Okay – it’s time to set the record straight (pun intended). The much-anticipated, critically-bashed follow-up to the smash hit, groundbreaking Music is in stores and causing quite the debate. What is she doing? Is Madonna losing it? Can she stay on top?

American Life, Madonna’s latest effort is the "love it or hate it" CD of the summer. Despite debuting at number one and already reaching platinum status, critics have thrown stones at the Material Girl’s latest reincarnation, calling it her worst body of work to date. Is American Life Madonna’s best work? No. Is American Life a good album? Yes!

We are forgetting that the reason Madonna has kept us so enthralled is the same reason critics are dismissing American Life – change! Madonna has always been on the pulse of pop music. Each of her albums has brought something new to the music scene. A year from now, when everyone is copying her new sound, then we’ll realize what a true visionary she is and that American Life was cutting edge and courageous.

American Life is the most intimate look into Madonna’s personal life that she has ever permitted. The eleven track set starts with a continuation of Music, the title track "American Life". Beat and bass, a song that thumps – it’s cool and very clever. There are some really great Madonna songs on this CD and even the "just good" ones remind you why Madonna is the Queen of Pop.

Nothing fails the gospel-infused track that is the "Like A Prayer" of 2003. It’s so well done it makes you want to go to church. And my favorite – "Easy Rider"– it’s a glorious techno ballad, trance meets classical. Also check out "Love Profusion" and "Nobody Knows Me" – they are worth the listen. If you are still wanting more, the second single "Hollywood" – the remixes are all that. Remixed by Calderone, Deep Sky, and Oakenfold., these remixes take you straight to the dance floor.

So if I were you, I wouldn’t count on the Material Mom fading away anytime soon. She is still as hot as ever, Mind, Body and Soul.