Maps of Music

Bedtime Stories (1994)

Where the lyrics of Bedtime Stories take you, and where it was really made.

Madonna dropped her first producer because the demos began to sound like Erotica, and brought in R&B writers instead.

Key places

Recorded at Soundworks, New York City (1994)

Recording site Soundworks (New York City) — Soundworks in New York City is listed among the studios where Bedtime Stories was recorded. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Hooper and Madonna's sessions in Encino (1994)

Recording site Chappell Studios (Encino) — Chappell Studios in Encino, California hosted sessions where Hooper and Madonna co-produced four songs for the album. The point marks the city center, not the building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recorded at The Music Grinder, Hollywood (1994)

Recording site The Music Grinder (Hollywood) — The Music Grinder in Hollywood is listed among the studios used for Bedtime Stories. The point marks the city center, not the building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recorded at DARP Studios, Atlanta (1994)

Recording site DARP Studios (Atlanta) — DARP Studios in Atlanta is listed among the studios used for Bedtime Stories. The point marks the city center, not the building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recorded at The Enterprise, Burbank (1994)

Recording site The Enterprise Studios — The Enterprise in Burbank is listed among the studios used for Bedtime Stories. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recorded at Wild Bunch Studios, London (1994)

Recording site Wild Bunch Studios (London) — Wild Bunch Studios in London is listed among the studios used for Bedtime Stories. The point marks the city center, not the building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• Bedtime Stories: sixth studio album by American singer and songwriter Madonna
• Released October 24, 1994 by Maverick and Sire Records; US release a day later
• R&B and pop album influenced by soul, electronic, and hip-hop music
• Most songs explore romance, heartache, desire, and regret, a contrast to Erotica
• Madonna toned down sexual themes after criticism of her 1992–1993 releases

Background

• Criticism followed Erotica, the book Sex, and the films Body of Evidence and Dangerous Game
• Madonna's highly publicized 1994 appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman drew attention
• The single "I'll Remember" was issued in March 1994 as part of the With Honors soundtrack
• Madonna wanted hip-hop, R&B, and soul in the album and described the choice as a way to go back to her roots
• Her debut album Madonna (1983) already had R&B influences
• Sessions began with Shep Pettibone, but she stopped when the demos resembled the dance sound of Erotica

Recording

• Babyface wrote and composed three songs with Madonna; "Take a Bow" and "Forbidden Love" made the album
• Dallas Austin produced "Secret", "Don't Stop", and "Sanctuary"
• Dave Hall co-wrote four songs with Madonna over a fortnight at his Elmsford, New York studio
• Nellee Hooper co-produced four songs at Chappell Studios in Encino, California
• Björk wrote the lyrics for "Bedtime Story"

Cover

• French photographer Patrick Demarchelier shot the artwork at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel in August 1994
• The cover shows Madonna in a white negligee with tousled blonde hair and a nose ring
• Critics compared her look with Jean Harlow's

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Tracklist

Sources: musicbrainz.org

Artist

Formation

• Madonna Louise Ciccone, born August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress.
• Raised in the Detroit suburbs of Pontiac and Avon Township; moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue dance.
• Performed as a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist in the rock bands Breakfast Club and Emmy before signing with Sire Records.
• Debut album Madonna (1983) brought her fame.

Career

• Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), and The Immaculate Collection (1990) are among the best-selling albums of all time.
• Rolling Stone ranked Like a Prayer (1989), Ray of Light (1998), and Music (2000) among the greatest albums of all time.
• Known for continual reinvention and for works addressing social, political, sexual, and religious themes.
• Acting credits include Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Dick Tracy (1990), A League of Their Own (1992), and Evita (1996), for which she won a Golden Globe.
• Founded the entertainment company Maverick (1992–2009), including Maverick Records.
• Is the best-selling female music artist of all time and the first female performer to accumulate US$1 billion from concerts.
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, in her first year of eligibility.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Reception

At release

• Critics appreciated the album for its gentler sound and its R&B infusions
• Others found it unremarkable compared to Madonna's previous works
• Billboard wrote that she stuck to a pop formula that yields hits, with little excess baggage
• Greg Kot called it Madonna's most irresistible work since The Immaculate Collection (1990)
• Stephen Thomas Erlewine said she was the most humane, open, and vulnerable she had ever been
• Chris Willman of the Los Angeles Times called it the least remarkable of Madonna's albums up to that point
• Rikky Rooksby wrote that it cannot match the power of Erotica

Reappraisal

• Retrospectively viewed as one of her best and most underrated albums
• Mary Von Aue in Vice called it Madonna's most important work, a response to the scrutiny of female musicians over their sexuality
• Quentin Harrison of Albumism said it began the genesis of her second career epoch
• Scottish musician Sophie said it is more fully formed and sexy than much trip-hop of the time

Records

• Topped the albums chart in Australia (ARIA)
• Reached the top five in Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States
• Debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 with first week sales of 145,000 copies
• Debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart; BPI platinum for 300,000 copies
• Number four in Germany; BVMI platinum
• Peaked at number four in Canada; certified two times platinum for 200,000 copies
• Nominated for Best Pop Album at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards
• Sold over eight million copies worldwide

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• Björk wrote the lyrics for "Bedtime Story" after Madonna, a fan of her album Debut (1993), contacted her and asked for a track
• Madonna first developed "Secret" as a demo with Pettibone titled "Something's Coming Over Me"
• Billboard named the American Music Awards performance of "Take a Bow" the eighth greatest performance at that award show of all time
• Madonna and her manager Freddy DeMann canceled tour plans after she was offered the role of Eva Perón in Evita (1996)
• Mark Romanek directed the "Bedtime Story" video, which is one of the most expensive music videos of all time

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

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