Ghosttown cover

Ghosttown

Madonna · 2015

8 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

Haunting melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric soundscape that reflects deep emotional currents.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ghosttown — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of isolation and hope, featuring haunting vocals set against a sparse yet powerful production.
  • →
    Ghosttown (Don Diablo remix) — This remix transforms the original into an upbeat dance anthem while maintaining its emotional weight, illustrating Madonna's versatility and appeal across different musical styles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong emotional themes but lacks depth in its overall impact and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The main track features a slow tempo with layered vocal harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere.
  • The lyrics focus on themes of vulnerability and resilience, delivered with a reflective tone throughout the song.
  • The remix alters the original's structure by introducing a dance beat while maintaining the melodic elements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry from a mature phase, showcasing introspective themes without being a standout.
Themes
emotional resilience· haunted landscapes
Career context
Released in 2015, Ghosttown is part of Madonna's thirteenth studio album, Rebel Heart. At this point in her career, Madonna was navigating a phase of artistic reinvention, exploring deeper themes of vulnerability and resilience following the mixed reception of her previous album, MDNA.
Stylistic neighbors
Janet Jackson· Kylie Minogue· Lady Gaga
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ghosttown 4:09
  • 2 Ghosttown (Don Diablo remix) 4:48

What to play next

Rebel Heart
Listen next

Rebel Heart

2015

Continues the introspective themes with a mix of upbeat and haunting elements.
MDNA
Go back to

MDNA

2012

Sets the stage with a blend of personal reflection and danceable tracks.
Full Madonna discography Where to start with Madonna Artists like Madonna
contemporary R&B

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

1000 Forms of Fear

1000 Forms of Fear

Sia

Shares a similar blend of haunting electronic soundscapes and introspective, vulnerable lyrics.

Honeymoon

Honeymoon

Lana Del Rey

Captures a reflective atmosphere with lush production and themes of loss and resilience.

Overgrown

Overgrown

James Blake

Explores emotional depth through intricate electronic textures and intimate, personal songwriting.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata