hurting her success.

She was a legend well before then. I think TIC era was what sealed the deal for her. Sometimes it takes years for an artist to be considered a legend/iconic, but Madonna achieved that status very early.

The ballad as a second single in the US market was less of a thing during that time, so that didn't help "Hurt" even though it performed decently. I think it would've done better as a third single. "Candyman" was a bit too retro, so she should've released "Slow Down Baby" instead.

Easily F. Lady Gaga should be a hoot. Christina probably won't give me the time of day, but you know she'll throw some shade and I'm here for it!

Yes. Then again, I'm old and remember living through Shania's hey-day (while I'm not as up-to-date on newer artists from the past 5-10 years), so I'll always have a soft place in my heart for her.

I think she still naturally likes to make music and there's an eager fanbase, which makes it even easier to increase the quantity/frequency of the output.

Agreed- you couldn't ask for a better first few weeks for Madonna.

I'm not her biggest fan, but I think it clearly helped her. It also made enough of a splash that it's keeping the interest in Act III very high.

Oh, this is easy -- Like A Virgin.

I know Shakira's huge worldwide; I'm just saying that in the US, the last time I really remembered a massive era was "Hips Don't Lie," so if for some reason a new song from her didn't do well in the US, it wouldn't be a shock. Also, I don't follow the Hot 100 like I used to and took the thread title as truth, so that's on me? I have nothing against her; for whatever reason, she didn't hit the Madonna/Mariah/Taylor level in the US.

Shakira hasn't really been big here in quite a while.

Confessions II. It might not have the highs of Confessions on a Dancefloor, but all the songs are good-great and it keeps up the momentum from beginning to end. I can't say that about the original, which ran out of steam in the last third.

I love both Mariah and Madonna, but HFIA was more niche and Mariah just wasn't ready for the release/promotion. Madonna's album is fantastic and the promotion has been spot-on. Confessions II is what I think Mariah's still capable of achieving if she really wants it and gives up some of her stubbornness to stick to only R&B. Hopefully this'll light a fire under her.

Surprised this hasn't been brought up by more posters...Mariah. She peaked critically with Caution, and I think she's capable of it again. Beyoncé certainly can as well.