Marea Stamper, better known as the Blessed Madonna, is making waves with her long-awaited debut album, “Godspeed.” Over the past decade, she has earned a reputation as a Chicago DJ who electrifies dancefloors with her eclectic mixes of house, techno, and disco. Her talent isn’t just limited to spinning records; she’s also crafted remixes for pop giants like Dua Lipa and Robyn.
In “Godspeed,” Stamper offers an expansive musical journey that blends radio-friendly tracks with deeper, bass-heavy sounds. Among the more commercial tracks are the catchy “Edge of Saturday Night,” featuring Kylie Minogue, the breakbeat-infused “Brand New” with James Vincent McMorrow, and “Mercy Pt 2,” a disco gem featuring Jacob Lusk. While these tracks are undeniably enjoyable, some may find them lacking in originality.
However, where “Godspeed” truly stands out is when Stamper explores the darker side of the dancefloor. Tracks like “Somebody’s Daughter” deliver a pounding techno bass, while “Blessed Already” showcases gritty, jacking house beats. The fragmented vocals in “Strength (R U Ready)” further exemplify her innovative approach.
At 24 tracks, the album has an ambitious scale but also risks overwhelming listeners with its sheer volume. While “Godspeed” is a fun and engaging listen, some may feel that its extensive tracklist hinders its overall memorability. It’s a record that certainly showcases the Blessed Madonna’s talents but leaves room for refinement in the future.
Be sure to check out “Edge of Saturday Night (Extended)” featuring Kylie Minogue for a taste of what Stamper has to offer.