Pre-Madonna (titled In the Beginning in European countries) is a collection of demos by American singer Madonna.
The album was not authorized by Madonna, however, Bray decided to release Pre-Madonna regardless, and included original demos alongside new remixes.
The album received mixed reviews, with some critics deeming the release as unnecessary, while others were delighted to hear Madonna's original recordings.
[5] The latter two songs were accepted for Madonna's self-titled debut album in reworked versions produced by Reggie Lucas.
[7] According to Bray, "These tracks carve the dance sound of a generation and chronicle Madonna's first musical self-definition phase.
[9] Aside from the remixes, "Burning Up" was the latest recording on the set, which Bray compared to works of Joan Jett and New Order.
[7] At the time the compilation was released, Madonna was riding a wave of publicity as a result of the film Evita and her pregnancy with daughter Lourdes.
[10] Bray said in an interview with Extra that Madonna would receive royalties for the release, and added "There's nothing in these tapes that would be embarrassing, and just hoping that she would like it as much as we do.
Mark Egan from Rocky Mountain News writes that "although the songs have soul in them, it's the delivery that lacks in Madonna's voice; you just feel that something is really missing.
"[13] Jasmine Temple from Lexington Herald-Leader calls the album, "a gloriously voyeuristic—and unauthorized—glimpse at Madonna's past, the woman she was then.
Audible evidence of Madonna's rock roots can be found on the collection of early demos Pre-Madonna.