Madonna Album: “I'll Remember (CD Single)”

This CD doesn't really compare to Madonna's other maxi-singles. There are only four tracks. The first is the album version of the title-track. The second is a trippy remix by William Orbit, which, at first I really disliked, but give it a chance and it may grow on you (I love it now). The third song is a live version of "Why's It So Hard?" from The Girlie Show. This song isn't very good anyways, and the live version doesn't do much (although you do hear some humorous moaning in the beginning). The last track is another Orbit mix of "I'll Remember." It's *very* similar to the original version and you need to have a keen ear to hear the differences.

This song, "I'll Remember", is soooo beautiful and meaningful. It's got a kind of African beat at the beginning, then Madonna's soothing vocals and charming lyrics. The Girlie Show version of "Why's It So Hard" is great, Madonna's voice has never been so alive.

Also, check out "With Honors", the movie that this song is from. It's an amazing movie.

In 1993, after the relapse with Madonna's Sex-Era, she needed a hit song. This song helped put her back on the top, where she belongs. I love the song "I'll Remember", it is a very simplisitc, gorgeous song.

1. Album Version: The best version and my favorite.

2. Guerilla Beach Mix: I don't like this mix. It is too long and it gives the song a differnt sound that just doesn't work.

3. Why's It So Hard (Live From The Girlie Show): This version is by far better than the album. In the album version, Madonna is singing softly and simplistic. In the live performance, her voice is full of power and energy.

4. Orbit Mix: This is my favorite remix of I'll Remember. It stays will the orginal song, while adding a little William Orbit sound to it.

"I'll Remember" was released at a crucial time in Madonna's career. Her first 28 singles made the U.S. Top 20 (26 went Top 10). However, in 1993 for the first time in her career, she experienced back-to-back songs ("Bad Girl" and "Rain") that failed to crack the Top 10. In addition, her CD "Erotica" had under-performed and her "Sex" book had caused a backlash. For the first time, Madonna's career was fading. Given the context, she was in need of a hit single, and "I'll Remembered" admittedly delivered. Recorded for the flop movie "With Honors" (starring Joe Pesci and Brendan Fraser), "I'll Remember" charged into the Top 10, peaking at #2 for 4 weeks.

The song is a smooth, somewhat bland ballad. I've been a fan of Madonna from the beginning of her career, but I have to admit that I don't like "I'll Remember." In fact, aside from "Bad Girl," I think it's her weakest single ever. The maxi-CD includes the original version as well as two remixes by William Orbit, marking one of her first collaborations with him). The best version is the Guerilla Beach Mix which adds some much-needed texture to the song. The Orbit Remix, though, deviates little from the original.

Finally, a live version of "Why's It So Hard" from the "Erotica" CD is included (the CD incorrectly calls the song "Why It's So Hard"). Even though Madonna's vocals on the song are pretty good, a live song tacked onto a maxi-CD just doesn't do much for me, as the most enjoyable aspects of her shows are the dancing and visuals. Overall, this maxi-CD is dull, and definitely below par for Madonna. Not recommended except for Madonna completists.

a nice song fitting into the movie 'with honors', they go hand in hand. i truly believe this song should have been nominated for an oscar but again, madonna was snub at the oscars. it's well written with patrick leonard and will stay as one of madonna's greatest ballads. gotta have this as there is an exclusive why's its so hard live version as well as 2 other great william orbit remixes of this song. truly a classic.