What makes Miles Away by Madonna notable?

The single received significant airplay and reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Madonna's enduring ability to chart despite evolving musical trends. Additionally, it was noted for its exploration of themes such as longing and distance, resonating with listeners during a time of increasing global connectivity yet personal disconnection. Released in late 2008, 'Miles Away' was part of Madonna's eleventh studio album, 'Hard Candy', which marked her transition into a more contemporary pop sound. This period followed her commercial peak in the early 2000s and was characterized by collaborations with modern producers like Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, aiming to connect with a younger audience.

How many songs are on Miles Away?

Miles Away has 2 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Miles Away

Madonna · 2008

11 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

A reflective blend of pop and electronic elements, layered with introspective lyrics and a laid-back groove.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Miles Away — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, blending melancholy with a danceable beat while reflecting on emotional distance in relationships.
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Miles Away (Thin White Duke remix) — This remix reinterprets the original's emotion into an upbeat dance format, emphasizing the song's versatility and appeal across different music scenes.

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 track blends pop and electronic elements effectively but doesn't stand out significantly in Madonna's discography.

What we noticed

The song features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths that create a smooth, atmospheric backdrop.
The verses are structured with a call-and-response dynamic between Madonna's vocals and the instrumental elements, emphasizing the reflective nature of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 late-career phase that doesn't fit other specific categories.
Themes: long-distance love· personal transformation
Career context: Released in late 2008, 'Miles Away' was part of Madonna's eleventh studio album, 'Hard Candy', which marked her transition into a more contemporary pop sound. This period followed her commercial peak in the early 2000s and was characterized by collaborations with modern producers like Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, aiming to connect with a younger audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Janet Jackson· Kylie Minogue· Lady Gaga