Madonna is often regarded as the queen of pop. Over her long career, she has continuously reinvented herself. In the early years, her success was so overwhelming that it influenced many artists who followed in her footsteps.
Her early hits were pure 1980s pop, marked by a production style typical of that era. But as her career progressed, Madonna ventured into dance, country, and electronic music. These shifts showed that she was not limited to one style. She pushed her artistry in new directions and stayed committed to exploring different sounds.
Still, like any artist, Madonna had her limits when it came to outside influences. She once expressed admiration for the trip-hop group Massive Attack and rave pioneers The Prodigy, but these genres had little impact on her music. In contrast, she had a clear fondness for classic rock and psychedelia. This was evident in songs like her 1999 hit Beautiful Stranger, which reflected inspiration from The Doors and late-era Beatles.
In a 1994 interview with Q Magazine, Madonna was asked to share her opinions on several music legends. She gave open and honest responses—some of which were surprising. Despite her love for classic rock, she expressed clear dislike for some of the psychedelic acts of the past.
Madonna praised early Elvis Presley, calling him “God.” She also called George Michael “an incredible songwriter,” and complimented the lyrical skills of Morrissey and the emotional weight of Bob Dylan’s work. But when asked about the Grateful Dead, her response was simply “yuck.”
Her sharpest criticism was reserved for Pink Floyd.
When asked about the British rock legends, Madonna replied, “That just sounds like music for men. I can’t relate to it. It’s very male.” This comment revealed a clear disconnect between her and the band’s fanbase or musical style.
While her view may seem unfair to some, it reflects a stereotype about the typical Pink Floyd fan—often described as a detail-obsessed male listener, especially those who romanticize albums like The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Still, Pink Floyd’s music is not exclusive to men. Many women are fans of the band, and its appeal is not inherently gendered.
There may not be a logical reason for Madonna’s reaction, but her sentiment aligns with how some people classify bands as “dad rock.” Pink Floyd is often included in that category. By contrast, the term “mum rock” rarely appears in discussions about rock music, if it even exists.
Interestingly, Madonna admitted she had little exposure to the music of PJ Harvey. “I know who she is. I don’t know her music,” she said. PJ Harvey, known for her bold, female-centered songwriting, could be considered a powerful counterpoint to the perceived masculinity of bands like Pink Floyd. If there is such a thing as “music for women,” PJ Harvey’s work might define it.
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