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By: Carolyn Richardson

MADONNA released Hard Candy, her eleventh studio album, to much buzz today. The release has sky-high expectations, as Madonna has sold over 200 million albums in her twenty-plus year career. Less than two years ago, the Material Mom was named Guinness World Records' highest-earning female singer on Earth. So, how will this album fare? If her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is any indication, Hard Candy will definitely be sweet.

The first single from the album, "4 Minutes" (featuring JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE), continues to break records worldwide as the second single in iTunes history to surpass the one-million downloads mark in just five weeks. "4 Minutes" also has Madonna surpassing ELVIS PRESLEY as the artist with most top ten hits in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

The rest of the album keeps fans moving. Mostly up-tempo with a tinge of hip-hop beats courtesy of TIMBALAND, the remainder of the album creates some hard-hitting grooves. No political views or controversial religious mentions appear on Hard Candy -- not even on "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You," with its lyrics ambiguous enough to be applied to a past romantic relationship. The usual sexy, danceable Madonna we all know and love shines throughout.

Standouts on the album include "Beat Goes On," featuring KANYE WEST, and "Candy Shop," which opens the album with much flavor sure to generate sweet talk in dance clubs worldwide.

With the music so at home on the dance floor, it's only a matter of time before Madonna embarks on another tour. According to Billboard, her 2006 Confessions Tour holds the record for the highest grossing concert tour for a female artist.

Turning 50 this year, the Material Mom will hold her debut live performance of "4 minutes" in NYC on Wednesday at the intimate Roseland Ballroom. The event is first-come-first-serve with fans asked to line up at 6 a.m., according to her Web site. An adjoining worldwide tour in support of Hard Candy is rumored to start in this summer, with London and Paris performances already scheduled for September.

Hard Candy Tracklisting:

1. Candy Shop  2. 4 Minutes  3. Give It 2 Me  4. Heartbeat  5. Miles Away  6. She's Not Me  7. Incredible  8. Beat Goes On  9. Dance 2night  10. Spanish Lesson  11. Devil Wouldn't Recognize You  12. Voices