"HOLLYWOOD"
The Second Single off "American Life"
     Released Worldwide July 14 2003
  The second single off Madonna's "American Life" album, "Hollywood" takes a different route away from the harsh techno of the title track and into the land of classic and quintessential Madge: Light, dancey and armed with a lethal hook - yet like most of Madge's recent singles, it carries a subservient message: Fame is shallow and elusive and once you achive it, what next?
   Truth be told, "Hollywood" was rushed to radio after the (especially American radio's) dismal reaction to the "American Life" single. The song starts off with a sweet chirping of birds, leading into Mirwais' handpicked guitar intro, before launching into a bass-heavy guitar-riff driven dance anthem. "Everybody comes to Hollywood" belts Madonna, singing on how  "There's something in the air in Hollywood/I've lost my reputation bad and good". The verses are hard, fast, electronic and pounding whilst the chorus slows down the tempo with Madonna singing in a high register with Mirwais' guitar plucking behind her. "Everybody comes to Hollywood/They wanna make it in the neighborhood/They like the smell of it in Hollywood/How could it hurt you when it looks so good?". "Shine your light now", she sings,  reminding listeners that it's easy to get your foot in the door, but what's gonna keep it there?
   "Music stations always play the same songs/I'm bored with the concept of right and wrong" she sings during the bridge, a sly reference to her recent complaints against the apparent homogenising of the music industry and her history of rebeliousness - and if there ever was a powerful Madonna lyric that's it. The song continues, bouncing over two different beats to the climax: A unique verse where Madonna repeats "Push the button/Don't push the button/Trip the station/Change the channel" four times whilst her voice electronically morphs from her own voice into a deep masculine one. What is the meaning of this verse? Madonna herself has never explained it but perhaps it means challenge the system, have something to say, express yourself always and you'll be satisfied.
   Released worldwide on July 14th 2003, the single came with a slew of remixes from various mixers, notably Oakenfold, Calderone and Dan Quayle. Madonna also brought some newcomers on board, such as Jacque Lu Cont and Deepsky (who also remixed "Die Another Day"). The variety of mixers gave the single a diversity of styles that were fresh and new, which was a good thing, it turned out.
CHART POSITIONS for "HOLLYWOOD":
TRACK LISTING:
1) "Hollywood" (Radio Edit) <3:42>
2) Jacque Lu Cont's Thin White Duck Mix  <7:09>
3) The Micronauts Mix <6:25>
4) Oakenfold Full Remix <7:01>
5) Deepsky's Home Sweet Home Vocal   Remix <7:34>
6) Calderone and Quayle Glam Mix <9:22>
US (Hot 100): -
US (Dance/Club Play): #1
US (Singles Sales): #4
UK: #2
UK Dance Chart: #1
European Airplay Chart: #1
Europe-wide Sales Chart: #4
Australia: #16
PICS OF THE VARIOUS SINGLE COVERS:
The US cover of the single.
The UK CD-2 Cover artwork.
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