It didn't take the post-motherhood Ray of Light to prove that Madonna is a big softie; this collection of ballads and slow jams had already done that. Somewhat confused in intention--the scalding ache of "Oh Father", a 1989 song for her own dad, is shoved between the sex of "Rain" and a version of Marvin Gaye's "I Want You"--this is nonetheless a highly listenable album for those who dig Madonna for her music as much as for her cultural significance. --Rickey Wright