Madonna - Ray Of Light

Ray Of Light is the seventh studio album by American singer songwriter Madonna, originally released in February 1998 via Maverick and Warner Bros. Records.

A major stylistic and aesthetic departure from her previous work, Bedtime Stories, Ray Of Light is an electronica and techno-pop record which incorporates multiple genres, including ambient, trip hop, psychedelic music and Middle Eastern music. Mystical themes are strongly present in the music and lyrics as a result of Madonna embracing Kabbalah, her study of Hinduism and Buddhism, and her daily practice of Ashtanga yoga.

Ray Of Light was met with universal acclaim upon its release and is often considered Madonna's magnum opus. Critics praised the singer's new musical direction, contemplative songwriting, and mature vocals, alongside William Orbit's complex, innovative production.

The album has also been credited with introducing electronica into mainstream pop culture and affirming the 39-year-old Madonna's relevance during a period of major teen-marketed artists. Retrospectively, the album has continued to receive acclaim and is considered one of the greatest pop albums of all time. Madonna has referred to it as her quintessential album.

Ray Of Light won four Grammy Awards from a total of six nominations at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards.

The album entered the US Billboard 200 at #2, with the biggest first-week sales by a female artist at the time. It also peaked at #1 in 17 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and on the United Kingdom Albums Chart, and charted within the top-five in most musical markets.

Worldwide, Ray of Light has sold over 16 million copies and is one of the best-selling albums by women. Five singles were released from the album, including the international top five hits "Frozen" and "Ray of Light".

This double album 2LP record set is a 2019 reissue on black vinyl housed in a single pocket sleeve with printed inner sleeves, pressed in Germany via Warner Records.