I’ve never been the biggest Madonna fan. I’ve always considered her a better self-marketer than a singer, songwriter or performer.

But it’s hard to deny the pop appeal of a song like ‘True Blue,’ even in this overlong “Color Mix,” which adds nothing worthwhile to the original.

Looking at Madonna’s early output — those undeniable hits that helped launch MTV — you can trace a line to Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Carly Rae Jepsen and a handful of other modern hitmakers who owe more than a little of their success to Ms. Ciccone.

Continue reading →