Sadly for the fifty-something singer,Madonna's album "MDNA" is far from being a masterpiece, and that's an understatement.

This album is a collection of clichés and rides the dance wave which made the star so successful and which is currently experiencing a revival in the United States.

But this return to established roots seems to have the vague stench of a marketing ploy about it. The challenge seems to have been to return to previous successes at any cost, especially in terms of quality.

Worse still, the album descends into vulgarity, with tracks such as "Gang Bang" and "Girl Gone Wild" which was censured on YouTube.

Has the songstress grown too old for this politically incorrect bravado? Luckily, the tracks featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. bring a touch of freshness to the album. And a few rare tracks like "Turn Up the Radio" and "Falling Free" bring to mind Madonna's glory days.

-ATC