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{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| Name = Holy Water
| name = Holy Water
| Artist = [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]
| artist = [[Madonna]]
| Album = [[Rebel Heart]]
| album = [[Rebel Heart]]
| Released = March 6, 2015
| type = song
| released = March 6, 2015
| Recorded = 2014
| recorded = 2014
| Format = [[Music download|Digital download]]
| Genre = {{hlist|[[Electronica]]|[[technopop]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Electronica]]|[[technopop]]}}
| Length = {{Duration|m=4|s=33}}
| length = {{Duration|m=4|s=9}}
| Label = [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
| label = [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
| Writer = {{hlist|Madonna|[[Martin Kierszenbaum]]|[[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]]|[[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]]|[[Kanye West]]|[[Tommy Brown (record producer)|Tommy Brown]]}}
| writer = {{hlist|Madonna|[[Martin Kierszenbaum]]|[[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]]|[[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]]|[[Kanye West]]|Tommy Brown}}
| Producer = {{hlist|Madonna|Dean|West|[[Very GOOD Beats|Charlie Heat]] <small>(co-production)</small>}}
| producer = {{hlist|Madonna|Dean|West|[[Charlie Heat]] <small>(co-production)</small>}}
| tracks = {{Rebel Heart tracks}}
| prev = "Body Shop"
| misc = {{External music video|header=Licensed audio|1={{YouTube|9APOR1Ls1Bc|"Holy Water"}}}}
| prev_no = 11
| track_no = 12
| next = "Inside Out"
| next_no = 13
}}
}}


'''"Holy Water"''' is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] for her thirteenth studio album, ''[[Rebel Heart]]'' (2015). The song was written by Madonna, [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], [[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]], [[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]], [[Kanye West]] and [[Tommy Brown (record producer)|Tommy Brown]]. It was produced by Madonna, Dean and West, with [[Very GOOD Beats|Charlie Heat]] serving as co-producer. The demo of "Holy Water" leaked on to the internet in late December 2014 and the final version leaked in February 2015, a month prior to the album's release. "Holy Water" is an [[electronica]] and [[technopop]] song, and it features minimalist bass stutter, ricocheting synths and "martial beats"<ref name=Zaleski/> in its instrumentation.
'''"Holy Water"''' is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter [[Madonna]] for her thirteenth studio album, ''[[Rebel Heart]]'' (2015). The song was written by Madonna, [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], [[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]], [[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]], [[Kanye West]] and Tommy Brown. It was produced by Madonna, Dean and West, with [[Very GOOD Beats|Charlie Heat]] serving as co-producer. The demo of "Holy Water" leaked on to the internet in late December 2014 and the final version leaked in February 2015, a month prior to the album's release. "Holy Water" is an [[electronica]] and [[technopop]] song, and it features minimalist bass stutter, ricocheting synths and "martial beats"<ref name=Zaleski/> in its instrumentation.


Lyrically, the song talks about [[cunnilingus]], where Madonna compares her vaginal fluids to [[holy water]], juxtaposing Christian imagery with sexuality. "Holy Water" divided music critics; some deemed it a standout and one of the most scandalous tracks of Madonna's career, while others felt it was embarrassing and over the top. The song was included on the set list of her [[Rebel Heart Tour]] (2015–16). The performance contained dancers dressed as nuns, the singer gyrating around the cross while standing on a dancer and a reenactment of the [[Last Supper]]. It was target of controversies in [[Singapore]], where Madonna excluded it from the setlist and was criticized by the [[Catholic Church]].
Lyrically, the song talks about [[cunnilingus]], where Madonna compares her vaginal fluids to [[holy water]], juxtaposing Christian imagery with sexuality. "Holy Water" divided music critics; some deemed it a standout and one of the most scandalous tracks of Madonna's career, while others felt it was embarrassing and over the top. The song was included on the set list of her [[Rebel Heart Tour]] (2015–16). The performance contained dancers dressed as nuns, the singer gyrating around the cross while standing on a dancer and a reenactment of the [[Last Supper]]. It was target of controversies in [[Singapore]], where Madonna excluded it from the setlist and was criticized by the [[Catholic Church]].


== Background and release ==
== Background and release ==
[[File:Natalia Kills at the Bootleg Bar.jpg|thumb|left|[[Natalia Kills]] (''pictured'') co-wrote "Holy Water" with Madonna.]]
[[File:Natalia Kills at the Bootleg Bar.jpg|thumb|[[Natalia Kills]] (''pictured'') co-wrote "Holy Water" with Madonna.]]
While working on ''Rebel Heart'', Madonna enlisted a range of composers and producers to work with her. On April 9, 2014, she uploaded a picture of herself on her [[Instagram]] with [[Natalia Kills]] and [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], hinting that they were working in some songs for the album, by posting: "Working the midnight shift with Natalia Kills. 2 girls on a couch... don't it taste like Holy Water? #artforfreedom #rebelheart #revolutionoflove".<ref name="billboard1"/> In the picture, Madonna was seen sitting with Kills in front of two microphones, and as noted by Keith Caulfield of ''Billboard'', "[i]n the foreground is Martin Kierszenbaum, the founder and chairman of [[Cherrytree Records]] and senior executive of [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] for [[Interscope Records]]".<ref name="billboard1">{{cite news|last1=Caulfield|first1=Keith|title=Madonna Hits The Studio With Natalia Kills, Martin Kierszenbaum|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6042316/madonna-hits-the-studio-with-natalia-kills-martin-kierszenbaum|accessdate=July 7, 2016|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=April 10, 2014}}</ref> In an interview for ''[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]]'', Kills revealed that Madonna's dancers used to play Kills' songs during their rehearsals and workouts every week, which interested Madonna to collaborate with her. Together they wrote eight songs in one week, with Kills commenting about Madonna: "She writes incredible lyrics, sings beautiful melodies, but most of all she is so fucking funny".<ref name="papermag">{{cite news|last1=Hairston|first1=Tahirah|title=How Natalia Kills Is Seducing the World|url=http://www.papermag.com/how-natalia-kills-is-seducing-the-world-1427430913.html|accessdate=July 7, 2016|work=[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]]|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref>
While working on ''Rebel Heart'', Madonna enlisted a range of composers and producers to work with her. On April 9, 2014, she uploaded a picture of herself on her [[Instagram]] with [[Natalia Kills]] and [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], hinting that they were working in some songs for the album, by posting: "Working the midnight shift with Natalia Kills. 2 girls on a couch... don't it taste like Holy Water? #artforfreedom #rebelheart #revolutionoflove".<ref name="billboard1"/> In the picture, Madonna was seen sitting with Kills in front of two microphones, and as noted by Keith Caulfield of ''Billboard'', "[i]n the foreground is Martin Kierszenbaum, the founder and chairman of [[Cherrytree Records]] and senior executive of [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] for [[Interscope Records]]".<ref name="billboard1">{{cite magazine|last1=Caulfield|first1=Keith|title=Madonna Hits The Studio With Natalia Kills, Martin Kierszenbaum|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6042316/madonna-hits-the-studio-with-natalia-kills-martin-kierszenbaum|access-date=July 7, 2016|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=April 10, 2014}}</ref> In an interview for ''[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]]'', Kills revealed that Madonna's dancers used to play Kills' songs during their rehearsals and workouts every week, which interested Madonna to collaborate with her. Together they wrote eight songs in one week, with Kills commenting about Madonna: "She writes incredible lyrics, sings beautiful melodies, but most of all she is so fucking funny".<ref name="papermag">{{cite news|last1=Hairston|first1=Tahirah|title=How Natalia Kills Is Seducing the World|url=http://www.papermag.com/how-natalia-kills-is-seducing-the-world-1427430913.html|access-date=July 7, 2016|work=[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]]|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref>


Later, Madonna played a lot of her unfinished songs from ''Rebel Heart'' for [[Kanye West]],<ref name=rsinterview>{{cite news|last1=Ganz|first1=Caryn|title='Rebel Heart': Madonna Reveals the Story Behind Six Surprise Songs| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/rebel-heart-madonna-reveals-the-story-behind-six-surprise-songs-20141221?page=3| accessdate=January 5, 2016| work=[[Rolling Stone]]| date=December 21, 2014}}</ref> who agreed to work with the singer and ended up co-producing three of the songs on the record, including "Holy Water".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farber|first1=Jim|title=Exclusive: Madonna talks new album 'Rebel Heart,' Kanye West, nostalgia&nbsp;— and continuing to push the envelope|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/exclusive-madonna-talks-new-album-rebel-heart-kanye-west-article-1.2141150|accessdate=January 5, 2016|work=[[New York Daily News]]|date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> On December 17, 2014, thirteen unfinished demos from Madonna's then-upcoming album leaked online, prompting the singer to rush-release six tracks from the album on the [[iTunes Store]] upon pre-order of the album three days later.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Bradley|title=Madonna Releases 'Rebel Heart' Album For Pre-Order On iTunes, 6 Songs Available Now|url=http://www.idolator.com/7574955/madonna-rebel-heart-album-for-pre-order-on-itunes-6-songs-available-now|accessdate=July 7, 2016|publisher=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|date=December 20, 2014}}</ref> A week later, over 14 new demos leaked online; among them "Holy Water" was also present.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Bradley|title=Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Continues To Leak: 14 New Songs Surface Online Including 'Iconic' And 'Freedom'|url=http://www.idolator.com/7575125/madonna-rebel-heart-leaks-14-new-songs-iconic-freedom|accessdate=July 7, 2016|publisher=Idolator|date=December 23, 2014}}</ref> Later, on February 3, 2015, more than a month ahead of the album's release date, the finished version of the song leaked online.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Daw|first1=Robbie|title=Madonna's Final Version Of 'Rebel Heart' Album Leaks In Full, A Month Ahead Of Release|url=http://www.idolator.com/7579393/madonna-final-version-rebel-heart-leak|accessdate=July 7, 2016|publisher=Idolator|date=February 3, 2015}}</ref>
Later, Madonna played a lot of her unfinished songs from ''Rebel Heart'' for [[Kanye West]],<ref name=rsinterview>{{cite magazine|last1=Ganz|first1=Caryn|title='Rebel Heart': Madonna Reveals the Story Behind Six Surprise Songs| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/rebel-heart-madonna-reveals-the-story-behind-six-surprise-songs-20141221?page=3| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225013650/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/rebel-heart-madonna-reveals-the-story-behind-six-surprise-songs-20141221?page=3| url-status=dead| archive-date=December 25, 2014| access-date=January 5, 2016| magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]| date=December 21, 2014}}</ref> who agreed to work with the singer and ended up co-producing three of the songs on the record, including "Holy Water".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farber|first1=Jim|title=Exclusive: Madonna talks new album 'Rebel Heart,' Kanye West, nostalgia&nbsp;— and continuing to push the envelope|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/exclusive-madonna-talks-new-album-rebel-heart-kanye-west-article-1.2141150|access-date=January 5, 2016|work=[[New York Daily News]]|date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> On December 17, 2014, thirteen unfinished demos from Madonna's then-upcoming album leaked online, prompting the singer to rush-release six tracks from the album on the [[iTunes Store]] upon pre-order of the album three days later.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Bradley|title=Madonna Releases 'Rebel Heart' Album For Pre-Order On iTunes, 6 Songs Available Now|url=http://www.idolator.com/7574955/madonna-rebel-heart-album-for-pre-order-on-itunes-6-songs-available-now|access-date=July 7, 2016|publisher=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|date=December 20, 2014}}</ref> A week later, over 14 new demos leaked online; among them "Holy Water" was also present.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Bradley|title=Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Continues To Leak: 14 New Songs Surface Online Including 'Iconic' And 'Freedom'|url=http://www.idolator.com/7575125/madonna-rebel-heart-leaks-14-new-songs-iconic-freedom|access-date=July 7, 2016|publisher=Idolator|date=December 23, 2014}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Later, on February 3, 2015, more than a month ahead of the album's release date, the finished version of the song leaked online.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Daw|first1=Robbie|title=Madonna's Final Version Of 'Rebel Heart' Album Leaks In Full, A Month Ahead Of Release|url=http://www.idolator.com/7579393/madonna-final-version-rebel-heart-leak|access-date=July 7, 2016|publisher=Idolator|date=February 3, 2015|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014063250/https://www.idolator.com/7579393/madonna-final-version-rebel-heart-leak|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Recording and composition ==
== Recording and composition ==
⚫
"Holy Water" was written by Madonna, [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], [[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]], [[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]], [[Kanye West]] and Tommy Brown. It was produced by Madonna, Dean and West, and co-produced by [[Charlie Heat]]. Dean was also responsible for keyboards, drum programming, engineering and mixing. Demacio "Demo" Castellon also contributed to the track's engineering and mixing.<ref name="madonnawebsite"/> "Holy Water" is an [[electronica]] and [[technopop]] song,<ref name=Cinquemani>{{cite news|last1=Cinquemani|first1=Sal|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/madonna-rebel-heart|access-date=January 6, 2016|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=February 26, 2015}}</ref><ref name=Zaleski/> and it features "a minimalist bass burble",<ref name="atlantic">{{cite news|last1=Kornhaber|first1=Spencer|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart Is a Fascinating Failure|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/03/rebel-heart-madonna-doesnt-get-tired-but-listeners-do/387304/|access-date=July 7, 2016|work=[[The Atlantic]]|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> "martial beats",<ref name=Zaleski>{{cite news|last1=Zaleski|first1=Annie|title=Rebel Heart: Madonna|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/rebel-heart-madonna-bridges-her-bulletproof-past-a-216191|access-date=July 27, 2015|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> and ricocheting synths in its instrumentation.<ref name=Pettifer>{{cite news|last1=Pettifer|first1=Amy|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart: A Track By Track Review|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/17298-madonna-m-track-by-track-review|access-date=July 28, 2015|work=[[The Quietus]]|date=February 25, 2015}}</ref> "Holy Water" interpolates her own song "[[Vogue (Madonna song)|Vogue]]" during the track's bridge,<ref name="atlantic"/> with the singer commending "strike a pose" over a rhythmic base.<ref name="Pettifer"/> She also offers "orgasmic gasps" throughout the track.<ref name=Corner>{{cite news|last1=Corner|first1=Lewis|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart album review&nbsp;– "Some truly great pop songs"|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a633737/madonna-rebel-heart-album-review-some-truly-great-pop-songs.html|access-date=August 10, 2015|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Salzburg Kajetanerkirche Weihwasserbecken.jpg|thumb|In the song, Madonna compares [[oral sex]] to [[holy water]].]]
⚫
"Holy Water" was written by Madonna, [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], [[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]], [[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]], [[Kanye West]] and [[Tommy Brown (record producer)|Tommy Brown]]. It was produced by Madonna, Dean and West, and co-produced by [[Charlie Heat]]. Dean was also responsible for keyboards, drum programming, engineering and mixing. [[Demacio Castellon|Demacio "Demo" Castellon]] also contributed to the track's engineering and mixing.<ref name="madonnawebsite"/> "Holy Water" is an [[electronica]] and [[technopop]] song,<ref name=Cinquemani>{{cite news|last1=Cinquemani|first1=Sal|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/madonna-rebel-heart|accessdate=January 6, 2016|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=February 26, 2015}}</ref><ref name=Zaleski/> and it features "a minimalist bass burble",<ref name="atlantic">{{cite news|last1=Kornhaber|first1=Spencer|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart Is a Fascinating Failure|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/03/rebel-heart-madonna-doesnt-get-tired-but-listeners-do/387304/|accessdate=July 7, 2016|work=[[The Atlantic]]|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> "martial beats",<ref name=Zaleski>{{cite news|last1=Zaleski|first1=Annie|title=Rebel Heart: Madonna|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/rebel-heart-madonna-bridges-her-bulletproof-past-a-216191|accessdate=July 27, 2015|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> and ricocheting synths in its instrumentation.<ref name=Pettifer>{{cite news|last1=Pettifer|first1=Amy|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart: A Track By Track Review|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/17298-madonna-m-track-by-track-review|accessdate=July 28, 2015|work=[[The Quietus]]|date=February 25, 2015}}</ref> "Holy Water" interpolates her own song "[[Vogue (Madonna song)|Vogue]]" during the track's bridge,<ref name="atlantic"/> with the singer commending "strike a pose" over a rhythmic base.<ref name="Pettifer"/> She also offers "orgasmic gasps" throughout the track.<ref name=Corner>{{cite news|last1=Corner|first1=Lewis|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart album review&nbsp;– "Some truly great pop songs"|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a633737/madonna-rebel-heart-album-review-some-truly-great-pop-songs.html|accessdate=August 10, 2015|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref>


Lyrically, the song talks about worshiping [[cunnilingus]],<ref name="atlantic"/> with Madonna comparing [[oral sex]] to [[holy water]],<ref name="pluggedin">{{cite web|last1=Holz|first1=Adam R.|title=Rebel Heart Album Review (2015)|url=http://www.pluggedin.com/music-reviews/album/madonna-rebel-heart/|website=[[Plugged In]]|publisher=[[Focus on the Family]]|accessdate=July 7, 2016}}</ref> and as noted by ''Billboard''{{'s}} Vanessa Grigoriadis, it was named after her lifelong obsessions,<ref name="billboard2">{{cite news|last1=Grigoriadis|first1=Vanessa|title=Madonna Talks 'Fifty Shades of Grey' ('Not Very Sexy'), the Pope and Why the 'Word Police Can F--- Off'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6472671/madonna-interview-rebel-heart-50-shades-of-grey-pope-word-police|accessdate=July 7, 2016|work=Billboard|date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> since it features "church-baiting innuendos,"<ref name="spin">{{cite news|last1=Grebey|first1=James|title='Rebel Heart' Tamed: Our 12-Track Edit of Madonna's New Album|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/02/madonna-rebel-heart-album-edit-new-track-list/|accessdate=March 7, 2016|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=February 6, 2015}}</ref> "juxtaposing Christian imagery with frank sexuality".<ref name="ew1"/> During the spoken chorus, she sings: "Kiss it better, kiss it better/ Make it better, make it wetter",<ref name="NME">{{cite news|last1=Haynes |first1=Gavin |title=Madonna&nbsp;– 'Rebel Heart' |url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/madonna/15961 |accessdate=March 12, 2016 |work=NME |date=March 4, 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314140951/http://www.nme.com/reviews/madonna/15961 |archivedate=March 14, 2015 |df= }}</ref> and later she speaks, "If you like it please confess / Bless yourself and genuflect".<ref name=Pettifer/> In the hook, she claims: "Don't it taste like holy water?", before clarifying: "Yeezus loves my pussy best".<ref name=Kelly/> Adam R. Holz of [[Plugged In]] noted that the song "finds Madonna returning to her longstanding habit of sexing up spiritual imagery".<ref name="pluggedin"/>
Lyrically, the song talks about worshiping [[cunnilingus]],<ref name="atlantic"/> with Madonna comparing [[oral sex]] to [[holy water]],<ref name="pluggedin">{{cite web|last1=Holz|first1=Adam R.|title=Rebel Heart Album Review (2015)|url=http://www.pluggedin.com/music-reviews/album/madonna-rebel-heart/|website=[[Plugged In (publication)]]|publisher=[[Focus on the Family]]|access-date=July 7, 2016}}</ref> and as noted by ''Billboard''{{'s}} Vanessa Grigoriadis, it was named after her lifelong obsessions,<ref name="billboard2">{{cite magazine|last1=Grigoriadis|first1=Vanessa|title=Madonna Talks 'Fifty Shades of Grey' ('Not Very Sexy'), the Pope and Why the 'Word Police Can F--- Off'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6472671/madonna-interview-rebel-heart-50-shades-of-grey-pope-word-police|access-date=July 7, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> since it features "church-baiting innuendos,"<ref name="spin">{{cite news|last1=Grebey|first1=James|title='Rebel Heart' Tamed: Our 12-Track Edit of Madonna's New Album|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/02/madonna-rebel-heart-album-edit-new-track-list/|access-date=March 7, 2016|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=February 6, 2015}}</ref> "juxtaposing Christian imagery with frank sexuality".<ref name="ew1"/> During the spoken chorus, she sings: "Kiss it better, kiss it better/ Make it better, make it wetter",<ref name="NME">{{cite news|last1=Haynes |first1=Gavin |title=Madonna&nbsp;– 'Rebel Heart' |url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/madonna/15961 |access-date=March 12, 2016 |work=NME |date=March 4, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314140951/http://www.nme.com/reviews/madonna/15961 |archive-date=March 14, 2015 }}</ref> and later she speaks, "If you like it please confess / Bless yourself and genuflect".<ref name=Pettifer/> In the hook, she claims: "Don't it taste like holy water?", before clarifying: "Yeezus loves my pussy best".<ref name=Kelly/> Adam R. Holz of [[Plugged In (publication)]] noted that the song "finds Madonna returning to her longstanding habit of sexing up spiritual imagery".<ref name="pluggedin"/>


== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==
⚫
"Holy Water" divided [[music journalism|music critics]]. Spencer Kornhaber of ''[[The Atlantic]]'' called it "easily the catchiest moment of the album."<ref name="atlantic"/> [[Annie Zaleski]] of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' wrote that the track is a highlight, "a stern, grayscale technopop team-up with Natalia Kills."<ref name=Zaleski/> Writing in ''[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]'', author Saeed Saeed named it "the most scandalous Madonna track this decade", declaring that "[t]he brooding bass-filled verse gives way to a poptastic chorus that uses hedonistic sound effects harking back to her 1990 '[[Justify My Love]].'"<ref name=Saeed>{{cite news|last1=Saeed|first1=Saeed|title=Track-by-track review: Rebel Heart&nbsp;– Madonna|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/music/track-by-track-review-rebel-heart---madonna|access-date=October 13, 2015|work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Bradley Stern of MuuMuse also found it to be "the most shocking moment of sexploitation", declaring: "blasphemy has truly never tasted sweeter."<ref name="muumuse">{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Bradley|title='Rebel Heart': Madonna's Unapologetic Pop Conquest (Album Review)|url=http://www.muumuse.com/2015/03/rebel-heart-madonna-album-review.html/|access-date=July 8, 2016|publisher=MuuMuse|date=March 10, 2016}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''{{'}}s Andy Gill noted that the song "manages to be sacrilegious and ear-burningly naughty."<ref name=TelegraphReview>{{cite news|last1=McCormick|first1=Neil|title=Madonna, Rebel Heart, review: 'she's in the game again'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/11431568/Madonna-Rebel-Heart-review-shes-in-the-game-again.html|access-date=March 5, 2015|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> While reviewing ''Rebel Heart'' in ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'', Nick Levine called it "a brilliantly ridiculous hymn to cunnilingus", where Madonna manages to "alternate between showing off, getting off and taking stock."<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Levine|first1=Nick|title=Madonna&nbsp;– 'Rebel Heart'|journal=Time Out|date=February 26, 2015|url=http://www.timeout.com/london/music/madonna-rebel-heart-album-review|access-date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> Amy Pettifer of ''[[The Quietus]]'' praised the track for being "rich with [[Nicki Minaj|Nicki]] vibes, without Nicki actually making a second appearance", claiming: "Sex has always been one of M's favourite subjects, particularly when it's hand in daring hand with religion; here she performs a kind of erotic baptism while a [[Giorgio Moroder|Moroder]]-esque bass underscores her sermon. It's one of many strong choruses that take you somewhere unexpected." She also praised the "Vogue" sample and defined the track as a "cunning turn from the Holy Madonna and Baby Yeezus."<ref name=Pettifer/>
[[File:Madonna - Rebel Heart Tour Cologne 2 (23245940845).jpg|thumb|left|Madonna standing on a dancer while twirling on a cross during the performance of "Holy Water" on the Rebel Heart Tour.]]
⚫
"Holy Water" divided [[music journalism|music critics]]. Spencer Kornhaber of ''[[The Atlantic]]'' called it "easily the catchiest moment of the album."<ref name="atlantic"/> Annie Zaleski of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' wrote that the track is a highlight, "a stern, grayscale technopop team-up with Natalia Kills."<ref name=Zaleski/> Writing in ''[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]'', author Saeed Saeed named it "the most scandalous Madonna track this decade", declaring that "[t]he brooding bass-filled verse gives way to a poptastic chorus that uses hedonistic sound effects harking back to her 1990 '[[Justify My Love]].'"<ref name=Saeed>{{cite news|last1=Saeed|first1=Saeed|title=Track-by-track review: Rebel Heart&nbsp;– Madonna|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/music/track-by-track-review-rebel-heart---madonna|accessdate=October 13, 2015|work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Bradley Stern of [[MuuMuse]] also found it to be "the most shocking moment of sexploitation", declaring: "blasphemy has truly never tasted sweeter."<ref name="muumuse">{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Bradley|title='Rebel Heart': Madonna's Unapologetic Pop Conquest (Album Review)|url=http://www.muumuse.com/2015/03/rebel-heart-madonna-album-review.html/|accessdate=July 8, 2016|publisher=[[MuuMuse]]|date=March 10, 2016}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''{{'}}s Andy Gill noted that the song "manages to be sacrilegious and ear-burningly naughty."<ref name=TelegraphReview>{{cite news|last1=McCormick|first1=Neil|title=Madonna, Rebel Heart, review: 'she's in the game again'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/11431568/Madonna-Rebel-Heart-review-shes-in-the-game-again.html|accessdate=March 5, 2015|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> While reviewing ''Rebel Heart'' in ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'', Nick Levine called it "a brilliantly ridiculous hymn to cunnilingus", where Madonna manages to "alternate between showing off, getting off and taking stock."<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Levine|first1=Nick|title=Madonna&nbsp;– 'Rebel Heart'|journal=Time Out|date=February 26, 2015|url=http://www.timeout.com/london/music/madonna-rebel-heart-album-review|accessdate=March 6, 2015}}</ref> Amy Pettifer of ''[[The Quietus]]'' praised the track for being "rich with [[Nicki Minaj|Nicki]] vibes, without Nicki actually making a second appearance", claiming: "Sex has always been one of M's favourite subjects, particularly when it's hand in daring hand with religion; here she performs a kind of erotic baptism while a [[Giorgio Moroder|Moroder]]-esque bass underscores her sermon. It's one of many strong choruses that take you somewhere unexpected." She also praised the "Vogue" sample and defined the track as a "cunning turn from the Holy Madonna and Baby Yeezus."<ref name=Pettifer/>


Kyle Anderson of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote that Madonna sells the song, due to "the bass gurgles that remind[ed him] of classic [[Massive Attack]] or the reference to 'Vogue.'"<ref name="ew1">{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Kyle|last2=Markovitz|first2=Adam|title=Madonna's ''Rebel Heart'': A Point/Counterpoint Review|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/03/05/rebel-heart-review|accessdate=March 5, 2015|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=March 5, 2015}}</ref> ''[[PopMatters]]''{{'}}s Evan Sawdey enjoyed the sense of dirty fun that permeates "Holy Water", writing that "Madonna sounds very much at home with aggressive sentiments like 'Bitch, get off my pole' and 'Yeezus loves my pussy best', blatantly toying around with religious iconography while having a bit of provocative fun." He also found the "Vogue" sample "a rare case of Madonna acknowledging her own legacy."<ref name=Sawdey>{{cite news|last1=Sawdey|first1=Evan|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/191224-madonna-rebel-heart/|accessdate=August 10, 2015|work=[[PopMatters]]|date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Sal Cinquemani of [[Slant Magazine]] noted that the song is "a welcome bit of percolating electronica". Cinquemani commended the inclusion of the word "genuflect" in a pop song, but also felt that "Madonna's Catholic baiting [is] like a reflex at this point". The reviewer believed that Madonna deliberately included provocative lyrics in the song, either to bring back her persona Dita Parlo from her 1992 studio album ''[[Erotica (Madonna album)|Erotica]]'', or just to make a statement "about women of a certain age unapologetically flexing their libidos".<ref name=Cinquemani/>
Kyle Anderson of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote that Madonna sells the song, due to "the bass gurgles that remind[ed him] of classic [[Massive Attack]] or the reference to 'Vogue.{{' "}}<ref name="ew1">{{cite magazine|last1=Anderson|first1=Kyle|last2=Markovitz|first2=Adam|title=Madonna's ''Rebel Heart'': A Point/Counterpoint Review|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/03/05/rebel-heart-review|access-date=March 5, 2015|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=March 5, 2015}}</ref> ''[[PopMatters]]''{{'}}s Evan Sawdey enjoyed the sense of dirty fun that permeates "Holy Water", writing that "Madonna sounds very much at home with aggressive sentiments like 'Bitch, get off my pole' and 'Yeezus loves my pussy best', blatantly toying around with religious iconography while having a bit of provocative fun." He also found the "Vogue" sample "a rare case of Madonna acknowledging her own legacy."<ref name=Sawdey>{{cite news|last1=Sawdey|first1=Evan|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/191224-madonna-rebel-heart/|access-date=August 10, 2015|work=[[PopMatters]]|date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Sal Cinquemani of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' noted that the song is "a welcome bit of percolating electronica". Cinquemani commended the inclusion of the word "genuflect" in a pop song, but also felt that "Madonna's Catholic baiting [is] like a reflex at this point". The reviewer believed that Madonna deliberately included provocative lyrics in the song, either to bring back her persona Dita Parlo from her 1992 studio album ''[[Erotica (Madonna album)|Erotica]]'', or just to make a statement "about women of a certain age unapologetically flexing their libidos".<ref name=Cinquemani/>


[[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]] called it a "detour", where Madonna "indulge[s] in both [[Erotica (Madonna album)|Erotica]]-era taboo-busting sleaze."<ref name=Erlewine>{{cite news|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|title=Rebel Heart&nbsp;— Madonna |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rebel-heart-deluxe-mw0002806491|accessdate=July 27, 2015|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> Ben Kelly wrote in ''[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]'' that he felt the song was "a little reductive".<ref name=Kelly>{{cite news|last1=Kelly|first1=Ben|title=Attitude reviews Madonna's Rebel Heart|url=http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-reviews-madonnas-rebel-heart/|accessdate=August 10, 2015|work=[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]|date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> John Marrs of ''[[Gay Times]]'' agreed, calling it "a bit embarrassing and reductive."<ref name=Marrs>{{cite news|last1=Marrs|first1=John|title=Review: Rebel Heart by Madonna|url=http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/Interact/Blogs.aspx?articleid=14464|accessdate=August 10, 2015|work=[[Gay Times]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709191321/http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/Interact/Blogs.aspx?articleid=14464&sectionid=760|archivedate=July 9, 2015 }}</ref> In her review of the album, ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'}}s [[Kitty Empire]] labelled it a silly track that "maintain[s] the long-term narrative of Catholic-poking that runs through Madonna's libidinous oeuvre."<ref name=Empire>{{cite news|last1=Empire|first1=Kitty|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart review&nbsp;– bring on the basqued polemicist|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/08/madonna-rebel-heart-review-observer-basqued-polemicist|accessdate=December 30, 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=March 8, 2015}}</ref> Lewis Corner of [[Digital Spy]] opined that the track is "frustrating because the production is sharp and offers some of the most interesting moments on the album, but the overtly sexual lyrics feel like forced shock value. [...] Of course, shocking the audience is Madonna's business, but here it feels more crass than clever."<ref name=Corner/> Writing for ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', Joe Levy defined it as "some of the most absurdly lubricious sex songs of her absurdly lubricious career."<ref name=BillboardReview>{{cite journal|last1=Levy|first1=Joe|title=Album Review: Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Blends Inventive Beats and Maximalist Pop|journal=Billboard|date=March 5, 2015|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6487805/album-review-madonna-rebel-heart|accessdate=March 5, 2015}}</ref> Caryn Ganz of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called it an "over-the-top sex song" and a "cringy track."<ref name=RollingStoneReview>{{cite journal|last1=Ganz|first1=Caryn|title=Madonna Rebel Heart Album Review|journal=Rolling Stone|date=February 25, 2015|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/madonna-rebel-heart-20150225|accessdate=March 5, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507044805/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/madonna-rebel-heart-20150225|archivedate=May 7, 2016 }}</ref> In his review of ''Rebel Heart'', Mark Lore from ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' said that the song "fail[s] to reach the more restrained sexiness of 'Justify My Love'."<ref name=Lore>{{cite news|last1=Lore|first1=Mark|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart Review|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/03/madonna-rebel-heart-review.html|accessdate=January 7, 2016|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> [[Greg Kot]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' was more critical, writing that in "Holy Water" Madonna "conflates religion and erotica for the 3,243rd time in [her] career." <ref name="Kot">{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/ct-madonna-rebel-heart-review-new-madonna-album-20150306-column.html |title=Madonna shows vulnerability behind 'Rebel Heart' |last=Kot |first=Greg |date=March 6, 2015 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|authorlink=Greg Kot |accessdate=March 7, 2015}}</ref>
[[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]] called it a "detour", where Madonna "indulge[s] in both [[Erotica (Madonna album)|Erotica]]-era taboo-busting sleaze."<ref name=Erlewine>{{cite news|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|title=Rebel Heart&nbsp;— Madonna |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rebel-heart-deluxe-mw0002806491|access-date=July 27, 2015|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> Ben Kelly wrote in ''[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]'' that he felt the song was "a little reductive".<ref name=Kelly>{{cite news|last1=Kelly|first1=Ben|title=Attitude reviews Madonna's Rebel Heart|url=http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-reviews-madonnas-rebel-heart/|access-date=August 10, 2015|work=[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]|date=February 24, 2015|archive-date=July 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712000053/http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-reviews-madonnas-rebel-heart/|url-status=dead}}</ref> John Marrs of ''[[Gay Times]]'' agreed, calling it "a bit embarrassing and reductive."<ref name=Marrs>{{cite news|last1=Marrs|first1=John|title=Review: Rebel Heart by Madonna|url=http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/Interact/Blogs.aspx?articleid=14464|access-date=August 10, 2015|work=[[Gay Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709191321/http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/Interact/Blogs.aspx?articleid=14464&sectionid=760|archive-date=July 9, 2015 }}</ref> In her review of the album, ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'}}s [[Kitty Empire]] labelled it a silly track that "maintain[s] the long-term narrative of Catholic-poking that runs through Madonna's libidinous oeuvre."<ref name=Empire>{{cite news|last1=Empire|first1=Kitty|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart review&nbsp;– bring on the basqued polemicist|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/08/madonna-rebel-heart-review-observer-basqued-polemicist|access-date=December 30, 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=March 8, 2015}}</ref> Lewis Corner of [[Digital Spy]] opined that the track is "frustrating because the production is sharp and offers some of the most interesting moments on the album, but the overtly sexual lyrics feel like forced shock value. [...] Of course, shocking the audience is Madonna's business, but here it feels more crass than clever."<ref name=Corner/> Writing for ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', Joe Levy defined it as "some of the most absurdly lubricious sex songs of her absurdly lubricious career."<ref name=BillboardReview>{{cite magazine|last1=Levy|first1=Joe|title=Album Review: Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Blends Inventive Beats and Maximalist Pop|magazine=Billboard|date=March 5, 2015|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/6487805/album-review-madonna-rebel-heart|access-date=March 5, 2015}}</ref> In August 2018, ''Billboard'' picked it as the singer's 83rd greatest song, calling it "a revved up version of her seductive ''Erotica''-era bedroom romps [...] Only Madonna could make blasphemy taste this good".<ref name="Billboard100">{{cite magazine |last1=Billboard Staff |title=The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8469835/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list |magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 25, 2018 |date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> Caryn Ganz of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called it an "over-the-top sex song" and a "cringy track."<ref name=RollingStoneReview>{{cite magazine|last1=Ganz|first1=Caryn|title=Madonna Rebel Heart Album Review|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 25, 2015|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/madonna-rebel-heart-20150225|access-date=March 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507044805/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/madonna-rebel-heart-20150225|archive-date=May 7, 2016 }}</ref> In his review of ''Rebel Heart'', Mark Lore from ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' said that the song "fail[s] to reach the more restrained sexiness of 'Justify My Love'."<ref name=Lore>{{cite news|last1=Lore|first1=Mark|title=Madonna: Rebel Heart Review|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/03/madonna-rebel-heart-review.html|access-date=January 7, 2016|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> [[Greg Kot]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' was more critical, writing that in "Holy Water" Madonna "conflates religion and erotica for the 3,243rd time in [her] career."<ref name="Kot">{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/ct-madonna-rebel-heart-review-new-madonna-album-20150306-column.html |title=Madonna shows vulnerability behind 'Rebel Heart' |last=Kot |first=Greg |date=March 6, 2015 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|author-link=Greg Kot |access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref>


== Live performance ==
== Live performance ==
{{multiple image
[[File:Madonna Rebel Heart Tour 2015 - Stockholm (23051541879).jpg|thumb|Madonna singing a fragment of "[[Vogue (Madonna song)|Vogue]]" during the performance of "Holy Water" on the [[Rebel Heart Tour]].]]
| align = right
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"Holy Water" was included on the set list of Madonna's [[Rebel Heart Tour]] (2015–2016) as part of the first segment.<ref name="opening"/> For the performance, her dancers were dressed as [[nun]]s in [[hot pants]], [[bikini top]]s and high-heeled boots,<ref name=miami>{{cite news|last1=Leach|first1=Robin|title=Preview: Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' stop at MGM Grand with Mike Tyson, hits galore|url=http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/oct/22/preview-madonna-rebel-heart-stop-mgm-grand-mike-ty/|accessdate=March 13, 2016|work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]|date=October 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="opening">{{cite news|last1=Varga|first1=George|title=Madonna dips and rises, and surprises|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/30/madonna-concert-rebel-heart-tour-review/|accessdate=January 7, 2016|work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]|date=October 30, 2015}}</ref> and it also features "grinding, lingerie and priests".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yates|first1=Siana|title=Madonna doesn't disappoint as pop icon hits the stage at Auckland's Vector Arena video|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/gig-reviews/77588411/madonna-doesnt-disappoint-as-pop-icon-hits-the-stage-at-aucklands-vector-arena|accessdate=March 13, 2016|publisher=[[Stuff.co.nz]]|date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> During the middle of the performance, Madonna "gyrate[s] alongside [[pole dance|pole-dancing]]",<ref name=hr>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Ashley|title=Madonna Expertly Touts Irreverence, Cultural Immersion on Rebel Heart Tour at MSG: Concert Review|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/concert-review-madonna-rebel-heart-824367|accessdate=March 13, 2016|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> straddling and writhing a dancer dressed as a nun.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Copsey|first1=Rob|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart tour live at London's O2 Arena: Review|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonnas-rebel-heart-tour-live-at-londons-o2-arena-review-__12816/|accessdate=March 13, 2016|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=December 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bitch-shes-madonna-nyc-stop-showcases-genius-of-rebel-heart-tour-20150917|title=Bitch, She's Madonna: NYC stop showcases genius of Rebel Heart Tour|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|date=September 17, 2015|accessdate=July 19, 2016|work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> She also performed parts of "[[Vogue (Madonna song)|Vogue]]" (1990) near the end of the performance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hamersly|first1=Michael|title=Review: Madonna brings a heartfelt, personal touch to her Miami concert|url=http://www.miami.com/review-madonna-brings-heartfelt-personal-touch-her-miami-concert-article|accessdate=March 13, 2016|work=[[Miami Herald]]|date=January 24, 2016}}</ref> For the finale, Madonna reenacted the [[Last Supper]] and portrayed an orgy onstage with the dancers, one of them dressed as Jesus Christ.<ref name=hr/><ref name="dt">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/madonna-02-review/|title=Madonna&nbsp;– with some help from Graham Norton&nbsp;– stuns the O2|last=McCormick|first=Neil|date=December 2, 2015|accessdate=December 4, 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> The performance of the song at the March 19–20, 2016 shows in [[Sydney]]'s [[Allphones Arena]] was recorded and released in the singer's fifth [[live album]], ''[[Rebel Heart Tour (album)|Rebel Heart Tour]]''.<ref name="videorebel">{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=[[Rebel Heart Tour (album)|Rebel Heart Tour]]|medium=2× CD, DVD, Blu-ray|publisher=Eagle Records|date=2017}}</ref>
| image1 = Madonna - Rebel Heart Tour 2015 - Paris 2 (24119463445).jpg
| width1 = 213
| alt1 =
| caption1 =
| image2 = Madonna Rebel Heart Tour 2015 - Stockholm (23051541879) (cropped).jpg
| width2 = 205
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| footer = The [[mashup (music)|mashup]] performance of "Holy Water" and "[[Vogue (Madonna song)|Vogue]]" on the [[Rebel Heart Tour]] saw Madonna standing on a dancer while twirling on a cross.
}}
⚫
"Holy Water" was included on the set list of Madonna's [[Rebel Heart Tour]] (2015–2016) as part of the first segment.<ref name="opening"/> For the performance, her dancers were dressed as [[nun]]s in [[hot pants]], [[bikini top]]s and high-heeled boots,<ref name=miami>{{cite news|last1=Leach|first1=Robin|title=Preview: Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' stop at MGM Grand with Mike Tyson, hits galore|url=http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/oct/22/preview-madonna-rebel-heart-stop-mgm-grand-mike-ty/|access-date=March 13, 2016|work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023214641/http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/oct/22/preview-madonna-rebel-heart-stop-mgm-grand-mike-ty/|archivedate=October 23, 2015|date=October 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="opening">{{cite news|last1=Varga|first1=George|title=Madonna dips and rises, and surprises|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/30/madonna-concert-rebel-heart-tour-review/|access-date=January 7, 2016|work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]|date=October 30, 2015}}</ref> and it also features "grinding, lingerie and priests".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yates|first1=Siana|title=Madonna doesn't disappoint as pop icon hits the stage at Auckland's Vector Arena video|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/gig-reviews/77588411/madonna-doesnt-disappoint-as-pop-icon-hits-the-stage-at-aucklands-vector-arena|access-date=March 13, 2016|publisher=[[Stuff.co.nz]]|date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> During the middle of the performance, Madonna "gyrate[s] alongside [[pole dance|pole-dancing]]",<ref name=hr>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Ashley|title=Madonna Expertly Touts Irreverence, Cultural Immersion on Rebel Heart Tour at MSG: Concert Review|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/concert-review-madonna-rebel-heart-824367|access-date=March 13, 2016|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> straddling and writhing a dancer dressed as a nun.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Copsey|first1=Rob|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart tour live at London's O2 Arena: Review|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonnas-rebel-heart-tour-live-at-londons-o2-arena-review-__12816/|access-date=March 13, 2016|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=December 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bitch-shes-madonna-nyc-stop-showcases-genius-of-rebel-heart-tour-20150917|title=Bitch, She's Madonna: NYC stop showcases genius of Rebel Heart Tour|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|date=September 17, 2015|access-date=July 19, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> She also performed parts of "[[Vogue (Madonna song)|Vogue]]" (1990) near the end of the performance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hamersly|first1=Michael|title=Review: Madonna brings a heartfelt, personal touch to her Miami concert|url=http://www.miami.com/review-madonna-brings-heartfelt-personal-touch-her-miami-concert-article|access-date=March 13, 2016|work=[[Miami Herald]]|date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306031034/http://www.miami.com/review-madonna-brings-heartfelt-personal-touch-her-miami-concert-article|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> For the finale, Madonna reenacted the [[Last Supper]] and portrayed an orgy onstage with the dancers, one of them dressed as Jesus Christ.<ref name=hr/><ref name="dt">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/madonna-02-review/|title=Madonna&nbsp;– with some help from Graham Norton&nbsp;– stuns the O2|last=McCormick|first=Neil|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 4, 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> The performance of the song at the March 19–20, 2016 shows in [[Sydney]]'s [[Allphones Arena]] was recorded and released in the singer's fifth [[live album]], ''[[Rebel Heart Tour (album)|Rebel Heart Tour]]''.<ref name="videorebel">{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=[[Rebel Heart Tour (album)|Rebel Heart Tour]]|medium=2× CD, DVD, Blu-ray|publisher=Eagle Records|date=2017}}</ref>


The performance of "Holy Water" polarized reviewers. Neil McCormick of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' named it "inarguably another fantastic display of showbiz shock and awe from a mistress of the form."<ref name="dt"/> Jon Pareles of ''[[The New York Times]]'' named it "the show's blasphemy quota",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/arts/music/madonna-returns-to-the-garden-unapologetic-and-playful.html|title=Madonna Returns to the Garden, Unapologetic and Playful |last=Pareles|first=Jon|authorlink=Jon Pareles|work=The New York Times |date=September 19, 2015 |accessdate=September 19, 2015}}</ref> while Michael Hamersly of ''[[Miami Herald]]'' called it an "over-the-top" performance.<ref name=miami/> Jordan Zivitz of ''[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Montreal Gazette]]'' opined: "Twenty-six years after '[[Like a Prayer (song)|Like a Prayer]]'{{'s}} video scandalized the Vatican and parents who relied on MTV as a cheap babysitter, the sight of dancers twisting down steel crucifixes while Madonna snapped 'bitch, get off my pole' in 'Holy Water' was hopefully intended to be comical".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zivitz|first1=Jordan|title=Concert review: Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour starts beating at the Bell Centre|url=http://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/concert-review-madonnas-rebel-heart-tour-starts-beating-at-the-bell-centre|work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Montreal Gazette]]|accessdate=September 10, 2015|date=September 10, 2015}}</ref>
The performance of "Holy Water" polarized reviewers. Neil McCormick of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' named it "inarguably another fantastic display of showbiz shock and awe from a mistress of the form."<ref name="dt"/> Jon Pareles of ''[[The New York Times]]'' named it "the show's blasphemy quota",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/arts/music/madonna-returns-to-the-garden-unapologetic-and-playful.html|title=Madonna Returns to the Garden, Unapologetic and Playful |last=Pareles|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Pareles|work=The New York Times |date=September 19, 2015 |access-date=September 19, 2015}}</ref> while Michael Hamersly of ''[[Miami Herald]]'' called it an "over-the-top" performance.<ref name=miami/> Jordan Zivitz of ''[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Montreal Gazette]]'' opined: "Twenty-six years after '[[Like a Prayer (song)|Like a Prayer]]'{{'s}} video scandalized the Vatican and parents who relied on MTV as a cheap babysitter, the sight of dancers twisting down steel crucifixes while Madonna snapped 'bitch, get off my pole' in 'Holy Water' was hopefully intended to be comical".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zivitz|first1=Jordan|title=Concert review: Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour starts beating at the Bell Centre|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/music/concert-review-madonnas-rebel-heart-tour-starts-beating-at-the-bell-centre|work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Montreal Gazette]]|access-date=September 10, 2015|date=September 10, 2015}}</ref>


During the Asian-leg of the tour in [[Singapore]], Madonna was banned from performing "Holy Water" by the [[Media Development Authority]] (MDA) due to the "sexually explicit" and "religiously sensitive" nature of the act. A spokesperson from the MDA stated: "In determining the rating, MDA had carefully reviewed the proposed set list and consulted the Arts Consultative Panel. Religiously sensitive content which breached our guidelines, such as the song 'Holy Water', will thus not be performed in Singapore".<ref name="banned">{{cite news|last1=Loughrey|first1=Clarisse|title=Madonna banned from performing 'religiously sensitive' song 'Holy Water' in Singapore|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/madonna-banned-from-performing-religiously-sensitive-song-holy-water-in-singapore-a6884441.html|accessdate=July 10, 2016|work=The Independent|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> The concert organizers wanted to comply with their R18 rating and remove any content or material offending race or religion.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abdul Hadi|first1=Eddino|title=Holy Water dropped, other adjustments made to Madonna's R18 show|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/holy-water-dropped-other-adjustments-made-to-madonnas-r18-show|accessdate=July 10, 2016|work=[[The Straits Times]]|date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> Other songs such as "[[Iconic (song)|Iconic]]" and "[[Devil Pray]]" were also removed from the set list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/madonna-s-rebel-heart/2556880.html|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart tamed in Singapore|last=Chong|first=Alvin|date=February 29, 2016|accessdate=March 1, 2016|publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]]}}</ref>
During the Asian-leg of the tour in [[Singapore]], Madonna was banned from performing "Holy Water" by the [[Media Development Authority]] (MDA) due to the "sexually explicit" and "religiously sensitive" nature of the act. A spokesperson from the MDA stated: "In determining the rating, MDA had carefully reviewed the proposed set list and consulted the Arts Consultative Panel. Religiously sensitive content which breached our guidelines, such as the song 'Holy Water', will thus not be performed in Singapore".<ref name="banned">{{cite news|last1=Loughrey|first1=Clarisse|title=Madonna banned from performing 'religiously sensitive' song 'Holy Water' in Singapore|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/madonna-banned-from-performing-religiously-sensitive-song-holy-water-in-singapore-a6884441.html|access-date=July 10, 2016|work=The Independent|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> The concert organizers wanted to comply with their R18 rating and remove any content or material offending race or religion.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abdul Hadi|first1=Eddino|title=Holy Water dropped, other adjustments made to Madonna's R18 show|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/holy-water-dropped-other-adjustments-made-to-madonnas-r18-show|access-date=July 10, 2016|work=[[The Straits Times]]|date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> Other songs such as "[[Iconic (song)|Iconic]]" and "[[Devil Pray]]" were also removed from the set list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/madonna-s-rebel-heart/2556880.html|title=Madonna's Rebel Heart tamed in Singapore|last=Chong|first=Alvin|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=March 1, 2016|publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]]|archive-date=March 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301002352/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/madonna-s-rebel-heart/2556880.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Credits and personnel ==
== Credits and personnel ==
;Management
===Management===
*Webo Girl Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP)/Martin Cherrytree Music and Songs of Universal (BMI)
*Webo Girl Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP)/Martin Cherrytree Music and Songs of Universal (BMI)
*The Kills Effect (BMI) c/o Songs of Universal/Warner-Tamerlane Pub Corp. o/b/o itself and Papa George Music (BMI)
*The Kills Effect (BMI) c/o Songs of Universal/Warner-Tamerlane Pub Corp. o/b/o itself and Papa George Music (BMI)
*Please Gimme My Publishing c/o EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI)/Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).
*Please Gimme My Publishing c/o EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI)/Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).


;Personnel
===Personnel===
{{div col|colwidth=45em}}
{{div col}}
*[[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]&nbsp;– vocals, songwriter, record producer
*[[Madonna]]&nbsp;– vocals, songwriter, record producer
*[[Martin Kierszenbaum]]&nbsp;– songwriter
*[[Martin Kierszenbaum]]&nbsp;– songwriter
*[[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]]&nbsp;– songwriter
*[[Natalia Kills|Natalia Keery-Fisher]]&nbsp;– songwriter
*[[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]]&nbsp;– songwriter, producer, keyboards, drum programming, engineer, mixer
*[[Mike Dean (record producer)|Mike Dean]]&nbsp;– songwriter, producer, keyboards, drum programming, engineer, mixer
*[[Kanye West]]&nbsp;– songwriter, producer
*[[Kanye West]]&nbsp;– songwriter, producer
*[[Tommy Brown (record producer)|Tommy Brown]]&nbsp;– songwriter
*Tommy Brown&nbsp;– songwriter
*[[Charlie Heat]]&nbsp;– co-producer
*[[Charlie Heat]]&nbsp;– co-producer
*Noah Goldstein&nbsp;– engineer
*Noah Goldstein&nbsp;– engineer
*[[Demo Castellon|Demacio "Demo" Castellon]]&nbsp;– [[audio engineer|engineer]], audio mixer
*Demacio "Demo" Castellon&nbsp;– [[audio engineer|engineer]], audio mixer
*Zeke Mishanec&nbsp;– additional recording
*Zeke Mishanec&nbsp;– additional recording
*Ron Taylor&nbsp;– additional [[Pro Tools|PT editing]]
*Ron Taylor&nbsp;– additional [[Pro Tools|PT editing]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Management and personnel adapted from Madonna's official website.<ref name="madonnawebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.madonna.com/newalbum|title=Rebel Heart&nbsp;– Credits|accessdate=June 21, 2015|publisher=Madonna.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621042110/http://www.madonna.com/newalbum|archivedate=June 21, 2015}}</ref>
Credits adapted from Madonna's official website.<ref name="madonnawebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.madonna.com/newalbum|title=Rebel Heart&nbsp;– Credits|access-date=June 21, 2015|publisher=Madonna.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621042110/http://www.madonna.com/newalbum|archive-date=June 21, 2015}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikipedia books|Rebel Heart}}


{{Madonna songs}}
{{Madonna songs}}
{{Good article}}
{{Good article}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:2015 songs]]
[[Category:2015 songs]]
[[Category:Electronica songs]]
[[Category:Electronica songs]]
[[Category:Madonna (entertainer) songs]]
[[Category:Madonna songs]]
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[[Category:Songs about religion]]
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[[Category:Songs about sexuality]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Tommy Brown (record producer)]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Mike Dean (record producer)]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Martin Kierszenbaum]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Natalia Keery-Fisher]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Madonna (entertainer)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Kanye West]]
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[[Category:Song recordings produced by Mike Dean (record producer)]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Charlie Heat]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Charlie Heat]]
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[[Category:Song recordings produced by Madonna (entertainer)]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West]]
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[[Category:Song recordings produced by Madonna]]
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[[Category:Song recordings produced by Mike Dean (record producer)]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Charlie Heat]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Kanye West]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Madonna]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Martin Kierszenbaum]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Tommy Brown (record producer)]]

Revision as of 16:51, 31 August 2024

"Holy Water"
Song by Madonna
from the album Rebel Heart
ReleasedMarch 6, 2015
Recorded2014
Genre
Length4:09
LabelInterscope
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Rebel Heart track listing
24 tracks
  1. "Living for Love"
  2. "Devil Pray"
  3. "Ghosttown"
  4. "Unapologetic Bitch"
  5. "Illuminati"
  6. "Bitch I'm Madonna"
  7. "Hold Tight"
  8. "Joan of Arc"
  9. "Iconic"
  10. "HeartBreakCity"
  11. "Body Shop"
  12. "Holy Water"
  13. "Inside Out"
  14. "Wash All Over Me"
Deluxe edition
  2. "Best Night"
  3. "Veni Vidi Vici"
  4. "S.E.X."
  5. "Messiah"
  6. "Rebel Heart"
Media Markt deluxe edition
  2. "Auto-Tune Baby"
Super deluxe edition (Disc 2)
  1. "Beautiful Scars"
  2. "Borrowed Time"
  3. "Addicted"
  4. "Graffiti Heart"
Licensed audio
"Holy Water" on YouTube

"Holy Water" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Madonna for her thirteenth studio album, Rebel Heart (2015). The song was written by Madonna, Martin Kierszenbaum, Natalia Keery-Fisher, Mike Dean, Kanye West and Tommy Brown. It was produced by Madonna, Dean and West, with Charlie Heat serving as co-producer. The demo of "Holy Water" leaked on to the internet in late December 2014 and the final version leaked in February 2015, a month prior to the album's release. "Holy Water" is an electronica and technopop song, and it features minimalist bass stutter, ricocheting synths and "martial beats"[1] in its instrumentation.

Lyrically, the song talks about cunnilingus, where Madonna compares her vaginal fluids to holy water, juxtaposing Christian imagery with sexuality. "Holy Water" divided music critics; some deemed it a standout and one of the most scandalous tracks of Madonna's career, while others felt it was embarrassing and over the top. The song was included on the set list of her Rebel Heart Tour (2015–16). The performance contained dancers dressed as nuns, the singer gyrating around the cross while standing on a dancer and a reenactment of the Last Supper. It was target of controversies in Singapore, where Madonna excluded it from the setlist and was criticized by the Catholic Church.

Background and release

Natalia Kills (pictured) co-wrote "Holy Water" with Madonna.

While working on Rebel Heart, Madonna enlisted a range of composers and producers to work with her. On April 9, 2014, she uploaded a picture of herself on her Instagram with Natalia Kills and Martin Kierszenbaum, hinting that they were working in some songs for the album, by posting: "Working the midnight shift with Natalia Kills. 2 girls on a couch... don't it taste like Holy Water? #artforfreedom #rebelheart #revolutionoflove".[2] In the picture, Madonna was seen sitting with Kills in front of two microphones, and as noted by Keith Caulfield of Billboard, "[i]n the foreground is Martin Kierszenbaum, the founder and chairman of Cherrytree Records and senior executive of A&R for Interscope Records".[2] In an interview for Paper, Kills revealed that Madonna's dancers used to play Kills' songs during their rehearsals and workouts every week, which interested Madonna to collaborate with her. Together they wrote eight songs in one week, with Kills commenting about Madonna: "She writes incredible lyrics, sings beautiful melodies, but most of all she is so fucking funny".[3]

Later, Madonna played a lot of her unfinished songs from Rebel Heart for Kanye West,[4] who agreed to work with the singer and ended up co-producing three of the songs on the record, including "Holy Water".[5] On December 17, 2014, thirteen unfinished demos from Madonna's then-upcoming album leaked online, prompting the singer to rush-release six tracks from the album on the iTunes Store upon pre-order of the album three days later.[6] A week later, over 14 new demos leaked online; among them "Holy Water" was also present.[7] Later, on February 3, 2015, more than a month ahead of the album's release date, the finished version of the song leaked online.[8]

Recording and composition

"Holy Water" was written by Madonna, Martin Kierszenbaum, Natalia Keery-Fisher, Mike Dean, Kanye West and Tommy Brown. It was produced by Madonna, Dean and West, and co-produced by Charlie Heat. Dean was also responsible for keyboards, drum programming, engineering and mixing. Demacio "Demo" Castellon also contributed to the track's engineering and mixing.[9] "Holy Water" is an electronica and technopop song,[10][1] and it features "a minimalist bass burble",[11] "martial beats",[1] and ricocheting synths in its instrumentation.[12] "Holy Water" interpolates her own song "Vogue" during the track's bridge,[11] with the singer commending "strike a pose" over a rhythmic base.[12] She also offers "orgasmic gasps" throughout the track.[13]

Lyrically, the song talks about worshiping cunnilingus,[11] with Madonna comparing oral sex to holy water,[14] and as noted by Billboard's Vanessa Grigoriadis, it was named after her lifelong obsessions,[15] since it features "church-baiting innuendos,"[16] "juxtaposing Christian imagery with frank sexuality".[17] During the spoken chorus, she sings: "Kiss it better, kiss it better/ Make it better, make it wetter",[18] and later she speaks, "If you like it please confess / Bless yourself and genuflect".[12] In the hook, she claims: "Don't it taste like holy water?", before clarifying: "Yeezus loves my pussy best".[19] Adam R. Holz of Plugged In (publication) noted that the song "finds Madonna returning to her longstanding habit of sexing up spiritual imagery".[14]

Critical reception

"Holy Water" divided music critics. Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic called it "easily the catchiest moment of the album."[11] Annie Zaleski of The A.V. Club wrote that the track is a highlight, "a stern, grayscale technopop team-up with Natalia Kills."[1] Writing in The National, author Saeed Saeed named it "the most scandalous Madonna track this decade", declaring that "[t]he brooding bass-filled verse gives way to a poptastic chorus that uses hedonistic sound effects harking back to her 1990 'Justify My Love.'"[20] Bradley Stern of MuuMuse also found it to be "the most shocking moment of sexploitation", declaring: "blasphemy has truly never tasted sweeter."[21] The Daily Telegraph's Andy Gill noted that the song "manages to be sacrilegious and ear-burningly naughty."[22] While reviewing Rebel Heart in Time Out, Nick Levine called it "a brilliantly ridiculous hymn to cunnilingus", where Madonna manages to "alternate between showing off, getting off and taking stock."[23] Amy Pettifer of The Quietus praised the track for being "rich with Nicki vibes, without Nicki actually making a second appearance", claiming: "Sex has always been one of M's favourite subjects, particularly when it's hand in daring hand with religion; here she performs a kind of erotic baptism while a Moroder-esque bass underscores her sermon. It's one of many strong choruses that take you somewhere unexpected." She also praised the "Vogue" sample and defined the track as a "cunning turn from the Holy Madonna and Baby Yeezus."[12]

Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly wrote that Madonna sells the song, due to "the bass gurgles that remind[ed him] of classic Massive Attack or the reference to 'Vogue.'"[17] PopMatters's Evan Sawdey enjoyed the sense of dirty fun that permeates "Holy Water", writing that "Madonna sounds very much at home with aggressive sentiments like 'Bitch, get off my pole' and 'Yeezus loves my pussy best', blatantly toying around with religious iconography while having a bit of provocative fun." He also found the "Vogue" sample "a rare case of Madonna acknowledging her own legacy."[24] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine noted that the song is "a welcome bit of percolating electronica". Cinquemani commended the inclusion of the word "genuflect" in a pop song, but also felt that "Madonna's Catholic baiting [is] like a reflex at this point". The reviewer believed that Madonna deliberately included provocative lyrics in the song, either to bring back her persona Dita Parlo from her 1992 studio album Erotica, or just to make a statement "about women of a certain age unapologetically flexing their libidos".[10]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called it a "detour", where Madonna "indulge[s] in both Erotica-era taboo-busting sleaze."[25] Ben Kelly wrote in Attitude that he felt the song was "a little reductive".[19] John Marrs of Gay Times agreed, calling it "a bit embarrassing and reductive."[26] In her review of the album, The Guardian's Kitty Empire labelled it a silly track that "maintain[s] the long-term narrative of Catholic-poking that runs through Madonna's libidinous oeuvre."[27] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy opined that the track is "frustrating because the production is sharp and offers some of the most interesting moments on the album, but the overtly sexual lyrics feel like forced shock value. [...] Of course, shocking the audience is Madonna's business, but here it feels more crass than clever."[13] Writing for Billboard, Joe Levy defined it as "some of the most absurdly lubricious sex songs of her absurdly lubricious career."[28] In August 2018, Billboard picked it as the singer's 83rd greatest song, calling it "a revved up version of her seductive Erotica-era bedroom romps [...] Only Madonna could make blasphemy taste this good".[29] Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone called it an "over-the-top sex song" and a "cringy track."[30] In his review of Rebel Heart, Mark Lore from Paste said that the song "fail[s] to reach the more restrained sexiness of 'Justify My Love'."[31] Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune was more critical, writing that in "Holy Water" Madonna "conflates religion and erotica for the 3,243rd time in [her] career."[32]

Live performance

The mashup performance of "Holy Water" and "Vogue" on the Rebel Heart Tour saw Madonna standing on a dancer while twirling on a cross.

"Holy Water" was included on the set list of Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour (2015–2016) as part of the first segment.[33] For the performance, her dancers were dressed as nuns in hot pants, bikini tops and high-heeled boots,[34][33] and it also features "grinding, lingerie and priests".[35] During the middle of the performance, Madonna "gyrate[s] alongside pole-dancing",[36] straddling and writhing a dancer dressed as a nun.[37][38] She also performed parts of "Vogue" (1990) near the end of the performance.[39] For the finale, Madonna reenacted the Last Supper and portrayed an orgy onstage with the dancers, one of them dressed as Jesus Christ.[36][40] The performance of the song at the March 19–20, 2016 shows in Sydney's Allphones Arena was recorded and released in the singer's fifth live album, Rebel Heart Tour.[41]

The performance of "Holy Water" polarized reviewers. Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph named it "inarguably another fantastic display of showbiz shock and awe from a mistress of the form."[40] Jon Pareles of The New York Times named it "the show's blasphemy quota",[42] while Michael Hamersly of Miami Herald called it an "over-the-top" performance.[34] Jordan Zivitz of The Montreal Gazette opined: "Twenty-six years after 'Like a Prayer''s video scandalized the Vatican and parents who relied on MTV as a cheap babysitter, the sight of dancers twisting down steel crucifixes while Madonna snapped 'bitch, get off my pole' in 'Holy Water' was hopefully intended to be comical".[43]

During the Asian-leg of the tour in Singapore, Madonna was banned from performing "Holy Water" by the Media Development Authority (MDA) due to the "sexually explicit" and "religiously sensitive" nature of the act. A spokesperson from the MDA stated: "In determining the rating, MDA had carefully reviewed the proposed set list and consulted the Arts Consultative Panel. Religiously sensitive content which breached our guidelines, such as the song 'Holy Water', will thus not be performed in Singapore".[44] The concert organizers wanted to comply with their R18 rating and remove any content or material offending race or religion.[45] Other songs such as "Iconic" and "Devil Pray" were also removed from the set list.[46]

Credits and personnel

Management

  • Webo Girl Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP)/Martin Cherrytree Music and Songs of Universal (BMI)
  • The Kills Effect (BMI) c/o Songs of Universal/Warner-Tamerlane Pub Corp. o/b/o itself and Papa George Music (BMI)
  • Please Gimme My Publishing c/o EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI)/Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).

Personnel

Credits adapted from Madonna's official website.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Zaleski, Annie (March 10, 2015). "Rebel Heart: Madonna". The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith (April 10, 2014). "Madonna Hits The Studio With Natalia Kills, Martin Kierszenbaum". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  3. ^ Hairston, Tahirah (October 15, 2014). "How Natalia Kills Is Seducing the World". Paper. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  4. ^ Ganz, Caryn (December 21, 2014). "'Rebel Heart': Madonna Reveals the Story Behind Six Surprise Songs". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 25, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  5. ^ Farber, Jim (March 7, 2015). "Exclusive: Madonna talks new album 'Rebel Heart,' Kanye West, nostalgia — and continuing to push the envelope". New York Daily News. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  6. ^ Stern, Bradley (December 20, 2014). "Madonna Releases 'Rebel Heart' Album For Pre-Order On iTunes, 6 Songs Available Now". Idolator. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  7. ^ Stern, Bradley (December 23, 2014). "Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Continues To Leak: 14 New Songs Surface Online Including 'Iconic' And 'Freedom'". Idolator. Retrieved July 7, 2016.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ Daw, Robbie (February 3, 2015). "Madonna's Final Version Of 'Rebel Heart' Album Leaks In Full, A Month Ahead Of Release". Idolator. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Rebel Heart – Credits". Madonna.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  10. ^ a b Cinquemani, Sal (February 26, 2015). "Madonna: Rebel Heart". Slant Magazine. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  11. ^ a b c d Kornhaber, Spencer (March 10, 2015). "Madonna's Rebel Heart Is a Fascinating Failure". The Atlantic. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  12. ^ a b c d Pettifer, Amy (February 25, 2015). "Madonna's Rebel Heart: A Track By Track Review". The Quietus. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  13. ^ a b Corner, Lewis (March 6, 2015). "Madonna: Rebel Heart album review – "Some truly great pop songs"". Digital Spy. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  14. ^ a b Holz, Adam R. "Rebel Heart Album Review (2015)". Plugged In (publication). Focus on the Family. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  15. ^ Grigoriadis, Vanessa (February 13, 2015). "Madonna Talks 'Fifty Shades of Grey' ('Not Very Sexy'), the Pope and Why the 'Word Police Can F--- Off'". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  16. ^ Grebey, James (February 6, 2015). "'Rebel Heart' Tamed: Our 12-Track Edit of Madonna's New Album". Spin. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  17. ^ a b Anderson, Kyle; Markovitz, Adam (March 5, 2015). "Madonna's Rebel Heart: A Point/Counterpoint Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  18. ^ Haynes, Gavin (March 4, 2015). "Madonna – 'Rebel Heart'". NME. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  19. ^ a b Kelly, Ben (February 24, 2015). "Attitude reviews Madonna's Rebel Heart". Attitude. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  20. ^ Saeed, Saeed (March 2, 2015). "Track-by-track review: Rebel Heart – Madonna". The National. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  21. ^ Stern, Bradley (March 10, 2016). "'Rebel Heart': Madonna's Unapologetic Pop Conquest (Album Review)". MuuMuse. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  22. ^ McCormick, Neil (February 24, 2015). "Madonna, Rebel Heart, review: 'she's in the game again'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  23. ^ Levine, Nick (February 26, 2015). "Madonna – 'Rebel Heart'". Time Out. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  24. ^ Sawdey, Evan (March 9, 2015). "Madonna: Rebel Heart". PopMatters. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  25. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (March 10, 2015). "Rebel Heart — Madonna". AllMusic. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  26. ^ Marrs, John. "Review: Rebel Heart by Madonna". Gay Times. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  27. ^ Empire, Kitty (March 8, 2015). "Madonna: Rebel Heart review – bring on the basqued polemicist". The Guardian. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  28. ^ Levy, Joe (March 5, 2015). "Album Review: Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Blends Inventive Beats and Maximalist Pop". Billboard. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  29. ^ Billboard Staff (August 15, 2018). "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  30. ^ Ganz, Caryn (February 25, 2015). "Madonna Rebel Heart Album Review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  31. ^ Lore, Mark (March 11, 2015). "Madonna: Rebel Heart Review". Paste. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  32. ^ Kot, Greg (March 6, 2015). "Madonna shows vulnerability behind 'Rebel Heart'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  33. ^ a b Varga, George (October 30, 2015). "Madonna dips and rises, and surprises". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  34. ^ a b Leach, Robin (October 22, 2015). "Preview: Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' stop at MGM Grand with Mike Tyson, hits galore". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on October 23, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  35. ^ Yates, Siana (March 6, 2016). "Madonna doesn't disappoint as pop icon hits the stage at Auckland's Vector Arena video". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
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  37. ^ Copsey, Rob (December 2, 2015). "Madonna's Rebel Heart tour live at London's O2 Arena: Review". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  38. ^ Sheffield, Rob (September 17, 2015). "Bitch, She's Madonna: NYC stop showcases genius of Rebel Heart Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  39. ^ Hamersly, Michael (January 24, 2016). "Review: Madonna brings a heartfelt, personal touch to her Miami concert". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  40. ^ a b McCormick, Neil (December 2, 2015). "Madonna – with some help from Graham Norton – stuns the O2". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  41. ^ Madonna (2017). Rebel Heart Tour (2× CD, DVD, Blu-ray). Eagle Records.
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  43. ^ Zivitz, Jordan (September 10, 2015). "Concert review: Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour starts beating at the Bell Centre". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  44. ^ Loughrey, Clarisse (February 19, 2016). "Madonna banned from performing 'religiously sensitive' song 'Holy Water' in Singapore". The Independent. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  45. ^ Abdul Hadi, Eddino (January 8, 2016). "Holy Water dropped, other adjustments made to Madonna's R18 show". The Straits Times. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  46. ^ Chong, Alvin (February 29, 2016). "Madonna's Rebel Heart tamed in Singapore". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.

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