When Madonna's
"Ray of Light" album was
released in 1998, "Skin" became
an instant favorite for many fans. The
song was an intense dance track, but
unlike the album's title cut,
"Skin" delved into desperation
and darkness. For once Madonna depicted
herself not as someone in confident
control, but as a woman fumbling and
struggling with self-doubt. "Why do
all the things I say sound like the
stupid things I've said before?" She
wonders how she can achieve a genuine
connection with someone. This song's
theme was later addressed by both
"Beautiful Stranger" and
"Impressive Instant," as all
three seems to be songs about meeting
someone new and figuring out how to
address that attraction.
Rumors abounded that
"Skin" would be released as the
final single from "Ray of
Light," but much of this was wishful
thinking on the part of fans. However,
remixes of the song by Club 69/Peter
Rauhofer did eventually surface and
received some club play, although not
enough to chart. "Skin" should
not really be considered a single as it
had no official club promotion, no video,
and no actual commercial release anywhere
in the world. But, much like the
aforementioned "Impressive
Instant," it stands as a fan
favorite and in many respects is
considered more than just an album cut.
Note: The single
cover above is fan-made.
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