Jump to content

Hard Candy (Madonna album)

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Candy Shop (Madonna song))

Hard Candy
Madonna sitting in front of a pink background with her legs stretched. She is wearing a black leotard and a boxer belt, while pulling a black rope across her mouth with her hands.
Studio album by
Madonna
ReleasedApril 18, 2008 (2008-04-18)
Recorded2007
Studio
GenreDance-pop
Length56:22
LabelWarner Bros.
Producer
Madonna chronology
The Confessions Tour
(2007) 		Hard Candy
(2008) 		Celebration
(2009)
Singles from Hard Candy
  1. "4 Minutes"
    Released: March 17, 2008
  2. "Give It 2 Me"
    Released: June 24, 2008
  3. "Miles Away"
    Released: November 21, 2008

Hard Candy is the eleventh studio album by American singer Madonna, released on April 18, 2008, by Warner Bros. Records. In October 2007, Madonna announced her departure from the label after 25 years and signed a $120 million, ten-year 360 deal with entertainment company Live Nation, covering her future music-related ventures including touring, merchandising, and sponsorships. Following the release of her tenth studio album, 2005's Confessions on a Dance Floor, Madonna became interested in the work of singer Justin Timberlake, and enlisted him to collaborate on what would become her final studio album for Warner Bros. Other key collaborators included rapper Timbaland, producer Nate "Danja" Hills, and production duo The Neptunes, composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, with guest vocals from rapper Kanye West.

Musically, Hard Candy is a dance-pop record infused with urban, hip hop, and R&B elements. Thematically, Madonna described its songs as largely autobiographical, with lyrics centered around love, revenge, sex, and music, often laced with innuendo. The title references the contrast between "toughness and sweetness," reflected visually in the cover artwork, which depicts the singer as a boxer. Amidst speculation and leaks, Hard Candy became one of the first major albums to be distributed through mobile technology; several telecommunications companies pre-loaded its songs and singles onto mobile phones prior to release.

Critical reception was mixed. While many praised its danceable sound, others criticized it for being too similar to past works by other female artists such as Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, and Gwen Stefani, whose own albums had been shaped by the same team of producers. Some argued that Hard Candy reflected a moment in Madonna's career where she began following trends rather than setting them. Despite the divided critical response, the album was a commercial triumph, topping the charts in 37 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Japan. It was the eleventh best-selling album worldwide in 2008, with over four million copies sold to date.

Three singles were released from the album. Lead single "4 Minutes", a duet with Timberlake and Timbaland, topped charts in 21 countries and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Madonna's 37th top ten in the United States. Follow-up single "Give It 2 Me" reached number one on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart, marking her 39th chart-topper in that category. To promote the album, Madonna performed small showcase concerts at New York's Roseland Ballroom, Paris' Olympia, and headlined the BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend. She also embarked on the Sticky & Sweet Tour, her eighth concert tour, which began in Cardiff in August 2008 and concluded in Tel Aviv in 2009. Grossing over US$411 million ($602.38 in 2024 dollars[1]), the tour became the second highest-grossing tour in history at the time.

Background

[edit]
Justin Timberlake in a suit smiling.
Pharrell Williams singing onstage.
From left: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Pharrell Williams collaborated with Madonna on the album.

According to music journalist Daryl Easlea, in his 2012 biography Madonna: Blond Ambition, following the release of her tenth studio album Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), producer Stuart Price asked Madonna what she wanted to pursue next. Her response was simple: "I want to make dance music, as always."[2] At the time, however, her musical tastes were shifting. She had become "obsessed," Easlea writes, with Justin Timberlake's second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006).[2][3] Inspired by the album's polished urban pop production, Madonna made the deliberate choice to collaborate with a new wave of popular producers. According to Easlea, her goal was to "follow in the footsteps of the new generation of female stars" —particularly Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, and Gwen Stefani— and to "work her magic" on the sound of urban contemporary music.[4] In February 2007, while attending one of Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveShow concerts, Timbaland, one of the producers behind FutureSex/LoveSounds, confirmed that Madonna had contacted him, though he gave no additional details at the time.[5] By mid-2007, he publicly announced that both him and Timberlake were working with her on a new album project.[6]

Additional contributors included The Neptunes, the American production duo composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, and producer Nate "Danja" Hills. Easlea described the Neptunes as having a "slightly cultish" reputation, known as "crazy sound alchemists" capable of crafting "pop gems" from unexpected sonic textures.[2][7] Around this period, NME reported that singer Mika may have participated in early sessions, although no official confirmation of his involvement appears in the album's final credits.[8] Whereas Madonna had previously worked with lesser-known European producers such as Mirwais Ahmadzaï, William Orbit, and Stuart Price, her decision to recruit high-profile American collaborators signaled a significant shift. According to Easlea, the move was strategic: She aimed to "recapture the energetic sound of her early '80s hits" while re-engaging with the mainstream American pop landscape.[2] Easlea concluded: "[Madonna] had historically always been the trailblazer [...] but at this point in her career, it seemed to make sound and commercial sense to follow the hottest trends."[4]

In October 2007, Madonna officially announced her departure from Warner Bros. Records, the label she had been signed to since the beginning of her career. She entered into a landmark $120 million, ten-year 360 deal with Live Nation, which covered not only future albums but also touring, merchandise, and corporate sponsorships. Hard Candy would become her final studio release under Warner Bros.[9]

Recording and development

[edit]

"I usually work with producers who are sort of behind the scenes people ―they don't go out on tour, don't make their own records, they're not usually stars in their own right, so we definitely had to get used to each other's energy. [Timbaland, Timberlake and Williams] have very strong opinions ―as do I― and that was a bit of an adjustment, but it turned out great in the end."

— Madonna on Hard Candy's recording processs, and working with multiple producers.[2]

Recording sessions for Hard Candy began in early 2007 and took place at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles, Criteria Studios in Miami, and Sarm West Studios in London.[10][11] The first days of production proved challenging. Madonna was used to working within a structured daytime schedule, while Timbaland, Timberlake, and Williams preferred late-night sessions, and expected her to adjust to their routine.[2] Creative friction emerged early on, with the singer later remarking that there were "four divas" in the studio —herself, Timberlake, Timbaland, and Williams.[2] According to Easlea, Madonna expected not only production but also lyrical collaboration from her partners.[2] Initially, this proved difficult. "Writing is very intimate. You have to be vulnerable," she explained. Unfamiliar with her collaborators, she felt intimidated by the idea of composing songs with them, describing the early writing sessions as awkward and intimidating.[2] However, her and Timberlake eventually found common ground. He recalled that she often arrived with fragments of lyrics and poetry, which they shaped into full songs through extended brainstorming sessions.[3] Their first collaboration, "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You", was based on a demo Madonna had been working on for years; Timberlake helped reframe it into a complete song.[3]

Their next project, "Miles Away", addressed long-distance relationships — a personal topic for both artists.[3] Timberlake introduced a guitar riff, and Madonna quickly responded with lyrics.[3] She later explained the song reflected not just her own marriage to British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, but also "the global consciousness of people who have intimacy problems."[12][13] Other collaborations between them included "Dance 2Night" and "4 Minutes", which was originally titled "4 Minutes to Save the World"; the latter also featured Timbaland.[12][8] A separate track, "La La", produced by Timbaland, was recorded but ultimately not included on the final track listing.[6]

Williams brought a spontaneous and playful energy to the recording sessions. Madonna described his approach as "unpretentious", and referred to him as a "natural musician" who would experiment with sounds using whatever was at hand. "He would grab my acoustic guitar, he couldn't play, but he’d start playing percussion on it. He would find bottles and start playing them with spoons. He’s very inventive in the studio," she recalled.[12] Together, they created "Candy Shop", "Spanish Lesson", "Give It 2 Me", and "She’s Not Me".[12][14] Reflecting on the creation of "Candy Shop", Williams recalled: "[Madonna] was like, 'Look, give me some hot shit.' I was looking at her like, 'She’s saying hot shit?' She was like, 'What?' And I’m like, 'OK.' So we just worked and made it."[14] "Spanish Lesson" was inspired by what Williams described as the "B-beat" — a style characterized by chopped-up, staccato rhythms associated with Baltimore club music.[12] Another track, "Beat Goes On", featured a guest verse by Kanye West, who had just four hours in the studio to write, record, and finalize his contribution before catching a flight.[12]

Madonna later described the entire experience of recording Hard Candy as creatively rewarding. "It pushed me as a vocalist [...] pushed me to sing in rhythms and phrasing that I normally wouldn’t have done on my own. That's the great thing about collaborating with other people," she said.[15] She also conducted her own informal "market research," frequently playing tracks for her children, husband, and friends to gather feedback throughout the production process.[12]

Composition

[edit]

Hard Candy is a dance-pop album that blends urban genres such as R&B and hip hop, while incorporating stylistic touches of disco and Philadelphia soul, reminiscent of Madonna's early influences.[2][16][17] According to BBC News and Slant Magazine, the album's lyrics revolve around themes of love, revenge, sex, and music.[18][19] The singer herself described the songs as largely autobiographical —though "in more of an unconscious way"— and said they reflected her emotional state during the recording process, often conveyed through innuendo-laced lyrics.[20][21]

Production is divided between Williams and the team of Timbaland, Danja, and Timberlake. The Guardian observed that Timbaland and Timberlake's contributions follow a formula of "honking rave synthesisers, sweaty funk riffs, [and] clattering beats," while Williams' tracks —such as "Beat Goes On" and "She's Not Me"— introduce "disco strings, toots, beeps, whistles, handclaps and Chic guitar licks," drawing from retro influences.[22] Rolling Stone magazine described the production process as collaborative and layered, highlighting "4 Minutes" as an example where Madonna and Timberlake trade lines, finish each other's phrases, and overlap in vocal delivery.[23]

"Give It 2 Me"
A 29-second sample of "Give It 2 Me", featuring the track's "climactic" breakdown where Madonna chants "Get stupid" over xylophone chimes and a frenzied beat, leading to the line, "When the lights go down and there's no one left, I can go on and on".[23][24]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The album's innuendo-driven tone is evident in "Give It 2 Me", where Madonna proclaims, "When the lights go down and there's no one left, I can go on and on" —a line that MTV interpreted as both a motivational statement and a sexual double entendre.[24] Sexual metaphor is further emphasized in "Candy Shop", where lines like "My sugar is raw" and "Say which flavor you like and I'll have it for you" are sung over what BBC Music described as "breathy punctuation and tinny percussion."[19][25] In "She's Not Me", Madonna confronts a romantic rival with the line, "She started dressing like me and talking like me. It freaked me out," which This Is Dig!'s Mark Elliott noted echoes "Thief of Hearts", a similarly confrontational track from her fifth studio album, Erotica (1992).[14][26]

Several tracks delve into emotional distance and vulnerability. "Miles Away" blends a "Ray of Light trancelike vibe" with folktronica textures reminiscent of both Music (2000) and American Life (2003), layered over a "stuttering" Timbaland beat.[21][27] Its lyrics reflect the tension of long-distance love, hinting at Madonna's own marital struggles, with lines like "I guess we’re at our best when we’re miles away" and "You always have the biggest heart when we’re 6,000 miles apart."[23][27] Described as the album's most structurally unconventional track, "Incredible" shifts between genres, key changes, and overlapping vocals to mirror a plea for renewal in a faltering relationship.[28][14] "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" begins with a lullaby-like calm before building into a lush, brooding arrangement that underscores its themes of deception and emotional denial.[14][12]

Meanwhile, "Heartbeat" evokes Madonna's earlier dance-pop style —particularly "Into the Groove" (1985)— with a "thumping hip-hop beat, a sandpaper shuffle and twinkling Eighties-reminiscent synths".[18][23] "Spanish Lesson" incorporates Latin pop and Flamenco influences, featuring a "ton" of percussion and playful lyrics like, "If you do your homework, baby I will give you more."[14][29][27] The atmospheric closing track, "Voices", poses the question “Who is the master, who is the slave?” before winding down operatically and concluding with a dramatic bell toll.[30] Included only on the Japanese edition, "Ring My Bell" has Madonna threatening to withhold intimacy from a lover who won't be upfront. Williams features briefly on backing vocals.[31]

Title and artwork

[edit]

Sirius Satellite Radio host Larry Flick reported on December 6, 2007, that Madonna's upcoming album would be titled Licorice and scheduled for release in late April of the following year.[32] However, the next day, the singer's longtime publicist Liz Rosenberg refuted the claim, stating, "Sirius does not know what they are talking about. Wrong title. Release date wrong."[33] The official title, Hard Candy, was revealed on February 26, 2008, by Entertainment Weekly.[34] According to Rosenberg, the name reflected a "juxtaposition of toughness and sweetness," and as Madonna herself explained, "I'm gonna kick your ass, but it's going to make you feel good."[34] In an interview with MTV Australia, the singer revealed that she had initially considered naming the album Candy Shop or Give It to Me, but ultimately discarded both options as they were already the titles of songs by 50 Cent and Timbaland, respectively.[35] Another working title was Black Madonna, which she described as "fun" but ultimately did not pursue further.[36]

For the album's artwork, Madonna collaborated with American photographer Steven Klein and developed a boxing-inspired visual concept.[35] The cover image, taken during a photoshoot originally commissioned for Interview magazine, features the singer seated against a backdrop of pink peppermint swirls, wearing knee-high boots and a championship belt.[37][38] Writing for Billboard, Joe Lynch remarked that the cover resembled "an outtake [rather] than a photo shoot's best take."[39] In a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna revealed to Austin Scaggs that her and Klein had also created imagery for the working title Black Madonna, which was ultimately scrapped. "I painted my face black, except for red lips and white eyes," she recalled. "Then I thought, 'Twenty-five percent of the world might get this, probably less. It’s not worth it.'"[36]

Leaks and release

[edit]

On July 27, 2007, the song "Candy Shop" leaked online on file hosting service Putfile, though it was quickly taken down. In response, NME reported that Madonna's then-untitled album was expected to be released in November of that year.[40] The following month, a demo version of album track "Beat Goes On", featuring guest vocals by Williams, also surfaced online.[41] Additionally, on December 16, Timbaland played "4 Minutes" during his set at the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball —three months ahead of the track's official release date.[8]

Madonna's official website announced in March 2008 that Hard Candy would be released worldwide on April 28, with its US release scheduled for the following day.[42] In Mexico, however, the album was issued earlier on April 18, according to the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas.[43] The following week, it was released in Germany.[44] On April 21, one week before the official release, seven songs from Hard Candy leaked online.[45] Furthermore, the full album was made available for streaming on Madonna's official MySpace page four days ahead of the US launch.[46] A deluxe "Candy Box" was released in the United Kingdom on May 12, featuring the full album, two additional remixes, and a bag of starlight mints enclosed in collectible packaging.[21][47]

Promotion

[edit]

"4 Minutes" was featured on a March 17, 2008 Sunsilk commercial as part of an early promotional push for Hard Candy.[48] The following day, The Times reported that Vodafone users in Europe would have access to seven tracks from the album one week prior to its official release.[49] According to Billboard, Vodafone and Warner Music also partnered to offer new music and mobile content related to the album to Vodafone customers, while in France, the full album and the "4 Minutes" video were pre-loaded onto Samsung's F400 handset, which launched in early June.[50] A similar deal was struck with Sony Ericsson, which offered the album pre-loaded on phones in 27 countries worldwide.[51]

On March 24, it was announced that "Miles Away" would serve as the theme song for the Japanese television drama Change, scheduled to premiere in April.[52] Songs from Hard Candy were also featured in "Jump", the second season finale of American series Ugly Betty, which aired on May 22.[53] Ahead of the broadcast, a special promotional video aired in which the show's main character, Betty Suarez (played by America Ferrera), asks Madonna for an autographed copy of the album as a birthday gift for her nephew.[54]

Live performances and tour

[edit]
Main article: Sticky & Sweet Tour
Madonna performing album opener "Candy Shop" during the BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend on May 10, 2008.

On April 30, 2008, Madonna performed songs from Hard Candy at an exclusive concert held at New York's Roseland Ballroom, attended by approximately 2,200 people.[55][56] Hundreds of fans reportedly camped overnight to obtain one of the 750 wristbands that granted free admission.[56][57] The remaining tickets were distributed to radio and internet contest winners (about 1,000), as well as 200 members of Madonna's official fan club.[56] The event was streamed live via MSN Music and broadcast globally to mobile devices through Verizon and Vodafone.[56] During the show, Madonna was joined onstage by Timberlake for the performance of "4 Minutes".[55] Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone described the concert as an "impressive taste" of what the singer's upcoming concert tour might entail.[55] The promotional performances continued with another intimate concert at Paris' Olympia hall on May 6, followed by a headlining set at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend four days later.[58][59]

Hard Candy was further promoted through the Sticky & Sweet Tour, Madonna's eighth concert tour. Announced on May 8, 2008, the tour launched in Cardiff on August 23 and concluded in São Paulo on December 21.[60][61] A second leg was added in 2009, beginning in London and ending in Tel Aviv, spanning 27 additional European dates.[62] The concert was divided into four thematic sections —Pimp, Old School, Gypsy, and Rave— and described as a "rock-driven, dance-tastic journey."[63] Critics praised the tour's production value, Madonna's performance, and its visual ambition.[64] With a gross of US$411 million ($602.38 in 2024 dollars[1]), Sticky & Sweet became the second highest-grossing tour in history at the time, behind only the Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang Tour.[65] It also earned Top Boxscore, Top Draw, and Top Manager (for Guy Oseary) at the 2009 Billboard Touring Awards.[66]

Singles

[edit]
Madonna singing lead single "4 Minutes" on the Sticky & Sweet Tour. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached number one in the United Kingdom.

Lead single "4 Minutes" premiered on radio on March 17, 2008, and was released digitally on March 25.[67][68] The track received mixed reviews upon release; while its catchy hook was praised, several critics argued that Madonna felt like a guest on her own song.[a] Commercially, however, it was a major success, topping the charts in 21 countries.[73] In the United States, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making Madonna the artist with the most top ten hits in the rock era —surpassing her tie with Elvis Presley with her 37th entry.[74][75] "4 Minutes" was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 51st Grammy Awards.[76] Its accompanying music video, directed by Jonas & François, features Madonna and Timberlake tackling physical obstacles.[23]

The follow-up single, "Give It 2 Me", was released digitally on June 24, along with a set of remixes.[77] The song was generally well-received, with critics praising its self-empowerment theme.[30][78] It became Madonna's 39th number-one on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart, and reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart.[79][80] "Give It 2 Me" received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.[76] Tom Munro and Nathan Rissman directed the music video, which features Madonna in black-and-white visuals, donning a cowboy hat and "hipster workout gear," alongside a cameo from Williams.[81][82]

"Miles Away" and its remixes were issued for digital download on August 11, 2009.[83] The track was praised by critics for its melodic appeal and emotional resonance, with some comparing it to Timberlake's "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (2006).[70][84] In the US, it became Madonna's ninth consecutive number-one hit on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay chart.[85] Although not officially released as singles, "Heartbeat", "Beat Goes On", and "Candy Shop" were certified by Pro-Música Brasil for surpassing digital sales thresholds in the country.[86]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic65/100[87]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[70]
The A.V. ClubC+[88]
Blender[89]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[90]
The Guardian[22]
musicOMH[91]
PopMatters5/10[92]
Rolling Stone[30]
Slant Magazine[19]
The Times[93]

Despite holding a score of 65 on Metacritic —indicating "generally favorable reviews"[87]— Hard Candy received a mixed critical response, with opinions ranging from positive to dismissive. Among the favorable reviews, Blender magazine's Tony Power called the album "good-naturedly smutty", and Easlea described it as Confessions on a Dance Floor "with a frothier, more playful and bawdily humorous feel".[89][4] Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly deemed it a "crowd-pleaser of a CD" and an "unpretentious, nonstop dance party", while Digital Spy's Nick Levine found it to be a "brisk, exciting listen" even if not one of Madonna's "great artistic achievements".[90][94] Jon Pareles from The New York Times called its main message "Madonna's still around," delivering calculated pop songs that, while less profound than past efforts, were "smart to stay shallow".[28]

Less enthusiastic were critics like NME, who felt that "half the songs are good" but "there's nothing that'll blow you away", calling it "pretty mediocre" by Madonna's own high standards.[95] Junkee's Joseph Earp noted that while not bad, Hard Candy isn't "as great as it should be".[96] Both Now's Benjamin Boles and Bloomberg News' Mark Beech pointed to its sonic consistency but criticized its direction —Boles said it sounded like Madonna was "desperately trying to catch up with American R&B princesses".[97][21] Echoing this, Sam Damshenas and Daniel Megarry from Gay Times called it the moment where Madonna "stopped creating trends and started chasing them".[17]

The production was a recurring point of critique. Samuel Murrian from Instinct wrote that while Timberlake, Pharrell, and Timbaland "bring exactly what you'd expect", the result "barely feels like a Madonna record".[98] Several critics noted similarities to earlier projects by Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani —albums also produced by Timbaland, Danja, and The Neptunes— suggesting Hard Candy lacked distinctiveness.[93][99][100] BBC News' Mark Savage suggested the album "could have ranked alongside Madonna's best" with more subtle production choices, and compared it unfavorably to her sixth studio album, Bedtime Stories (1994).[18] The A.V. Club's Andy Battaglia criticized the "forceful" guest spots and the "self-identifying moves" from its producers.[88]

Some reviewers perceived Madonna as creatively detached.[88][101] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic described the album as "lifeless", adding that it sounded as though she had simply "handed the reins" to Timberlake and Timbaland, resulting in what he called "Nelly Furtado's 'Promiscuous' hand-me-downs".[70] Spin magazine's Al Shipley similarly felt it was her only album where "it truly feels she's just riding the wave of her collaborators and adding as little of her own personality as possible".[102] WhatCulture's Reece Shrewsbury echoed these sentiments, ultimately concluding that Hard Candy "just isn't very good".[103] A writer from the Telegram & Gazette deemed the album "sour" and "uneven", lamenting its reminder of a time when Madonna was "more interesting, more original, and alas, younger".[78] Chris Gerard of WRC-TV went further, calling it her worst effort up to that point: "a substantial disappointment", with forgettable songs, shrill vocals, and little that felt "genuine or believable".[104] Shrewsbury concluded it was "by far the worst of [Madonna's] studio releases".[103] Other reviewers dismissed Hard Candy as "vapid", "juvenile", "underwhelming, overworked [and] overproduced", a "let down", and lyrically weak —a musical stepback for the artist.[b]

Commercial performance

[edit]
With Hard Candy, Madonna earned her seventh number-one album on the Billboard 200, becoming the second female artist with the most chart-toppers in the US, behind Barbra Streisand (pictured in 2013).

Following its release, Hard Candy topped the charts in 37 countries.[106] In the United States, it sold 100,000 copies on its first day, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[107] With over 280,000 copies sold in its first week, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming Madonna's seventh chart-topping album in the country and placing her second among female artists with the most number-one albums, behind Barbra Streisand.[108] On June 4, 2008, the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments exceeding 500,000 units.[109] As of December 2016, Hard Candy had sold 751,000 copies in the United States.[110] In Canada, it debuted atop the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified Platinum by Music Canada (MC) for shipments of over 80,000 units.[111][112] By January 2009, the album had sold 169,000 copies in Canada, according to Nielsen.[113]

In Mexico, Hard Candy peaked at number three and was certified platinum by the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas.[114][115] The album also topped the charts in Argentina during the week of June 1, earning a platinum certification from the Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas for shipments exceeding 40,000 copies.[116] In Brazil, it reached number one on the national albums chart.[117]

Hard Candy debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming Madonna's tenth chart-topping album in the country.[118] It was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments exceeding 300,000 copies, with Music Week reporting sales of 335,523 units by September 2009.[119][120] The album saw widespread success across Europe, reaching number one in Italy,[121] Spain,[122] Portugal,[123] France, and Germany.[124][125] In France, it sold 37,963 copies within its first two days and was later certified platinum by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for shipments of over 200,000 units.[126] According to Musica e dischi, Hard Candy was Italy's best-selling international album of 2008, with more than 170,000 copies sold.[127] The record also topped the European Top 100 Albums chart.[128]

In Australia, Hard Candy became Madonna's seventh album to top the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 70,000 copies.[129][130] It was slightly less successful in New Zealand, debuting and peaking at number five and spending nine weeks on the chart.[131] In Japan, the album debuted at number one on the Oricon chart with over 55,000 copies sold in its first week. Sales rose to nearly 80,000 in its second week, allowing it to retain the top spot.[132] Hard Candy was Madonna's first album to reach number one in Japan in almost twenty years, since I'm Breathless (1990), making her the first international artist in Oricon chart history to have number-one albums across three consecutive decades.[133] Globally, Hard Candy was the eleventh best-selling album of 2008 and has sold over four million copies worldwide.[134][135]

Accolades and recognition

[edit]

"Much ink and cyber space have been devoted to debating the relevancy of Madonna, and in 2008, with the pop star approaching her 50th birthday, her relevancy and place in the ever-changing pop culture landscape was up for debate once again. But, as she's known to do, [she] proved her critics wrong with Hard Candy debuting at number one on the Billboard album charts not only in the United States and Canada, but in 20 other countries as well."

—Michele Yeo from Entertainment Tonight Canada commenting on the album.[136]

Hard Candy received several accolades and year-end mentions following its release. Spanish outlet Jenesaispop and news agency EFE included it among the best albums of 2008.[137][138] In Denmark, Ole Burn Rosenstand of Gaffa magazine ranked it as one of the year's top 10 foreign albums.[139] It was awarded English-Language Album of the Year at the seventh edition of Mexico's Premios Oye![140] The album was also honored as one of the Top 3 International Albums at the 2009 Japan Gold Disc Awards.[141] Additionally, Hard Candy received a nomination for Foreign Modern Pop-Rock Album of the Year at the 2009 Hungarian Music Awards.[142]

On the album's 10th anniversary, Billboard's Chuck Arnold described Hard Candy as Madonna's "last great album", even if it's not a "classic" or up to par to her previous works.[27] He praised its consistency, writing: "There is no filler. There are no bad tracks. Zero." Arnold also noted that "the special Neptunes sauce" inspired Madonna to sound more erotic than she had since Erotica. He concluded by calling the album a "sweet victory lap" —a fitting final chapter in her 25-year tenure with Warner Bros., the label under which she became "the most famous female artist on the planet."[27]

In Mobile Internet For Dummies, authors Michael J. O'Farrell, John R. Levine, Jostein Arlgroy, James Pearce, and Daniel Appelquist noted that Hard Candy made Madonna the first major artist to release an album via mobile phones prior to its physical store release —a point echoed by The Times' Jonathan Richards.[143][49] Writing for Billboard, Leila Cobo highlighted Madonna as one of the artists "at the forefront of the mobile revolution" in Latin America, which was then the most active region globally in terms of preloaded content.[144] Fellow Billboard writer Andre Paine reported that Sony Ericsson sold 650,000 units of its W760 model across Latin America, preloaded with Hard Candy, earning a symbolic gold disc from Warner Music.[145] According to Chilean newspaper La Nación, the album's mobile release set a precedent for how cell phones emerged as a key platform for music distribution during the 2008 financial crisis.[146]

Track listing

[edit]
Hard Candy – Standard edition[11][70]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Candy Shop"
4:16
2."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland)
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
4:04
3."Give It 2 Me"
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
4:48
4."Heartbeat"
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
4:04
5."Miles Away"
  • Madonna
  • Mosley
  • Timberlake
  • Hills
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
4:49
6."She's Not Me"
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
6:05
7."Incredible"
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
6:20
8."Beat Goes On" (featuring Kanye West)
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • West
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
4:27
9."Dance 2Night"
  • Madonna
  • Mosley
  • Timberlake
  • Hannon Lane
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Lane[a]
  • Demacio "Demo" Castellon[b]
5:03
10."Spanish Lesson"
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
3:38
11."Devil Wouldn't Recognize You"
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
5:09
12."Voices"
  • Madonna
  • Mosley
  • Timberlake
  • Hills
  • Lane
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
  • Lane[a]
3:39
Total length:56:22
Hard Candy – Japanese and iTunes Store pre-order edition (bonus track)[147][148]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Ring My Bell"
  • Madonna
  • Williams
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
3:54
Total length:60:16
Hard Candy – Limited Collector's Edition Candy Box (bonus tracks)[47][149]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
13."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Tracy Young House Edit)
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
  • Tracy Young[c]
3:33
14."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Rebirth Remix Edit)
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
  • Demacio "Demo" Castellon[c]
3:42
Total length:63:41
Hard Candy – Digital deluxe edition (bonus tracks)[150]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
13."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Peter Saves New York Edit)
5:00
14."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Junkie XL Remix Edit)
4:37
15."Give It 2 Me" (Paul Oakenfold Edit)
  • The Neptunes
  • Madonna[a]
  • Paul Oakenfold[c]
4:59
Total length:70:58
Hard Candy – Limited LP edition (bonus disc)[151]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Tracy Young Mixshow)
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
  • Young[c]
6:19
2."4 Minutes" (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Peter Saves New York)
  • Timbaland
  • Timberlake
  • Danja
  • Rauhofer[c]
10:52
Total length:67:33

Notes

  • ^a signifies a co-producer
  • ^b signifies an additional producer
  • ^c signifies a remixer and additional producer

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[11][70]

  • Madonna – vocals, songwriting, executive producer
  • Justin Timberlake – vocals, background vocals, songwriting, executive producer
  • Timbaland – vocals, songwriting, executive producer, drums, bass
  • Kanye West – vocals (rap)
  • Pharrell Williams – songwriting, background vocals, producer
  • Nate "Danja" Hills – producer, keyboards
  • Mark "Spike" Stent – audio recording, audio mixing
  • Andrew Coleman – audio mixing
  • Anthony Asher – engineering
  • Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica – recording
  • Demacio "Demo" Castellon – recording, programming, audio mixing
  • Julian Vasquez – assistant engineer
  • Vadim Chislov – assistant engineer
  • Graham Archer – assistant engineer
  • Fareed Salamah – assistant engineer
  • Joseph Castellon – senior engineer
  • Wendy Melvoin – acoustic guitar
  • Monte Pittman – acoustic and bass guitar
  • Hannon Lane – keyboards
  • DJ Demo – scratches
  • Ron Taylor – Pro Tools
  • Stevie Blacke – strings
  • Chris Gehringer – audio mastering
  • Steven Klein – principal photography
  • Giovanni Blanco – art direction
  • Guy Oseary – management

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for Hard Candy
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[116] Platinum 40,000^
Australia (ARIA)[130] Platinum 70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[201] Platinum 20,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[202] Platinum 30,000*
Brazil — 50,000[203]
Canada (Music Canada)[112] Platinum 169,000[113]
Chile (IFPI Chile)[204] Gold 7,500[204]
Czech Republic (ČNS IFPI)[205] 2× Platinum  
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[206] Platinum 30,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[208] Platinum 22,011[207]
France (SNEP)[210] Platinum 240,000[209]
Germany (BVMI)[211] Platinum 200,000^
Greece (IFPI Greece)[212] Platinum 15,000^
Hungary (MAHASZ)[213] Gold 3,000^
Ireland (IRMA)[214] Platinum 15,000^
Italy — 175,774[127]
Japan (RIAJ)[216] Platinum 252,520[215]
Mexico (AMPROFON)[115] Platinum 80,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[217] Platinum 60,000^
Poland (ZPAV)[218] Platinum 20,000*
Portugal (AFP)[219] Gold 10,000^
Russia (NFPF)[220] 4× Platinum 80,000*
Slovakia (IFPI Slovakia)[221] 3× Platinum 6,000[221]
South Korea — 4,525[c]
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[224] Gold 43,500[223]
Sweden (GLF)[226] Gold 40,000[225]
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[227] Platinum 30,000^
Turkey (Mü-Yap)[228] Gold 5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[119] Platinum 335,523[120]
United States (RIAA)[109] Gold 751,000[110]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[229] Platinum 1,000,000*
Worldwide — 4,000,000[135]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for Hard Candy
Region Date Format(s) Edition Label Ref.
Mexico April 18, 2008
Standard Warner [43]
European Union April 25, 2008 [44]
United Kingdom April 29, 2008 [230]
United States April 29, 2008 [231]
Special [232]
United Kingdom May 12, 2008 [47]
May 19, 2008
Maverick [233]
United States June 10, 2008 Warner [234]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Per multiple sources[69][70][71][72]
  2. ^ Per multiple sources[19][22][92][91][99][105]
  3. ^ South Korean sales as of June 2008 according to the Music Industry Association of Korea (MIAK).[222]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Easlea 2012, pp. 248–250
  3. ^ a b c d e Vineyard, Jennifer (May 2, 2008). "Madonna and Justin Timberlake say their 'shrink sessions' led to Hard Candy's 'personal' feel". MTV. Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Easlea 2012, pp. 244–246
  5. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (February 9, 2007). "Timbaland still in shock over Jay-Z, Madonna, Elton collaborations". MTV. Archived from the original on February 11, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (August 8, 2007). "Timbaland talks about his and Justin Timberlake's 'hot' collabo with Madonna". MTV. Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  7. ^ "Madonna's producer reveals recording session details". NME. February 26, 2008. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  8. ^ a b c "Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland collaboration leaked". NME. December 17, 2007. Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  9. ^ Wadell, Ray (October 16, 2007). "Update: Madonna confirms deal with Live Nation". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 11, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  10. ^ "Once upon a time in the top spot: Madonna, Hard Candy". Rhino Entertainment. May 17, 2016. Archived from the original on June 26, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c Hard Candy (liner notes). Madonna. Warner Bros. Records. 2008. 9362-49884-9.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Easlea 2012, pp. 251–254
  13. ^ "From the ELLE archive: Madonna – Read the full interview from 2008". Elle. January 24, 2014. Archived from the original on June 16, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Vineyard, Jennifer (April 24, 2008). "Madonna's Hard Candy sets sex, relationships to hip-hop, trip-hop, disco beats". MTV. Archived from the original on April 29, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  15. ^ Moran, Jonathon (April 20, 2008). "Madonna shows her soft side". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  16. ^ "Madonna, Santogold make dance records". NPR. April 29, 2008. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Damshenas, Sam; Megarry, Daniel (June 17, 2019). "We ranked every single Madonna album from worst to best". Gay Times. Archived from the original on August 13, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Savage, Mark (April 8, 2008). "Review: Madonna's Hard Candy". BBC News. Archived from the original on April 11, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  19. ^ a b c d Cinquemani, Sal (April 23, 2008). "Review: Madonna, Hard Candy". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  20. ^ Sischy, Ingrid (March 7, 2008). "MADONNA Interview magazine April 2008". Interview. Archived from the original on March 13, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d Beech, Mark (April 28, 2008). "Madonna gets down and dirty at disco for midlife CD: Mark Beech". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  22. ^ a b c Petridis, Alexis (April 24, 2008). "Madonna, Hard Candy". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d e Ganz, Caryn (February 15, 2008). "Madonna's new album and video: Exclusive Rolling Stone preview". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 22, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2024.(subscription required)
  24. ^ a b Norris, John (May 6, 2008). "Madonna talks about tuning 50 -- sort of". MTV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  25. ^ Young, Tom (April 29, 2008). "Madonna Hard Candy Review". BBC Music. Archived from the original on June 15, 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  26. ^ Elliott, Mark (April 19, 2022). "Hard Candy: Behind Madonna's return to Pop's sweet spot". This is Dig!. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d e Arnold, Chuck (April 28, 2018). "Why Hard Candy is Madonna's last great album". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Pareles, Jon (April 27, 2008). "Material woman, restoring her brand". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 27, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2024.(subscription required)
  29. ^ "Madonna's Hard Candy leak: The track-by track". MTV. April 18, 2008. Archived from the original on April 21, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  30. ^ a b c Ganz, Caryn (May 1, 2008). "Home > Music > Album Reviews > Hard Candy". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2024.(subscription required)
  31. ^ Andrews, Marc (2022). Madonna: Song by Song. Fonthill Media. p. 150. ISBN 9781781558447. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  32. ^ "Madonna's new album title unveiled on US radio?". NME. December 6, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  33. ^ "Madonna denies new album will be called Licorice". NME. December 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  34. ^ a b Halperin, Shirley (February 26, 2008). "Madonna's album title, release date confirmed". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 27, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  35. ^ a b "MTV Interview With Her Madjesty!". MTV Australia. March 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 26, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Scaggs, Austin (October 29, 2009). "Madonna looks back: The Rolling Stone interview". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2024.(subscription required)
  37. ^ Elliott, Mark (May 30, 2021). "Madonna album covers: All 14 studio artworks, ranked and reviewed". This is Dig!. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  38. ^ Thomas, Lindsay (March 14, 2008). "Madonna, Justin Timberlake look sweet in Hard Candy pics". MTV. Archived from the original on March 15, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  39. ^ Lynch, Joe (April 12, 2024). "Every Madonna album cover, ranked". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 15, 2024. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  40. ^ "Madonna-Justin Timberlake collaboration leaked". NME. July 27, 2007. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  41. ^ "Madonna's new song, 'The Beat Goes On', leaks!". TheBacklot.com. August 22, 2007. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  42. ^ "Hard Candy - Official Press Release". March 2, 2008. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2024 – via Icon: Official Madonna Website.
  43. ^ a b "Hard Candy - Mexican release date" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  44. ^ a b "Hard Candy von Madonna" (in German). Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on March 31, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2024 – via Amazon.
  45. ^ Stousy, Brandon (April 21, 2008). "(Some of) Madonna's Hard Candy leaks". Stereogum. Archived from the original on June 12, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2025.(subscription required)
  46. ^ "Madonna releases her new album early". People. April 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 25, 2008. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  47. ^ a b c "Hard Candy [Special Edition] - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on May 2, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2024 – via Amazon.
  48. ^ Tunniclife, Mike (March 17, 2008). "Madonna and Unilever's good hair day". Ad Age. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.(subscription required)
  49. ^ a b Richards, Jonathan (March 18, 2008). "Madonna to release new album via mobile". The Times. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved April 14, 2024.(subscription required)
  50. ^ Pichevin, Aymeric (April 4, 2008). "Samsung dials up Madonna deal for France". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 13, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  51. ^ Brandle, Lars (June 5, 2008). "Madonnna's 'Candy', a treat for Sony Ericsson users". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 8, 2008. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  52. ^ Ryall, Jullian (March 24, 2008). "Madonna song used for Japanese TV drama". Reuters. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  53. ^ Martin, Denise (May 23, 2008). "Ugly Betty: An uneven ending". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 17, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.(subscription required)
  54. ^ "Betty Suarez has a message for Madonna". People. December 1, 2020. Archived from the original on April 17, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  55. ^ a b c Ganz, Caryn (May 1, 2008). "Madonna debuts Hard Candy with Justin Timberlake at New York club show". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2024.(subscription required)
  56. ^ a b c d Sisario, Ben (May 2, 2008). "On throne, onstage, online and on cellphone". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2025.(subscription required)
  57. ^ Harding, Cortney (May 1, 2008). "Madonna fetes Hard Candy with free NYC show". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  58. ^ "Madonna holds private concert for one night in Paris". France 24. May 7, 2008. Archived from the original on February 14, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  59. ^ "Madonna Live". BBC. May 10, 2008. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  60. ^ Wadell, Ray (May 8, 2008). "Madonna announces 'Sticky and Sweet' tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 29, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  61. ^ "Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' Tour: 58 Shows - 2,350,282 fans!!!". Yahoo! News. December 22, 2008. Archived from the original on January 3, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  62. ^ Wadell, Ray (January 30, 2009). "Madonna resuming Sticky & Sweet Tour this summer". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  63. ^ "Sticky & Sweet Tour: Press release". August 20, 2008. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved April 15, 2024 – via Icon: Official Madonna website.
  64. ^ Aquilante, Dan (October 5, 2008). "Material mom's NJ concert is Madge-ic". New York Post. Archived from the original on October 8, 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  65. ^ Wadell, Ray (September 2, 2009). "Madonna closes tour in Tel Aviv; 2nd highest grossing trek of all time". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  66. ^ Wadell, Ray (November 5, 2009). "Madonna takes top honors at Billboard Touring Awards". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  67. ^ Mock, Janet (March 17, 2008). "LISTEN: Madonna & Justin's new song debuts!". People. Archived from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  68. ^ "Download your copy of '4 Minutes'". March 25, 2008. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved April 19, 2024 – via Icon: Official Madonna website.
  69. ^ Taylor, Chuck (March 22, 2008). "'4 Minutes', Madonna and Justin Timberlake". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 24, 2008. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  70. ^ a b c d e f Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (April 29, 2008). "Madonna > Hard Candy > Overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 2, 2012. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  71. ^ Rogers, Jude (August 16, 2018). "Every one of Madonna's 78 singles – ranked!". The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  72. ^ Anderman, Joan (April 27, 2008). "On her 11th CD, Madonna still has control issues". The Boston Globe. Boston.com. Archived from the original on April 30, 2008. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  73. ^ Bull, Sarah (May 12, 2008). "Madonna's sweet success continues". News.com.au. Archived from the original on May 5, 2013. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  74. ^ Caulfield, Keith (August 16, 2017). "Madonna's 40 biggest Billboard hits". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  75. ^ "Bad Boy, Mariah and Madonna: What a week!". Billboard. May 2, 2008. Archived from the original on April 20, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  76. ^ a b Harris, Chris (December 4, 2008). "Lil Wayne, Coldplay lead Grammy nominations". MTV. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  77. ^ "Give It 2 Me (Remixes)". Warner Bros. Records. June 24, 2008. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2024 – via Apple Music.
  78. ^ a b "Madonna's Hard Candy is a little sour". Telegram & Gazette. May 11, 2008. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  79. ^ Murray, Gordon (August 23, 2018). "Madonna earns 48th No. 1 on Dance Club Songs Chart with 'I Rise'". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  80. ^ Myers, Justin (March 7, 2015). "Madonna's official top 40 biggest selling singles". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  81. ^ "'Give It 2 Me' video now available". June 14, 2008. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2024 – via Icon: Official Madonna website.
  82. ^ "New video: Madonna, 'Give It 2 Me'". Buzzworthy. MTV. June 11, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  83. ^ "Miles Away (Remixes)". Warner Bros. Records. August 11, 2009. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2024 – via Apple Music.
  84. ^ Ewing, Tom (April 28, 2008). "Madonna, Hard Candy". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on March 19, 2009. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  85. ^ Bronson, Fred (December 29, 2008). "Chart Beat: Madonna, Pussycat Dolls, Beyoncé". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2024.(subscription required)
  86. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Madonna" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  87. ^ a b "Hard Candy - Madonna". Metacritic. April 29, 2008. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  88. ^ a b c Battaglia, Andy (May 5, 2008). "Madonna, Hard Candy (Warner Bros)". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on May 8, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  89. ^ a b Young, Tom (April 29, 2008). "Hard Candy – Review". Blender. ISSN 1534-0554.
  90. ^ a b Willman, Chris (April 18, 2008). "Music review - Hard Candy". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 20, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  91. ^ a b Soghomonian, Talia (April 28, 2008). "Madonna - Hard Candy (Warner)". MusicOMH. Archived from the original on May 6, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  92. ^ a b Hauner, Thomas (June 10, 2008). "Madonna - Hard Candy". PopMatters. Archived from the original on January 6, 2009. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  93. ^ a b Paphides, Pete (April 8, 2008). "Madonna: Hard Candy". The Times. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  94. ^ Levine, Nick (April 30, 2008). "Madonna: Hard Candy". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on February 23, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  95. ^ "Madonna, Hard Candy". NME. April 28, 2008. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  96. ^ Earp, Joseph (April 23, 2020). "Virgins, Prayers and lots of Sex: All 14 Madonna albums, ranked from worst to best". Junkee. Archived from the original on December 28, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  97. ^ Boles, Benjamin. "Disc review: Madonna, Hard Candy (Warner)". Now. Archived from the original on May 3, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  98. ^ Murrian, Samuel (August 17, 2018). "Madonna's 14 studio albums, including Madame X, ranked". Instinct. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  99. ^ a b Elan, Priya (June 20, 2011). "Madonna: Five things she needs to do on her next album". NME. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  100. ^ Mason, Kerri (May 3, 2008). "The Billboard reviews: Albums" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 120, no. 18. p. 45. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  101. ^ Hunt, El (October 12, 2023). "Don't go for second best, baby: All Madonna's albums, ranked". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  102. ^ Shipley, Al (November 12, 2024). "Every Madonna album, ranked". Spin. Archived from the original on November 12, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  103. ^ a b Shrewsbury, Reece (August 27, 2018). "Ranking All 13 Madonna studio albums from worst to best - 13. Hard Candy (2008)". WhatCulture. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  104. ^ Gerard, Chris (October 13, 2008). "Madonna's Hard Candy strikes sour note". WRC-TV. Archived from the original on August 13, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  105. ^ Mayo, Nicolás (May 17, 2008). "Hard Candy, el peor disco de la carrera de Madonna" (in Spanish). Terra. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  106. ^ Kiely, Amanda (October 6, 2009). "Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' concert to premiere on EPIX". Bloomberg Television. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  107. ^ Caulfield, Keith (April 30, 2008). "First day sales put Madonna on track for 7th no. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 29, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  108. ^ Hasty, Katie (May 7, 2008). "Madonna leads busy Billboard 200 with 7th no. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  109. ^ a b "American album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  110. ^ a b Trust, Gary (December 12, 2016). "Ask Billboard: Madonna's career album sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  111. ^ a b "Madonna Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  112. ^ a b "Canadian album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy". Music Canada. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  113. ^ a b "The Nielsen Company 2008 Canadian Music Industry Report". Reuters. January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  114. ^ a b "Los más vendidos 2008" (PDF) (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 15, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  115. ^ a b "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved December 26, 2024. Type Madonna in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Hard Candy in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  116. ^ a b "Discos de Oro y Platino" (in Spanish). Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  117. ^ a b "Novo disco de Madonna é 1º lugar em vendas no Brasil". Jornal do Brasil (in Portuguese). May 8, 2008. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  118. ^ "Madonna celebrates chart double". BBC News. May 4, 2008. Archived from the original on May 7, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  119. ^ a b "British album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  120. ^ a b "Key Releases: September 26, 2009". Music Week. September 26, 2009. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2024 – via HighBeam.
  121. ^ a b "Italiancharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  122. ^ a b "Spanishcharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  123. ^ a b "Portuguesecharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  124. ^ a b "Lescharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  125. ^ a b "Offiziellecharts.de – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  126. ^ "Album de Carla Bruni: 14.100 exemplaires vendus en deux jours". Libération (in French). July 18, 2008. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  127. ^ a b "Le cifre degli album più venduti nel 2008". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). February 11, 2009. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  128. ^ a b Sexton, Paul (May 12, 2008). "Scooter unseats Madonna on U.K. Album Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 1, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  129. ^ a b "Australiancharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  130. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2008 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  131. ^ a b "Charts.nz – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  132. ^ a b "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2008-05-19" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  133. ^ ""木村首相"効果！？ 女王マドンナが約18年ぶり1位" (in Japanese). Oricon. May 6, 2008. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  134. ^ a b "Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2008 (Physical and digital album formats included)" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 18, 2009. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  135. ^ a b McKinley Jr., James C. (December 23, 2011). "Spanish man arrested in leak of Madonna single". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  136. ^ Yeo, Michele (April 19, 2018). "Madonna's Hard Candy turns 10: A look back at Madge's midlife meditation". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  137. ^ "Mejores discos 2008" (in Spanish). Jenesaispop. December 19, 2008. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  138. ^ EFE (December 25, 2008). "Los 10 mejores discos de 2008" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2024 – via 20 minutos.
  139. ^ Burn Rosenstand, Ole (November 27, 2008). "GAFFA-anmelderne kårer årets albums og singler". Gaffa (in Danish). Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2024.(subscription required)
  140. ^ Rangel, Alma (November 27, 2008). "Ganadores de Premios OYE 2008". TV y Espectáculos (in Spanish). Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  141. ^ "The 23th Japan Gold Disc Awards 2009". Recording Industry Association of Japan. Archived from the original on March 26, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  142. ^ "A 2009. évi Fonogram - Magyar Zenei Díj jelöltjei" (in Hungarian). Association of Hungarian Record Companies. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  143. ^ O'Farrell, Michael J.; Levine, John R.; Algroy, Jostein; Pearce, James; Appelquist, Daniel (2008). Mobile Internet For Dummies. Wiley. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-470-41424-8. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  144. ^ Cobo, Leila (August 2, 2008). "Latin Calling: Technology and consumer buying habits are converging in Latin America, to the benefit of mobile music" (PDF). Billboard. pp. 27–28. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  145. ^ Paine, Andres (January 31, 2009). "Cannes you dig it?" (PDF). Billboard. p. 10. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  146. ^ "U2 regresa sin obstáculos en el horizonte". La Nación (in Spanish). March 3, 2009. ProQuest 435094623. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  147. ^ "Pre-order Madonna's Hard Candy album". March 26, 2008. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2025 – via Icon: Official Madonna website.
  148. ^ Hard Candy (liner notes). Madonna. Warner Bros Records. Japan. 2008. WPCR-12880.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  149. ^ Hard Candy (Limited Collector's Edition Candy Box) (liner notes). Madonna. Warner Bros. Records. 2008. 440444-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  150. ^ "Hard Candy (Deluxe Version) - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. April 25, 2008. Archived from the original on June 2, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2024 – via Apple Music.
  151. ^ Hard Candy (Limited colored LP) (liner notes). Madonna. Warner Bros. Records. 2008. 470972-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  152. ^ "Ranking Semanal desde 01/06/2008 hasta 07/06/2008" (in Spanish). Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on June 15, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  153. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  154. ^ "Ultratop.be – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  155. ^ "Ultratop.be – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  156. ^ "Nuevo disco de Madonna encabeza ranking de ventas en el país" (in Spanish). UPI Chilean News Service. May 7, 2008. ProQuest 467579423. Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  157. ^ "Inozemni program (Top Foreign Albums)" (in Croatian). HDU. p. 2. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  158. ^ "IFPI ČR Hitparáda - TOP50 Prodejní Týden - 200820" (in Czech). ČNS IFPI. Archived from the original on May 21, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  159. ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  160. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  161. ^ "Madonna: Hard Candy" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  162. ^ "Εβδομάδα 19/2008". IFPI Greece. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  163. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2008. 19. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  164. ^ "Tónlistinn – 18. vika 2008". Morgunblaðið (in Icelandic). May 5, 2008. Archived from the original on March 21, 2025. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  165. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Madonna". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  166. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  167. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  168. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  169. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  170. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Madonna – Hard Candy". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  171. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  172. ^ "Madonna Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  173. ^ "Ranking Mensual de Audio Mayo - 2008 (Repertorio Popular)" (in Spanish). Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on June 15, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  174. ^ "2007年04月度" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  175. ^ "2008. 5월 - POP음반 판매량" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  176. ^ "Ranking de Artistas Nacionales (Período considerado Setiembre 2008)" (in Spanish). CUDISCO. September 2008. Archived from the original on March 10, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  177. ^ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Albums 2008". ARIA. Archived from the original on January 9, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  178. ^ "Jahreshitparade alben 2008" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  179. ^ "Jaaroverzitchen 2008" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  180. ^ "Rapports Annuels 2008" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  181. ^ "Canadian Albums Year End 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  182. ^ "GODIŠNJA TOP LISTA KOMBINIRANIH ZA 2008" (in Croatian). Hrvatska diskografska udruga (HDU). Archived from the original on June 27, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  183. ^ "Album 2008-Top100" (in Danish). Tracklisten. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  184. ^ "Jaariverzuchten - Album 2008" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  185. ^ "Year-end Charts: European Top 100 Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  186. ^ "Myydyimmät ulkomaiset albumit vuonna 2008" (in Finnish). IFPI Finland. Archived from the original on November 5, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  187. ^ "Tops de l'annnée 2008" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on January 7, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  188. ^ "Top 100 album-jahrescharts 2008" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  189. ^ "Top 50 Ελληνικών και Ξένων Aλμπουμ 2008" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on December 7, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  190. ^ "Összesített album- és válogatáslemez-lista" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Archived from the original on September 5, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  191. ^ "Classifica annuale 2008 (dal 31.12.2007 al 28.12.2008)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on February 5, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  192. ^ "Top Albums 2008". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 4, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  193. ^ "ホームランキング年間 アルバムランキング 2008年度" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  194. ^ "Top 100 Mexico 2008" (PDF). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 15, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  195. ^ "Topp 40 Album Vår 2008" (in Norwegian). VG-lista. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  196. ^ "Top 50 Álbumes 2008" (in Spanish). PROMUSICAE. 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  197. ^ "Årslista Album - År 2008" (in Swedish). Swedish Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  198. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2008" (in German). Swiss Music Charts. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  199. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 - 2008". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  200. ^ "'08: The Year in Music and Touring - Top Billboard 200 Albums" (PDF). Billboard. December 30, 2008. p. 93. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 27, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  201. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  202. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2008". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  203. ^ "MDNA vende 80 mil cópias e ganha certificado duplo de platina" (in Portuguese). Imirante FM. May 9, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  204. ^ a b "Madonna consigue disco de oro en Chile por su último álbum". El Mercurio (in Spanish). October 13, 2008. Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  205. ^ "Madonně vychází DVD z nejúspěšnějšího turné historie". Týden (in Czech). March 29, 2010. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  206. ^ "Danish album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  207. ^ "Album Top-40" (in Finnish). IFPI Danmark. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  208. ^ "Madonna" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  209. ^ "Quels sont les flops musicaux de 2015?". PureMédias (in French). December 23, 2015. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  210. ^ "French album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  211. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Madonna; 'Hard Candy')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  212. ^ "Ελληνικό Chart – Top 50 Ξένων Aλμπουμ" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  213. ^ "Adatbázis – Arany- és platinalemezek – 2009" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  214. ^ "The Irish Charts - 2008 Certification Awards - Platinum". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  215. ^ "2008 Oricon Annual Ranking" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 27, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  216. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved October 31, 2014. Select 2008年05月 on the drop-down menu
  217. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved December 26, 2024. Enter Hard Candy in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 2008 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  218. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2008 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. September 3, 2008. Archived from the original on November 27, 2024. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  219. ^ "Portuguese album certifications – Madonna – Hard Candy" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  220. ^ "Чарт продаж. Россия 39-2009" (in Russian). National Federation of Phonogram Producers (NFPF). September 30, 2009. Archived from the original on December 18, 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  221. ^ a b "Slováci si už novej Madonny nakúpili na tri platiny". Pravda (in Slovak). May 30, 2008. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  222. ^ "2008 상반기결산 POP음반 판매량" (in Korean). Music Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on August 1, 2008. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  223. ^ "Las ventas de discos caen por octavo año mientras las digitales siguen sin arrancar" (in Spanish). PROMUSICAE. January 27, 2009. Archived from the original on January 15, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  224. ^ "Spanish album certifications" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Retrieved October 31, 2014. Select Álbumes under "Categoría", select 2008 under "Año". Select 40 under "Semana". Click on "BUSCAR LISTA".
  225. ^ Nylén, Susanne (January 30, 2009). "Till Sverige – efter 19 år". Aftonbladet (in Swedish). Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  226. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2008" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  227. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Hard Candy')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  228. ^ "2009 Mü-Yap Müzik Endüstrisi Ödülleri" (in Turkish). Mü-Yap. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  229. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2008". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  230. ^ "Hard Candy [Import] - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on March 18, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2025 – via Amazon UK.
  231. ^ "Hard Candy - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on February 6, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2025 – via Amazon.
  232. ^ "Hard Candy Special Edition [Candy Box] [EXTRA TRACKS] [SPECIAL EDITION] - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on April 14, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2025 – via Amazon.
  233. ^ "Hard Candy [VINYL] [Special Edition, Box set] - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2025 – via Amazon UK.
  234. ^ "Hard Candy (Special edition, Color vinyl, Triple vinyl) - Madonna". Warner Bros. Records. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2025 – via Amazon.

Literary sources

[edit]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hard_Candy_(Madonna_album)&oldid=1301614159"