Madonna sounds spent on this 'American Life' Her latest disc finds her tired, repetitive and all played out in terms of creativity

From: Chicago Sun-Times | Date: April 20, 2003| Author: Jim DeRogatis | Copyright information

MADONNA

"American Life"

1/2 star

Has the now-middle-aged Material Girl finally lost her edge? This is the question that hangs in the air as Madonna's new album, "American Life," arrives in stores Tuesday.

It's hard to cry for Ms. Ciccone, so ubiquitous has she been in and American pop culture ever since her self-titled debut 20 years ago, and so absurdly rich has she become via her relentless hot- topic button-pushing.

At age 44, Madonna is assured a place in...