Madonna

"Ray of Light", Madonna's seventh studio album, was released by Maverick Records in early 1998. It represented a significant departure from her previous work, incorporating electronica and techno-pop elements and drawing from multiple genres, including ambient, trip hop, psychedelic, and Middle Eastern music. Madonna's singing style also evolved, featuring a fuller tone and broader range. The album's mystical themes were inspired by Madonna's exploration of Kabbalah, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Ashtanga yoga.

After giving birth to her first child, Madonna initially worked on the album with producers Babyface and Patrick Leonard, but the collaboration did not yield the desired results. Madonna then turned to English producer William Orbit, who helped her achieve a more experimental sound. Despite technical difficulties during the recording process, "Ray of Light" received universal critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Madonna's new musical direction, Orbit's innovative production, and Madonna's songwriting skills. The album is often cited as Madonna's magnum opus and is considered one of the greatest mainstream pop albums of all time.

"Ray of Light" debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and reached number one in 17 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. It sold over 16 million copies worldwide and won four Grammy Awards out of six nominations. The album's success was supported by five singles, including "Frozen" and "Ray of Light", both of which were international top five hits. The album's influence on popular music was significant, introducing electronica to mainstream pop culture in America and showcasing Madonna's musical re-invention as she remained relevant among younger artists.