Hard Candy (Madonna album)

According to author Daryl Easlea, in his 2012 book Madonna: Blond Ambition, following the release of her tenth studio album Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), producer Stuart Price asked Madonna what she wanted to do next. She answered, "I want to make dance music, as always".{{harvnb|Easlea|2012|pp=248–250}} At the time, she was listening "obsessively" to the second studio album of singer Justin Timberlake, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006).{{cite web |last1=Vineyard |first1=Jennifer |title=Madonna and Justin Timberlake say their 'shrink sessions' led to Hard Candy{{'}}s 'personal' feel |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586788/20080502/madonna.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505173045/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586788/20080502/madonna.jhtml |archive-date=May 5, 2008 |date=May 2, 2008}} Madonna decided to "follow in the footsteps of the new generation of female stars ―the Britneys, the Nelly Furtados, and the Gwen Stefanis", and "work her magic" on the sound of urban contemporary music.{{harvnb|Easlea|2012|pp=244–246}} While attending one of the concerts of Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveShow in February 2007, rapper Timbaland ―one of the producers of FutureSex/LoveSounds― revealed Madonna had contacted him, but gave no further details.{{cite web |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Jayson |title=Timbaland still in shock over Jay-Z, Madonna, Elton collaborations |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552023/20070209/timbaland.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211191039/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552023/20070209/timbaland.jhtml |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |date=February 9, 2007}} Six months later, the rapper confirmed both him and Timberlake were working with the singer on her eleventh studio album.{{cite web |last1=Reid |first1=Shaheem |title=Timbaland talks about his and Justin Timberlake's 'hot' collabo with Madonna |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1566579/20070807/timbaland.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823015418/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1566579/20070807/timbaland.jhtml |archive-date=August 23, 2007 |date=August 8, 2007}}

Also participating on the album were American record production duo The Neptunes ―Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo― and Nate "Danja" Hills. The former were hired due to their "slightly cultish" reputation as "crazy sound alchemists", able to "conjure up pop gems".{{cite web |title=Madonna's producer reveals recording session details |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-366-1323412 |work=NME |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513174518/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-366-1323412 |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |date=February 26, 2008}} Easlea pointed out that, in the past, Madonna had worked with relatively unknown European producers, such as Price, Mirwais Ahmadzaï, and William Orbit; this time however, she wanted to "recapture the energetic sound of her early 80s hits and come home to the sound of mainstream America". "[Madonna] had historically always been the trailblazer [...] but at this point in her career, it seemed to make sound and commercial sense to follow the hottest trends", the author wrote.

In October 2007, Madonna announced her departure from Warner Bros. Records, and signed a $120 million, ten-year 360 deal with American multinational entertainment company Live Nation; the deal would encompass her future music-related businesses, including touring, merchandising and associated sponsorship agreements, among other things. Her eleventh studio album would be her final for Warner Bros.{{cite magazine |last1=Wadell |first1=Ray |title=Update: Madonna confirms deal with Live Nation |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1048045/update-madonna-confirms-deal-with-live-nation |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211095738/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1048045/update-madonna-confirms-deal-with-live-nation |archive-date=February 11, 2013 |date=October 16, 2007}}

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center|align=left

| width1 = 119

| image1 = Justintimberlake.jpg

| alt1 = Justin Timberlake in a suit smiling.

| width2 = 135

| image2 = Timbaland1292010.jpg

| width3 = 129

| image3 = N.E.R.D @ Pori Jazz 2010 - Pharrell Williams 7.jpg

| alt3 = Pharrell Williams singing onstage.

| footer = From left: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Pharrell Williams collaborated with Madonna on the album.

}}

Recording sessions kicked off in early 2007, and took place at Los Angeles{{'}} Record Plant studios, Miami's Criteria Studios, and London's Sarm West Studios.{{cite web |title=Once upon a time in the top spot: Madonna, Hard Candy |url=https://www.rhino.com/article/once-upon-a-time-in-the-top-spot-madonna-hard-candy |publisher=Rhino Entertainment |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626124457/https://www.rhino.com/article/once-upon-a-time-in-the-top-spot-madonna-hard-candy |archive-date=June 26, 2016 |date=May 17, 2016}} Things got off to a rocky start when they entered the studio. Madonna was used to work in a strict routine for a certain amount of hours; Timbaland, Timberlake and Williams, however, were accustomed to working overnight, and expected Madonna to do the same. Egos were also an issue. In Madonna's own words, there were "four divas" working on the album: herself, Timberlake, Timbaland, and Williams. The writing process had a similarly difficult start. According to Easlea, when working on an album, Madonna expects her working partners not only to produce, but also to collaborate in the writing process. The singer explained that her, Timberlake and Williams, "[didn't] hit it off right away", as writing is "very intimate. You have to be vulnerable". She didn't really know her collaborators, thus was initially intimidated by the idea of sitting down and composing songs with them.

This feeling of discomfort soon subsided when Madonna and Timberlake began "playing around" with ideas and phrases. The latter recalled that the former had with her "all these thoughts, riddles, poems [and] feelings". One of them would come into the studio with an idea for a title, and the other would complement it and fill in the rest. On other occasions, Madonna would hear a brief snippet of music and be inspired to write down lyrics, while Timberlake created the music. They spent long hours discussing ideas for lyrics in what Madonna later described as "shrink sessions".{{harvnb|Easlea|2012|pp=251–254}} The first song they worked on together was "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You". A demo Madonna had been working on for years, Timberlake felt it was comparable to her 1998 single "Frozen", and his own "Cry Me a River" (2002). His "challenge" was turning the line the devil wouldn't recognize you, but I do into a "prolific" hook and concept.

{{Quote box|width=260px|align=right|quote="I usually work with producers who are sort of behind the scenes people ―they don't go out on tour, don't make their own records, they're not usually stars in their own right, so we definitely had to get used to each other's energy. [Timbaland, Timberlake and Williams] have very strong opinions ―as do I― and that was a bit of an adjustment, but it turned out great in the end".|source=— Madonna on Hard Candy{{'}}s recording processs, and working with multiple producers. }}

For "Miles Away", Madonna and Timberlake settled down on long-distance relationships, a personal subject for both of them. Timberlake played a guitar riff for her and asked, "How do we want to do this? What do we want it to be about? What do we want to say?". Madonna, "immediately" came up with the words and started singing. She subsequently revealed that she tapped into the "global consciousness of people who have intimacy problems", as well as her relationship with then-husband, British film director Guy Ritchie.{{cite magazine |title=From the ELLE archive: Madonna – Read the full interview from 2008 |url=https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/celebrity-style/articles/a1424/madonna-cover-article-april-2008-guy-ritchie-lourdes-grammys/ |magazine=Elle |access-date=January 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616153321/https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/celebrity-style/articles/a1424/madonna-cover-article-april-2008-guy-ritchie-lourdes-grammys/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |date=January 24, 2014}} By the time they were done, Timberlake felt he had "accomplished a miracle" with "Miles Away": create a song that was "classic Madonna". Other "upbeat" songs Madonna and Timberlake worked on were "Dance 2Tonight" and "4 Minutes to Save The World", later retitled simply "4 Minutes".{{cite web |title=Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland collaboration leaked |url=https://www.nme.com/news/madonna/33243 |work=NME |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218103223/https://www.nme.com/news/madonna/33243 |archive-date=December 18, 2007 |date=December 17, 2007}} Timbaland also participated in the latter; him and Madonna came up with the melody and lyrics, before adding "further layers of music" to the track. Described as similar to Bubba Sparxxx' 2001 single "Ugly", "La La" was another song Timbaland participated in but did not make the final track list.

Williams' approach to making music was "unpretentious". Madonna referred to him as a "natural musician"; "[he] would grab my acoustic guitar, he couldn't play, but he [would] start playing percussion on it. He would find bottles and start playing them with spoons. He's very inventative in the studio". They created the songs "Candy Shop", "Spanish Lesson", "Give It 2 Me", and "She's Not Me". Of working on the first one, Williams recalled: "[Madonna] was like, 'Look, give me some hot shit'. I was looking at her like, 'She's saying hot shit?', She was like, 'What?' And I'm like, 'OK'. So we just worked and made it". "Spanish Lesson" was inspired by what Williams described as the "B-beat", a style of "chopped-up staccato beats coming out of Baltimore". Recording of track "Beat Goes On" was rushed. Guest star Kanye West had four hours to come up with his verse, record it, and leave to catch a flight. Working on the album was an experience Madonna found to be quite pleasant; "[I]t pushed me as a vocalist [...] pushed me to sing in rhythms and phrasing that I normally wouldn't have done on my own. That's the great thing about collaborating with other people".{{cite web |last1=Moran |first1=Jonathon |title=Madonna shows her soft side |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/madonna-shows-her-soft-side/story-e6frewt9-1111116107004 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=January 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913040304/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/madonna-shows-her-soft-side/story-e6frewt9-1111116107004 |archive-date=September 13, 2012 |date=April 20, 2008}} She additionally would do her own "personal market research", playing individual tracks to her children, her husband and friends, and gathering their critical input.

{{listen

| filename = Madonna_-_give it 2 me.ogg

| title = "Give It 2 Me"

| description = A 28 second sample of Hard Candy{{'}}s third track "Give It 2 Me". Noted a "hybrid" of trance and R&B by Daryl Easlea, the song is about "not looking back and moving forward", as explained by Madonna.

| pos = left

}}

Musically, Hard Candy has been noted a dance-pop album that blends urban genres such as R&B and hip-hop.{{cite web |title=Madonna, Santogold make dance records |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90025168 |publisher=NPR |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501185002/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90025168 |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |date=April 29, 2008}} It also presents elements of Madonna's early work, such as disco and Philadelphia soul. The BBC's Mark Savage noted that the album's main themes are love, revenge, sex and music. According to Madonna herself, most of its songs are autobiographical, "[b]ut in more of an unconscious way".{{cite web |last1=Sischy |first1=Ingrid |title=MADONNA Interview magazine April 2008 |url=https://thebosh.com/archives/2008/03/madonna_interview_magazine_april_2008.php |work=Interview |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313233803/http://thebosh.com/archives/2008/03/madonna_interview_magazine_april_2008.php |archive-date=March 13, 2008 |date=March 7, 2008}} The innuendo-laden themes represent the mood she was in while recording it. The album opens with "Candy Shop", an "agenda-setting call to arms" in which the singer "celebrates her eternal hotness".{{cite web |last1=Moon |first1=Tom |title=Madonna indulges with Hard Candy |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89948317 |publisher=NPR |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503175742/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89948317 |archive-date=May 3, 2008 |date=April 25, 2008}} Set to "double-time heavy breathing" and a conga beat that give it an "almost tribal" sound, the song's lyrics use candy as a metaphor for sex, referencing Turkish delight, with phrases such as say which flavor you like and I’ll have it for you, and my sugar is raw.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Ann |title=Review: Madonna's Hard Candy |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-madonna24apr24-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204062619/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-madonna24apr24-story.html |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |date=April 24, 2008}}{{subscription required}} The refrain has a "flash of brass soul", reflected when harmonies join Madonna as she sings, I'll be your one stop (one stop) candy shop. Towards the end, there's a brief vocal participation from Williams.

Second track "4 Minutes" incorporates the aesthetic of a marching band, a clanging beat, instrumentation from a brass that is played in a "scale-like riff", and Timberlake emulating the sound of vinyl scratches. Other musical instruments used are foghorns and cowbells. Lyrically, according to Madonna, it's about having a good time while trying to save the world. Madonna and Timberlake trade verses, singing about a "comic-strip teen-romance scenario", in which they need to save the world within a timespan of four minutes. In one part, she sings that, the road to heaven is paved with good intentions. The refrain sees Timberlake doing his "best Michael Jackson impression" as he sings, We've only got for minutes to save the world. The track ends after a brief breakdown where everything drops, leaving only Timbaland's "signature" bhangra beats, some stabs of brass, and Madonna's repeating the phrase tick-tock, tick-tock.

"Give It 2 Me" has been noted as resembling Madonna's 1983 singles "Lucky Star" and "Holiday", as if they had been "filter[ed] through hip-hop's sonic boom". The song "bumps along to a thick synth tone" —similar to the one Hills employed on Britney Spears' 2007 album Blackout— and incorporates a West-African inspired percussion bridge. The lyrics are ambiguous. They appear to be about sex and dancing, but are actually a "manifesto of sorts" in which Madonna explains that she does not want to retire from her career and still possesses the ability to continue, as noted in the lines Don't stop me now, no need to catch my breath, I can go on and on and on.{{cite web |last1=Norris |first1=John |title=Madonna talks about tuning 50 -- sort of |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586939/20080506/madonna.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510125242/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586939/20080506/madonna.jhtml |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |date=May 6, 2008}} The track ends after a breakdown where the singer chants "Get stupid" over a xylophone chime as the beat "builds into a frenzy" and she proclaims, ''Give it to me, no one's gonna stop me now".

The fourth track, "Heartbeat", has a "thumping" hip-hop beat, as well as a "sandpaper shuffle and twinkling Eighties-reminiscent synths". It includes a lyrical nod to Madonna's 1985 single "Into the Groove" in the line, Don't you know, can't you see? When I dance I feel free. A rap breakdown that recalls "Promiscuous" (2006) by Nelly Furtado is present towards the middle. In it, Madonna "speak-sings" see my booty get down. Described as a "wistful tune about a long-distance relationship", "Miles Away" is one of the album's "softer, more acoustic" tracks. Inspired by Madonna's marriage to Guy Ritchie, it opens with the sound of guitar, which is followed by a "stuttering" beat. The track then slowly "swells until it's filled with atmospheric synths". The lyrics were noted a foreshadow to Madonna and Ritchie's divorce. You always seem to have the biggest heart when we're 6,000 miles apart [...] I guess we're at our best when we're miles away, she sings.

File:Kanye West by David Shankbone (3465084618).jpg (pictured in 2009) is the featured artist on eight track "Beat Goes On".]]

Sixth track "She's Not Me" features disco-influenced instrumentation from toots, beeps, whistles, handclaps, and "Chic-like" guitar licks. The lyrics ―which talk about Madonna being emulated by another woman― echo "Thief of Hearts", a song from her fifth studio album, Erotica (1992).{{cite web |last1=Vineyard |first1=Jennifer |title=Madonna's Hard Candy sets sex, relationships to hip-hop, trip-hop, disco beats |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586263/20080424/madonna.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429201350/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586263/20080424/madonna.jhtml |archive-date=April 29, 2008 |date=April 24, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Elliott |first1=Mark |title=Hard Candy: Behind Madonna's return to Pop's sweet spot |url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/hard-candy-madonna-album/ |publisher=This is Dig! |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420130404/https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/hard-candy-madonna-album/ |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |date=April 19, 2022}} Noted as the album's most "structurally unconventional" song, "Incredible" starts off like a love song but reveals itself to be a plea to someone to start over. Its lyrics talk about being taken for granted and taking someone for granted. The production is characteristic to that of Williams and the Neptunes{{'}} previous works, featuring "voices interrupting one another and switching in and out of double time, sudden key changes and style shifts from electro to rock to stark percussion". Eight track "Beat Goes On" mixes Detroit techno, 1970's R&B, and 1980's dance.{{cite web |title=Madonna's Hard Candy leak: The track-by track |url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/04/18/madonnas-hard-candy-leak-the-track-by-track/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421093115/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/04/18/madonnas-hard-candy-leak-the-track-by-track/ |archive-date=April 21, 2008 |date=April 18, 2008}} Like "She's Not Me", it incorporates sonic elements associated to disco. Present in the song is a guest rap by West; Give me room now, I’m like a vampire on the full moon [...] Mr West now can you get any more fresh now, I think I just did just now, he raps. "Dance 2Night" also presents disco influences. Built around a "funky" bassline, in the song, Madonna advices Timberlake on the "key to creative/sexual/calisthenic endurance". This is reflected on lines like, Are you a one-trick pony or do you want to keep runnin’ this race?

The Latin pop and Flamenco influence of "La Isla Bonita" (1987) are seen on tenth track "Spanish Lesson". The song counts with a "ton" of percussion as Madonna sings, "If you do your homework, baby I will give you more, and If you like my style I can love you for a while. "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You", the album's second-to-last track, is a ballad about someone who "has everything in life" and "gets away with everything". It begins in an "almost lullaby" way before turning "thick and lush". Hard Candy closes with "Voices", a "trip-hoppy" song with "unresolved chords and sweeping strings", that has Madonna questioning who's really in control: Are you walking the dog? Is that dog walking you? Included only on the Japanese edition of the album, in "Ring My Bell" Madonna's determined to withhold intimacy from a lover who won't be upfront, apologize or show any grattitute to her. Williams also features briefly on backing vocals.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v29mEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT150|title=Madonna: Song by Song|date=2022|publisher=Fonthill Media|access-date=December 31, 2024|page=150|first1=Marc|last1=Andrews|isbn=9781781558447}}

File:Rolandmadonna1.jpg", on the Sticky & Sweet Tour. It was one of the songs leaked before the album's release.]]

On December 6, 2007, Sirius Satellite Radio host Larry Flick reported that the album would be titled Licorice, and released in late April of the following year.{{cite web |title=Madonna's new album title unveiled on US radio? |url=http://www.nme.com/news/madonna/33006 |work=NME |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208162552/http://www.nme.com/news/madonna/33006 |archive-date=December 8, 2007 |date=December 6, 2007}} The next day, Liz Rosenberg, Madonna's publicist, denied this report; "[Sirius] does not know what they are talking about. Wrong title. Release date wrong".{{cite web |title=Madonna denies new album will be called Licorice |url=http://www.nme.com/news/madonna/33034 |work=NME |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208195427/http://www.nme.com/news/madonna/33034 |archive-date=December 8, 2007 |date=December 7, 2007}} On February 26, 2008, Entertainment Weekly revealed Hard Candy as the official title.{{cite magazine |last1=Halperin |first1=Shirley |title=Madonna's album title, release date confirmed |url=http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/02/madonnas-album.html |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227155427/http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/02/madonnas-album.html |archive-date=February 27, 2008 |date=February 26, 2008}} According to Rosenberg, the title's a "juxtaposition of tough and sweetness, or as [Madonna] so eloquently expressed: 'I'm gonna kick your ass, but it's going to make you feel good'". In an interview with MTV Australia, Madonna revealed that she initially considered naming the record Candy Shop, and then Give It To Me, but changed her mind as those are the titles of songs by 50 Cent and Timbaland.{{cite web |title=MTV Interview With Her Madjesty! |url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/madonna-talks-filth-wisdom-and-confectionary-119df29f-3b4e-4529-ae5f-b7b00bc322aa/ |publisher=MTV Australia |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326211029/http://www.mtv.com.au/news/madonna-talks-filth-wisdom-and-confectionary-119df29f-3b4e-4529-ae5f-b7b00bc322aa/ |archive-date=March 26, 2010 |date=March 3, 2009}} Black Madonna was also considered, as the singer thought it was a "fun title".{{cite magazine |last1=Scaggs |first1=Austin |author1-link=Austin Scaggs |title=Madonna looks back: The Rolling Stone interview |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-looks-back-the-rolling-stone-interview-197575/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=July 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725111155/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-looks-back-the-rolling-stone-interview-197575/ |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |date=October 29, 2009}}{{subscription required}}

For the artwork, Madonna worked with American photographer Steven Klein, and decided to incorporate a boxing theme. Taken during a photoshoot for Interview magazine, the cover depicts the singer sitting in front of a background of pink peppermint swirls, wearing knee-high boots and a championship belt.{{cite web |last1=Elliott |first1=Mark |title=Madonna album covers: All 14 studio artworks, ranked and reviewed |url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/madonna-album-covers/ |publisher=This is Dig! |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530184905/https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/madonna-album-covers/ |archive-date=May 30, 2021 |date=May 30, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Lindsay |title=Madonna, Justin Timberlake look sweet in Hard Candy pics |url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/03/14/madonna-justin-timberlake-look-sweet-in-hard-candy-pics/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315200815/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/03/14/madonna-justin-timberlake-look-sweet-in-hard-candy-pics/ |archive-date=March 15, 2008 |date=March 14, 2008}} Writing for Billboard, Joe Lynch opined the cover looked more like, "an outtake [rather] than a photo shoot's best take".{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=Every Madonna album cover, ranked |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/madonna-album-covers-ranked-1235642607/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415182016/https://www.billboard.com/photos/madonna-album-covers-ra |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |date=April 12, 2024}} During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone{{'}}s Austin Scaggs, the singer revealed that her and Klein did a photoshoot for the dropped Black Madonna idea; "I painted my face black, except for red lips and white eyes [...] Then I thought, 'Twenty-five percent of the world might get this, probably less. It’s not worth it'", she recalled.

On July 27, 2007, the song "Candy Shop" leaked online on file hosting service Putfile, but was quickly removed. Following this, NME reported that the then-untitled album would be released in November of that year.{{cite web |title=Madonna-Justin Timberlake collaboration leaked |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-583-1398079 |work=NME |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221002200/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-583-1398079 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |date=July 27, 2007}} The next month, a demo of "Beat Goes On", with guest vocals by Williams, was also leaked online.{{cite web |title=Madonna's new song, 'The Beat Goes On', leaks! |url=http://www.newnownext.com/madonnas-new-song-the-beat-goes-on-leaks/08/2007/ |publisher=TheBacklot.com |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618085430/http://www.newnownext.com/madonnas-new-song-the-beat-goes-on-leaks/08/2007/ |archive-date=June 18, 2015 |date=August 22, 2007}} Furthermore, Timbaland played "4 Minutes" during his set at the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball on December 16, three months before the track's official release date.

Madonna's official website announced on March 2008 that Hard Candy would be released worldwide on April 28, and the next day on the United States.{{cite web |title=Hard Candy - Official Press Release |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/hard-candy-official-press-release |via=Icon: Official Madonna Website |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107043305/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/hard-candy-official-press-release |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |date=March 2, 2008}} In Mexico, it was issued on April 18, according to the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas.{{cite web |title=Hard Candy - Mexican release date |url=http://www.amprofon.com.mx/certificaciones.php?artista=madonna&titulo=hard+candy&disquera=&certificacion=todas&anio=todos&categoria=todas&Submitted=Buscar&item=menuCert&contenido=buscar |publisher=Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220004150/http://www.amprofon.com.mx/certificaciones.php?artista=madonna&titulo=hard+candy&disquera=&certificacion=todas&anio=todos&categoria=todas&Submitted=Buscar&item=menuCert&contenido=buscar |archive-date=February 20, 2012 |language=es}} The following week, Hard Candy was released on Germany.{{cite web |title=Hard Candy von Madonna |url=http://www.amazon.de/Hard-Candy-Madonna/dp/B0015D3Z4O |publisher=Amazon |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331180122/http://www.amazon.de/Hard-Candy-Madonna/dp/B0015D3Z4O |archive-date=March 31, 2008 |language=de}} Seven songs from Hard Candy leaked online on April 21, 2008, one week before its release day.{{cite web |last1=Stousy |first1=Brandon |title=(Some of) Madonna's Hard Candy leaks |url=http://stereogum.com/9225/some_of_madonnas_hard_candy_leaked/news/ |work=Stereogum |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612174654/http://stereogum.com/9225/some_of_madonnas_hard_candy_leaked/news/ |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |date=April 21, 2008}}{{subscription required}} Additionally, the album was made available on MySpace four days before the planned US release date.{{cite web |title=Madonna releases her new album early |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20194994%2C00.html |work=People |access-date=April 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080425180529/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20194994%2C00.html |archive-date=April 25, 2008 |date=April 25, 2008}} A special edition "Candy Box", containing the album with two additional remixes and a bag of starlight mints, was issued on May 12 on the United Kingdom.{{cite web |title=Hard Candy [Special Edition] - Madonna |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hard-Candy-Madonna/dp/B00169XU8I |publisher=Amazon |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502122120/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hard-Candy-Madonna/dp/B00169XU8I |archive-date=May 2, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Beech |first1=Mark |author1-link=Mark Beech (writer) |title=Madonna gets down and dirty at disco for midlife CD: Mark Beech |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aH0w8sel6wSU&refer=home |publisher=Bloomberg News |access-date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624014028/https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aH0w8sel6wSU&refer=home |archive-date=June 24, 2011 |date=April 28, 2008}}

On March 17, "4 Minutes" was featured on a Sunsilk commercial.{{cite web |last1=Tunniclife |first1=Mike |title=Madonna and Unilever's good hair day |url=https://adage.com/article/songs-for-soap/madonna-unilever-s-good-hair-day/125760 |work=Ad Age |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=March 17, 2008}}{{subscription required}} The following day, The Times announced that Vodafone users in Europe would be able to download seven songs from the album into their phones, one week before its release.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Jonathan |title=Madonna to release new album via mobile |url=http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3575836.ece |work=The Times |access-date=April 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011155119/http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3575836.ece |archive-date=October 11, 2008 |date=March 18, 2008}}{{subscription required}} Billboard reported on April that in France, the full album and "4 Minutes" video would be pre-loaded onto the Samsung F400, set to be released on early June. Billboard also reported that Vodafone and Warner Music would offer "new music and other forms of mobile content from Hard Candy" to Vodafone costumers, prior to the album's release.{{cite magazine |last1=Pichevin |first1=Aymeric |title=Samsung dials up Madonna deal for France |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i7d6885cb31509ec4173f1437142f2920 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413010009/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i7d6885cb31509ec4173f1437142f2920 |archive-date=April 13, 2008 |date=April 4, 2008}} A similar deal was made with Sony Ericsson, who offered the album pre-loaded onto their phones in 27 countries worldwide.{{cite magazine |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |title=Madonnna's 'Candy', a treat for Sony Ericsson users |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i36ba53a2d13a6bd765e61046418fefc4 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608204228/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i36ba53a2d13a6bd765e61046418fefc4 |archive-date=June 8, 2008 |date=June 5, 2008}} On March 24, it was announced that "Miles Away" would be featured in the Japanese TV drama Change, set to begin airing in April.{{cite web |last1=Ryall |first1=Jullian |title=Madonna song used for Japanese TV drama |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN24297764/ |publisher=Reuters |access-date=April 14, 2024 |date=March 24, 2008}} Songs from the album were then featured on "Jump", the second season finale of American series Ugly Betty, aired on May 22.{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Denise |title=Ugly Betty: An uneven ending |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/show-tracker/story/2008-05-23/ugly-betty-an-uneven-ending |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=May 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417000417/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/show-tracker/story/2008-05-23/ugly-betty-an-uneven-ending |archive-date=April 17, 2024}}{{subscription required}} Prior to the episode, a video in which main character Betty Suarez (America Ferrera) asks Madonna for an autographed copy of the album for her nephew's birthday was aired.{{cite web |title=Betty Suarez has a message for Madonna |url=https://people.com/tv/betty-suarez-has-a-message-for-madonna/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417001226/https://people.com/tv/betty-suarez-has-a-message-for-madonna/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |work=People |access-date=April 14, 2024 |date=December 1, 2020}}

{{Main|Sticky & Sweet Tour}}

File:MadonnaHardCandyPromoTour1 (cropped2).jpg on May 10, 2008.]]

On April 30, 2008, Madonna sang songs from the album at a small concert in New York's Roseland Ballroom, in front of an audience of 2,200 people.{{cite magazine |last1=Ganz |first1=Caryn |title=Madonna debuts Hard Candy with Justin Timberlake at New York club show |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-debuts-hard-candy-with-justin-timberlake-at-new-york-club-show-251541/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105205851/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-debuts-hard-candy-with-justin-timberlake-at-new-york-club-show-251541/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |date=May 1, 2008}}{{subscription required}}{{cite web |last1=Sisario |first1=Ben |author1-link=Ben Sisario |title=On throne, onstage, online and on cellphone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/02/arts/music/02mado.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713020459/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/02/arts/music/02mado.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |date=May 2, 2008}}{{subscription required}} Fans allegedly slept on the street overnight to be able to obtain one of the 750 wristbands that guaranteed free admission.{{cite magazine |last1=Harding |first1=Cortney |title=Madonna fetes Hard Candy with free NYC show |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045689/madonna-fetes-hard-candy-with-free-nyc-show |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912050138/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045689/madonna-fetes-hard-candy-with-free-nyc-show |archive-date=September 12, 2014 |date=May 1, 2008}} In addition to the accesses given to those who had queued, about 1,000 went to radio and internet contest winners, and 200 to members of Madonna’s online fan club. The concert was broadcast live through MSN Music, and on cellphones worldwide by Verizon and Vodafone. Madonna was joined by Timberlake for the performance of "4 Minutes". From Rolling Stone, Caryn Ganz referred to the concert as an "impressive taste of what her upcoming tour might look like". The singer offered another concert on May 6 at Paris{{'}} Olympia hall, and four days later headlined the BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.{{cite web |title=Madonna holds private concert for one night in Paris |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20080507-madonna-holds-private-concert-one-night-paris-music |publisher=France 24 |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214060108/https://www.france24.com/en/20080507-madonna-holds-private-concert-one-night-paris-music |archive-date=February 14, 2011 |date=May 7, 2008}}{{cite web |title=Madonna Live |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00bwf6m |publisher=BBC |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515214941/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00bwf6mhttps://web.archive.org/web/20080515214941/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00bwf6m |archive-date=May 15, 2008 |date=May 10, 2008}}

Hard Candy was further promoted on the Sticky & Sweet Tour, Madonna's eight concert tour. Announced on May 8, 2008, it began in Cardiff on August 23, and ended in São Paulo on December 21.{{cite magazine |last1=Wadell |first1=Ray |title=Madonna announces 'Sticky and Sweet' tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045476/madonna-announces-sticky-and-sweet-tour |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329124608/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045476/madonna-announces-sticky-and-sweet-tour |archive-date=March 29, 2013 |date=May 8, 2008}}{{cite web |title=Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' Tour: 58 Shows - 2,350,282 fans!!! |url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Madonnas-Sticky-amp-Sweet-prnews-13890523.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103201253/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Madonnas-Sticky-amp-Sweet-prnews-13890523.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009 |date=December 22, 2008}} On January 30, it was reported that the tour would resume in the summer of 2009, with twenty-seven more concerts across Europe.{{cite magazine |last1=Wadell |first1=Ray |title=Madonna resuming Sticky & Sweet Tour this summer |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269509/madonna-resuming-sticky-sweet-tour-this-summer |magazine=Billboard |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629133417/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269509/madonna-resuming-sticky-sweet-tour-this-summer |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |date=January 30, 2009}} The 2009 leg began in London and ended in Tel Aviv.{{cite magazine |last1=Wadell |first1=Ray |title=Madonna closes tour in Tel Aviv; 2nd highest grossing trek of all time |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/267516/madonna-closes-tour-in-tel-aviv-2nd-highest-grossing-trek-of-all-time |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609123709/https://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/267516/madonna-closes-tour-in-tel-aviv-2nd-highest-grossing-trek-of-all-time |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |date=September 2, 2009}} The show was described as a "rock driven dancetastic journey" and, like previous tours by the singer, was divided into different thematic acts: Pimp, Old School, Gypsy, and Rave.{{cite web |title=Sticky & Sweet Tour: Press release |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/sticky-and-sweet-tour-press-release |via=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125110458/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/sticky-and-sweet-tour-press-release |archive-date=November 25, 2010 |date=August 20, 2008}} Sticky & Sweet received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the production, the singer's energy, and the performances.{{cite web |last1=Aquilante |first1=Dan |title=Material mom's NJ concert is Madge-ic |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/10052008/news/nationalnews/material_moms_nj_concert_is_madge_ic_132225.htm |work=New York Post |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008113736/http://www.nypost.com/seven/10052008/news/nationalnews/material_moms_nj_concert_is_madge_ic_132225.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2008 |date=October 5, 2008}} With a gross of US$411 million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|411|r=2|2009}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}), it was the second highest-grossing tour in history at the time, behind only the Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang Tour. Additionally, it won Top Boxscore, Top Draw and Top Manager for Guy Oseary at the 2009 Billboard Touring Awards.{{cite magazine |last1=Wadell |first1=Ray |title=Madonna takes top honors at Billboard Touring Awards |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/266798/madonna-takes-top-honors-at-billboard-touring-awards |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210175646/https://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/266798/madonna-takes-top-honors-at-billboard-touring-awards |archive-date=February 10, 2013 |date=November 5, 2009}}

File:4 Minutes to Save The World (2944847567) (cropped).jpg" on the Sticky & Sweet Tour. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached number one in the United Kingdom.]]

Lead single "4 Minutes" premiered on radio on March 17, 2008, and was released digitally on March 25.{{cite web |last1=Mock |first1=Janet |title=LISTEN: Madonna & Justin's new song debuts! |url=https://people.com/celebrity/listen-madonna-justins-new-song-debuts/ |work=People |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923111044/https://people.com/celebrity/listen-madonna-justins-new-song-debuts/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |date=March 17, 2008}}{{cite web |title=Download your copy of '4 Minutes' |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/download-your-copy-of-4-minutes-today- |via=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107043401/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/download-your-copy-of-4-minutes-today- |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |date=March 25, 2008}} Upon release, it received generally mixed reviews; some critics praised its hook, while others criticized Timberlake and Timbaland's participation, and opined Madonna felt like the guest star in her own song.{{cite magazine |last1=Taylor |first1=Chuck |author1-link=Chuck Taylor (music journalist) |title='4 Minutes', Madonna and Justin Timberlake |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/singles/e3ie4bd24ee9875ae5648800d6508cece71 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324205718/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/singles/e3ie4bd24ee9875ae5648800d6508cece71 |archive-date=March 24, 2008 |date=March 22, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |author1-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Madonna > Hard Candy > Overview |url=http://allmusic.com/album/hard-candy-r1344171/review |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016084806/http://allmusic.com/album/hard-candy-r1344171/review |archive-date=October 16, 2010 |date=April 29, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Jude |author1-link=Jude Rogers |title=Every one of Madonna's 78 singles – ranked! |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked |work=The Guardian |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816144826/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |date=August 16, 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Anderman |first1=Joan |title=On her 11th CD, Madonna still has control issues |url=http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/04/26/on_her_11th_cd_madonna_still_has_control_issues/ |work=The Boston Globe |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430145125/http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/04/26/on_her_11th_cd_madonna_still_has_control_issues/ |archive-date=April 30, 2008 |date=April 27, 2008}} An international success, "4 Minutes" topped the charts in 21 countries worldwide.{{cite web |last1=Bull |first1=Sarah |title=Madonna's sweet success continues |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/madonnas-sweet-success-continues/story-e6frfn09-1111116313301 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505000120/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/madonnas-sweet-success-continues/story-e6frfn09-1111116313301 |archive-date=May 5, 2013 |date=May 12, 2008}} In the United States, it peaked at the third position of the Billboard Hot 100, giving Madonna her 37th top ten hit. She was previously tied with Elvis Presley for the most top ten singles among all artists in the rock era.{{cite magazine |last1=Caulfield |first1=Keith |title=Madonna's 40 biggest Billboard hits |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonnas-40-biggest-billboard-hits/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119184248/https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonnas-40-biggest-billboard-hits/ |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |date=August 16, 2017}}{{cite magazine |title=Bad Boy, Mariah and Madonna: What a week! |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bad-boy-mariah-and-madonna-what-a-week-1310608/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 19, 2024 |date=May 2, 2008}} "4 Minutes" was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 51st Grammy Awards. The music video was directed by French duo Jonas & François, and features Madonna and Timberlake tackling physical obstacles.{{cite magazine |last1=Ganz |first1=Caryn |title=Madonna's new album and video: Exclusive Rolling Stone preview |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonnas-new-album-and-video-exclusive-rolling-stone-preview-101999/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222221207/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonnas-new-album-and-video-exclusive-rolling-stone-preview-101999/ |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |date=February 15, 2008}}{{subscription required}}

On June 24, "Give It 2 Me" and its remixes were released for digital download.{{cite web |title=Give It 2 Me (Remixes) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/give-it-2-me-remixes/325418997 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816171425/https://music.apple.com/us/album/give-it-2-me-remixes/325418997 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |date=June 24, 2008}} Upon release, the song received generally positive reviews from critics, with its theme of self-empowerment being praised.{{cite magazine |last1=Ganz |first1=Caryn |title=Home > Music > Album Reviews > Hard Candy |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/hard-candy-255623/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925223712/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/hard-candy-255623/ |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |date=May 1, 2008}}{{subscription required}}{{cite web |title=Madonna's Hard Candy is a little sour |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2008/05/11/madonna-s-hard-candy-is/52417077007/ |work=Telegram & Gazette |access-date=April 19, 2024 |date=May 11, 2008}} The track gave Madonna her 39th number one on Billboard{{'}}s Dance Club Songs chart.{{cite magazine |last1=Murray |first1=Gordon |title=Madonna earns 48th No. 1 on Dance Club Songs Chart with 'I Rise' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-48th-number-1-dance-club-songs-chart-i-rise/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108144853/https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-48th-number-1-dance-club-songs-chart-i-rise/ |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |date=August 23, 2018}} In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 7. "Give It 2 Me" received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Chris |title=Lil Wayne, Coldplay lead Grammy nominations |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600678/20081204/coldplay.jhtml |publisher=MTV |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205130719/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600678/20081204/coldplay.jhtml |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |date=December 4, 2008}} The accompanying black and white music video was directed by Tom Munro and Nathan Rissman, shows Madonna in cowboy hat and "hipster workout gear", and has an appearance by Williams.{{cite web |title='Give It 2 Me' video now available |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/give-it-2-me-video-now-available |via=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107041948/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/give-it-2-me-video-now-available |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |date=June 14, 2008}}{{cite web |title=New video: Madonna, 'Give It 2 Me' |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/06/11/new-video-madonna-give-it-2-me/ |work=Buzzworthy |publisher=MTV |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002000052/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/06/11/new-video-madonna-give-it-2-me/ |archive-date=October 2, 2008 |date=June 11, 2008}}

In Europe, "Miles Away" was released on November 21, 2008, while remixes were made available for download on August 11, 2009.{{cite web |title=Madonna - Miles Away |url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl///song/6bafc/Madonna-Miles-Away |publisher=Ultratop 50 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719010827/https://www.ultratop.be/nl///song/6bafc/Madonna-Miles-Away |archive-date=July 19, 2014 |quote=nl}}{{cite web |title=Madonna - Miles Away |url=https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Madonna&titel=Miles+Away&cat=s |publisher=Les classement single |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122080046/https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Madonna&titel=Miles+Away&cat=s |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |language=fr}}{{cite web |title=Miles Away (Remixes) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/miles-away-remixes/325716063 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220013913/https://music.apple.com/us/album/miles-away-remixes/325716063 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |date=August 11, 2009}} Critics applauded the track for its catchiness, and compared it to Timberlake's "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (2006).{{cite web |last1=Ewing |first1=Tom |title=Madonna, Hard Candy |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11453-hard-candy/ |work=Pitchfork |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319035738/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11453-hard-candy/ |archive-date=March 19, 2009 |date=April 28, 2008}} It was Madonna's ninth consecutive number one on Billboard{{'}}s Hot Dance Airplay chart.{{cite magazine |last1=Bronson |first1=Fred |title=Chart Beat: Madonna, Pussycat Dolls, Beyoncé |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/chart-beat-madonna-pussycat-dolls-beyonce/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407184357/https://www.billboard.com/pro/chart-beat-madonna-pussycat-dolls-beyonce/ |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |date=December 29, 2008}}{{subscription required}} Despite not being issued as singles, the songs "Heartbeat", "Beat Goes On" and "Candy Shop" received certifications by Pro-Música Brasil for digital downloads reported as sales in the country.{{cite certification|region=Brazil|artist=Madonna|type=single|access-date=December 24, 2024}}

{{Music ratings

| MC = 65/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}

| rev2 = Blender

| rev2Score = {{rating|4|5}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = B+

| rev4 = The Guardian

| rev4Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite web |last1=Petridis |first1=Alexis |author1-link=Alexis Petridis |title=Madonna, Hard Candy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/apr/25/popandrock.shopping |work=The Guardian |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305230744/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/apr/25/popandrock.shopping |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |date=April 24, 2008}}

| rev5 = MusicOMH

| rev5Score = {{rating|2|5}}

| rev6 = PopMatters

| rev6Score = (5/10)

| rev7 = Rolling Stone

| rev7Score = {{rating|4|5}}

| rev8 = Slant Magazine

| rev8Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}

| rev9 = The A.V. Club

| rev9Score = C+

| rev10 = The Times

| rev10Score = {{rating|3|5}}

}}

Even though it holds a score of 65 on Metacritic, which indicates "generally favorable reviews",{{cite web |title=Hard Candy - Madonna |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/hard-candy/madonna/critic-reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109145737/https://www.metacritic.com/music/hard-candy/madonna/critic-reviews |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |date=April 29, 2008}} critical reception towards Hard Candy ranged from mixed to unfavorable. Positive feedback came from Blender magazine, where Tony Power called it, "good-naturedly smutty".{{cite journal|title=Hard Candy – Review |last=Young|first=Tom|date=April 29, 2008|journal=Blender|issn=1534-0554}} Easlea described it as, "Confessions [...] with a frothier, more playful and bawdily humorous feel". Chris Willman from Entertainment Weekly deemed it a "crowd-pleaser of a CD", and an "unpretentious, nonstop dance party".{{cite magazine |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |title=Music review - Hard Candy |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20192427%2C00.html |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420210045/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20192427%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |date=April 18, 2008}} Hard Candy is a "brisk, exciting listen" for Nick Levine from Digital Spy, even if it's not one of the singer's "great artistic achievements".{{cite web |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=Madonna: Hard Candy |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a94967/madonna-hard-candy/ |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223071652/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a94967/madonna-hard-candy/ |archive-date=February 23, 2021 |date=April 30, 2008}} This was echoed by The New York Times{{'}} Jon Pareles, who observed that the album's "grand statement" is: "[Madonna]'s still around and can still deliver neat, calculated pop songs. [...] [She] has had more profound moments [...] This time around, concocting new ditties that will have her arena audiences singing along, she was smart to stay shallow".{{cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |title=Material woman, restoring her brand |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/arts/music/27pare.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427113518/http://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/arts/music/27pare.html&OQ=_rQ3D1&OP=7841b2dbQ2FQ60JncQ60iE5eQ7BEEQ7DsQ60sXX0Q60XmQ60saQ60fQ7BQ7DeQ60TVeK5Q60saSfQ7BnbQ2FQ7DTA |archive-date=April 27, 2008 |date=April 27, 2008}}{{subscription required}}

To the staff of NME, "half the songs [on Hard Candy] are good, [but] there's nothing that'll blow you away [...] [it']s solid enough by the standards of most pop tarts, but for the mistress of innovation? Pretty mediocre".{{cite web |title=Madonna, Hard Candy |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-madonna-9645-330779 |work=NME |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410113844/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-madonna-9645-330779 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |date=April 28, 2024}} For Junkee's Joseph Earp, it is "not a bad record. Just not as great as it should be".{{cite web |last1=Earp |first1=Joseph |title=Virgins, Prayers and lots of Sex: All 14 Madonna albums, ranked from worst to best |url=https://archive.junkee.com/madonna-albums-ranked/250846 |publisher=Junkee |access-date=January 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228082254/https://archive.junkee.com/madonna-albums-ranked/250846 |archive-date=December 28, 2024 |date=April 23, 2020}} Both Benjamin Boles from Canadian magazine Now, and Mark Beech, writing for Bloomberg News, were pleased with Hard Candy{{'}}s consistency, but were critical of its overall sound. Boles said it sounded like, "[Madonna] desperately trying to catch up with American R&B princesses".{{cite web |last1=Boles |first1=Benjamin |title=Disc review: Madonna, Hard Candy (Warner) |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=162844 |work=Now |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503082713/https://nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=162844 |archive-date=May 3, 2008}} In this vein, Sam Damshenas and Daniel Megarry from Gay Times referred to it as the album in which the singer, "stopped creating trends and starting chasing them".{{cite web |last1=Damshenas |first1=Sam |last2=Megarry |first2=Daniel |title=We ranked every single Madonna album from worst to best |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/we-ranked-every-single-madonna-album-from-worst-to-best/ |work=Gay Times |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813102642/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/we-ranked-every-single-madonna-album-from-worst-to-best/ |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |date=June 17, 2019}}

The production was a point of criticism. Samuel Murrian from Instinct magazine expressed that, "Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Kanye West and Timbaland bring exactly what you’d expect from them to the table, but as a result this barely feels like a Madonna record".{{cite web |last1=Murrian |first1=Samuel |title=Madonna's 14 studio albums, including Madame X, ranked |url=https://instinctmagazine.com/madonnas-14-studio-albums-including-madame-x-ranked/ |work=Instinct |access-date=April 24, 2024 |date=August 17, 2018 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925184246/https://instinctmagazine.com/madonnas-14-studio-albums-including-madame-x-ranked/ }} Beech, The Times{{'}} Pete Paphides, Priya Elan from NME, and Kerri Mason from Billboard all felt Hard Candy was too similar to works by Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani, also produced by Timbaland, Danja and The Neptunes.{{cite web |last1=Paphides |first1=Pete |title=Madonna: Hard Candy |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/live_reviews/article3701646.ece |work=The Times |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616235800/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/live_reviews/article3701646.ece |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |date=April 8, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Elan |first1=Priya |title=Madonna: Five things she needs to do on her next album |url=http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/madonna-five-things-she-needs-to-do-on-her-next-album-772747#pE6uYwGejpOU37I4.99 |website=NME |access-date=April 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511104614/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/madonna-five-things-she-needs-to-do-on-her-next-album-772747 |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |date=June 20, 2011}}{{cite magazine |last1=Mason |first1=Kerri |title=The Billboard reviews: Albums |magazine=Billboard |date=May 3, 2008 |volume=120 |issue=18 |page=45 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2008/BB-2008-05-03.pdf#page=41 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |issn=0006-2510}} Mark Savage opined that, had it been done by producers with "a touch more subtlety, [Hard Candy] could have ranked alongside Madonna's best".{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Review: Madonna's Hard Candy |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7336448.stm |publisher=BBC |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411234728/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7336448.stm |archive-date=April 11, 2008 |date=April 8, 2008}} Andy Battaglia from The A.V. Club was critical of the "forceful guest spots" by Timberlake and West, and the "self-identifying moves" of Williams and Timbaland.{{cite web |last1=Battaglia |first1=Andy |title=Madonna, Hard Candy (Warner Bros) |url=http://www.avclub.com/content/music/madonna |work=The A.V. Club |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508163419/http://www.avclub.com/content/music/madonna |archive-date=May 8, 2008 |date=May 5, 2008}}

Battaglia, the Evening Standard {{'}}s El Hunt, and Stephen Thomas Erlewine all perceived a disinterest and lack of involvement from the singer's part.{{cite web |last1=Hunt |first1=El |title=Don't go for second best, baby: All Madonna's albums, ranked |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/madonna-albums-ranked-like-a-prayer-ray-of-light-music-erotica-b1109541.html |work=Evening Standard |access-date=April 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017081115/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/madonna-albums-ranked-like-a-prayer-ray-of-light-music-erotica-b1109541.html |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |date=October 12, 2023}} Writing for AllMusic, the latter said the album sounded, "as if she just handed the reins over to Pharrell and Timba-Lake, trusting them to polish up this piece of stale candy". Describing the production as, "[sounding] a couple years old at best, and at worst [...] like Nelly Furtado's Loose hand-me-downs", Erlewine concluded by referring to Hard Candy as a "lifeless Madonna album". Spin magazine's Al Shipley also felt the production came across as dated, and declared Hard Candy the only Madonna album where, "it truly feels like she's just riding the wave of her collaborators and adding as little of her own personality as possible".{{cite web |last1=Shipley |first1=Al |title=Every Madonna album, ranked |url=https://www.spin.com/2024/11/every-madonna-album-ranked/ |work=Spin |access-date=January 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112153236/https://www.spin.com/2024/11/every-madonna-album-ranked/ |archive-date=November 12, 2024 |date=November 12, 2024}} A writer from the Telegram & Gazette deemed it a "sour, uneven" album that, "unintentionally and constantly, reminds us when [Madonna] was so much more interesting, so much more appealing, so much more original, and alas, so much younger". Chris Gerard from WRC-TV said it was her worst album up at the point: "A substantial disappointment [...] The songs are mostly rather uninspired and forgettable. [...] Vocally, [Madonna] sounds shrill and disconnected with the material, of which very little seems genuine and believable. [...] There's nothing original or particularly interesting: others have done it all before, and better".{{cite web |last1=Gerard |first1=Chris |title=Madonna's Hard Candy strikes sour note |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/madonnas_hard_candy_strikes_sour_note/1838933/ |publisher=WRC-TV |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813153847/https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/madonnas_hard_candy_strikes_sour_note/1838933/ |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2008}} Other reviewers panned it as vapid, desperate, juvenile, "underwhelming, overworked [and] overproduced", disposable, "lyrically barren", the singer's weakest work in over a decade, as well as a "musical stepback".{{efn|Per multiple sources{{cite web |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Review: Madonna, Hard Candy |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/madonna-hard-candy/ |work=Slant Magazine |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306224855/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/madonna-hard-candy/ |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |date=April 23, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Hauner |first1=Thomas |title=Madonna - Hard Candy |url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/madonna-hard-candy |work=PopMatters |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106090726/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/madonna-hard-candy |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |date=June 10, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Soghomonian |first1=Talia |title=Madonna - Hard Candy (Warner) |url=https://www.musicomh.com/albums/madonna-4_0408.htm |work=MusicOMH |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506002531/https://www.musicomh.com/albums/madonna-4_0408.htm#google_vignette |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |date=April 28, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=Mayo |first1=Nicolás |title=Hard Candy, el peor disco de la carrera de Madonna |url=http://www.mx.terra.com/terramagazine/interna/0%2C%2COI2892544-EI8872%2C00.html |publisher=Terra |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064446/http://www.mx.terra.com/terramagazine/interna/0,,OI2892544-EI8872,00.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |language=es |date=May 17, 2008}}}}

File:Barbra Streisand at Health Matters Conference.jpg. This made her the second female artist with the most number-one albums in the United States behind Barbra Streisand (pictured in 2013)]]

Following its release, Hard Candy reached the first spot in 37 countries.{{cite web |last1=Kiely |first1=Amanda |title=Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' concert to premiere on EPIX |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFihZquS2D7c |publisher=Bloomberg Television |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105075512/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFihZquS2D7c |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |date=October 6, 2009}} According to Nielsen SoundScan, 100,000 copies were sold in the United States upon its first day of release.{{cite magazine |last1=Caulfield |first1=Keith |title=First day sales put Madonna on track for 7th no. 1 |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045695/first-day-sales-put-madonna-on-track-for-7th-no-1 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529025444/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045695/first-day-sales-put-madonna-on-track-for-7th-no-1 |archive-date=May 29, 2013 |date=April 30, 2008}} With over 280,000 copies sold, Hard Candy became Madonna's seventh number-one album one on the Billboard 200, making her the second female with the most number one albums in the US, behind Barbra Streisand.{{cite magazine |last1=Hasty |first1=Katie |title=Madonna leads busy Billboard 200 with 7th no. 1 |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045488/madonna-leads-busy-billboard-200-with-7th-no-1 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523062750/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045488/madonna-leads-busy-billboard-200-with-7th-no-1 |archive-date=May 23, 2013 |date=May 7, 2008}} The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 4, 2008, for shipments of 500,000 copies. 751,000 copies of Hard Candy have been sold in the US as of December 2016,.{{cite magazine |last1=Trust |first1=Gary |title=Ask Billboard: Madonna's career album sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7617649/ask-billboard-madonnas-career-album-sales |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212105609/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7617649/ask-billboard-madonnas-career-album-sales |archive-date=December 12, 2016 |date=December 12, 2016}} In Canada, the album debuted at the top of the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Music Canada (MC) for shipments of 80,000 copies. As of January 2009, Hard Candy has sold 169,000 units in Canada according to Nielsen Company.{{cite web |title=The Nielsen Company 2008 Canadian Music Industry Report |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/07/idUS228425%2B07-Jan-2009%2BBW20090107 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114200459/https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/07/idUS228425%2B07-Jan-2009%2BBW20090107 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |date=January 7, 2009}}

The record reached the third position in Mexico and was certified platinum by the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. The album topped the charts in Argentina on the week of June 1, and eventually received a platinum certification by the Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas, indicating the shipment of over 40,000 copies.{{cite web |title=Discos de Oro y Platino |url=http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=P&Tipo=0&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP |publisher=Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531185849/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=P&Tipo=0&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |language=es}} Hard Candy also reached the first spot in Brazil.

In the United Kingdom, Hard Candy debuted at number one on the albums chart, making it Madonna's tenth number-one album in the country.{{cite web |title=Madonna celebrates chart double |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7383141.stm |publisher=BBC News |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507032234/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7383141.stm |archive-date=May 7, 2008 |date=May 4, 2008}} The album received a platinum certification by the British Phonographic Industry, which indicates shipments of over 300,000 copies. Music Week magazine reported that Hard Candy had sold 335,523 copies in the UK as of September 2009.{{cite web|url=http://business.highbeam.com/411456/article-1G1-208423917/key-releases-260909|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707032615/http://business.highbeam.com/411456/article-1G1-208423917/key-releases-260909|archive-date=July 7, 2012|title=Key Releases: September 26, 2009|date=September 26, 2009|work=Music Week|access-date=December 24, 2024|via=HighBeam}} The album was successful troughot Europe. It reached the first positions in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and Germany. In France, Hard Candy sold 37,963 units in its first two-days, and was later certified platinum by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for shipment of 200,000 copies in French territory.{{cite news|url=https://www.liberation.fr/actualite/2008/07/18/album-de-carla-bruni-14100-exemplaires-vendus-en-deux-jours_19477|title=Album de Carla Bruni: 14.100 exemplaires vendus en deux jours|date=July 18, 2008|work=Libération|language=fr|access-date=December 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125083716/https://www.liberation.fr/actualite/2008/07/18/album-de-carla-bruni-14100-exemplaires-vendus-en-deux-jours_19477|archive-date=January 25, 2021}} Additionally, it was 2008's best-selling international album in Italy according to Musica e dischi, with over 170,000 units sold.{{cite web |title=Le cifre degli album più venduti nel 2008 |url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/notizie_dettaglio.php?id=2599 |work=Musica e Dischi |access-date=December 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190429/http://www.musicaedischi.it/notizie_dettaglio.php?id=2599hp?id=2599 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |language=it |date=February 11, 2009}} Furthermore, Hard Candy topped the European Top 100 Albums chart.

Hard Candy became Madonna's seventh album to reach number-one on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 70,000 copies. It was less successful in New Zealand, where it debuted and peaked at number five, remaining on the chart for nine weeks. With over 55,462 copies sold on its first week, Hard Candy debuted at number one on the Japanese Oricon chart, retaining that position for a second week due to an increase of sales to almost 80,000 copies. Hard Candy was Madonna's first album to top the chart in 18 years since I'm Breathless (1990). She became the first international artist in Japanese chart history to have number-one albums in three consecutive decades.{{cite web |title="木村首相"効果！？ 女王マドンナが約18年ぶり1位 |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/54337/full/ |publisher=Oricon |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713105502/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/54337/full/ |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |language=ja |date=May 6, 2008}} Worldwide, Hard Candy was the eleventh best-selling album in 2008, and has sold more than four million copies.{{cite web |last1=McKinley Jr. |first1=James C. |author1-link=James C. McKinley Jr. |title=Spanish man arrested in leak of Madonna single |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/spanish-man-arrested-in-leak-of-madonna-single/ |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410220826/https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/spanish-man-arrested-in-leak-of-madonna-single/ |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |date=December 23, 2011}}

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Much ink and cyber space have been devoted to debating the relevancy of Madonna, and in 2008, with the pop star approaching her 50th birthday, her relevancy and place in the ever-changing pop culture landscape was up for debate once again. But, as she's known to do, [she] proved her critics wrong with Hard Candy debuting at number one on the Billboard album charts not only in the United States and Canada, but in 20 other countries as well".|source=—Michele Yeo from Entertainment Tonight Canada commenting on the album.{{cite web |last1=Yeo |first1=Michele |title=Madonna's Hard Candy turns 10: A look back at Madge's midlife meditation |url=https://etcanada.com/photos/318737/madonnas-hard-candy-turns-10-a-look-back-at-madges-midlife-meditation/ |work=Entertainment Tonight Canada |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804231343/https://etcanada.com/photos/318737/madonnas-hard-candy-turns-10-a-look-back-at-madges-midlife-meditation/#image-318809 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |date=April 19, 2018}}

}}

Spanish website Jenesaispop and news agency EFE recognized Hard Candy as one of the best albums of 2008.{{cite web |title=Mejores discos 2008 |url=https://jenesaispop.com/2008/12/19/9804/mejores-discos-2008/ |publisher=Jenesaispop |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525191533/https://jenesaispop.com/2008/12/19/9804/mejores-discos-2008/ |archive-date=May 25, 2014 |language=es |date=December 19, 2008}}{{cite web |last1=EFE |title=Los 10 mejores discos de 2008 |url=https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/438237/0/mejores/discos/2008/ |via=20 minutos |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225224856/https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/438237/0/mejores/discos/2008/ |archive-date=December 25, 2008 |language=es |date=December 25, 2008 |author1-link=EFE }} It was named one of the Top 10 Best Foreign Albums of the year by Ole Burn Rosenstand from Danish magazine Gaffa.{{cite web |last1=Burn Rosenstand |first1=Ole |title=GAFFA-anmelderne kårer årets albums og singler |url=https://gaffa.dk/artikler/2008/november/gaffa-anmelderne-karer-arets-albums-og-singler/ |work=Gaffa |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105211241/https://gaffa.dk/artikler/2008/november/gaffa-anmelderne-karer-arets-albums-og-singler/ |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |language=da |date=November 27, 2008}}{{subscription required}} In Mexico, at the seventh edition of the Premios Oye!, Hard Candy was awarded English-language album of the year.{{cite web |last1=Rangel |first1=Alma |title=Ganadores de Premios OYE 2008 |url=https://www.tvyespectaculos.mx/2008/11/27/ganadores-de-premios-oye-2008/ |work=TV y Espectáculos |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106232654/https://www.tvyespectaculos.mx/2008/11/27/ganadores-de-premios-oye-2008/ |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |language=es |date=November 27, 2008}} At the 2009 Japan Gold Disc Awards, it was recognized as one of the top 3 international albums.{{cite web |title=The 23th Japan Gold Disc Awards 2009 |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/data/gdisc/2009.html |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326074144/http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/data/gdisc/2009.html |archive-date=March 26, 2009}} Hard Candy was nominated for foreign modern pop-rock album of the year at the 2009 Hungarian Music Awards.{{cite web |title=A 2009. évi Fonogram - Magyar Zenei Díj jelöltjei |url=http://www.fonogram.hu/?menu=jeloltek_2009 |publisher=Association of Hungarian Record Companies |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721105140/http://www.fonogram.hu/?menu=jeloltek_2009 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |language=hu}}

While reviewing the album on its 10th anniversary, Billboard{{'}}s Chuck Arnold referred to Hard Candy as "Madonna's last great album", even if it's not a "classic" or up to par to her previous works.{{cite magazine |last1=Arnold |first1=Chuck |title=Why Hard Candy is Madonna's last great album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/madonna-hard-candy-10-year-anniversary-last-great-album-8401373/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114000122/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/madonna-hard-candy-10-year-anniversary-last-great-album-8401373/ |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |date=April 28, 2018}} Arnold further added: "There is no filler. There are no bad tracks. Zero. [...] That special Neptunes sauce inspired Madonna to sound more erotic than she had since Erotica". The author concluded: "In the end, Hard Candy was a sweet victory lap for Madonna as her last of 11 studio albums for Warner Bros., the label where she became the most famous female artist on the planet".

In their book Mobile Internet For Dummies, authors Michael J. O'Farrell, John R. Levine, Jostein Arlgroy, James Pearce and Daniel Appelquist noted that Madonna became the first major artist to release an album via mobile phones prior to its physical release in stores, an opinion that was shared by The Times{{'}} Jonathan Richards.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YdpsXjAvuUIC&dq=Madonna&pg=PA115|title=Mobile Internet For Dummies|date=2008|publisher=Wiley|access-date=September 25, 2023|page=115|first1=Michael J.|last1=O'Farrell|first2=John R.|last2=Levine|author-link2=John R. Levine|first3=Jostein|last3=Algroy|first4=James|last4=Pearce|first5=Daniel|last5=Appelquist|isbn=978-0-470-41424-8 }} Writing for Billboard, Leila Cobo said Madonna was one of the artists "at the forefront of the mobile revolution" in Latin America, the "most active region in the world as far as preloaded content" at the time.{{cite magazine |last1=Cobo |first1=Leila |author1-link=Leila Cobo |title=Latin Calling: Technology and consumer buying habits are converging in Latin America, to the benefit of mobile music |magazine=Billboard |date=August 2, 2008 |pages=27–28 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2008/BB-2008-08-02.pdf |access-date=December 30, 2024 |issn=0006-2510}} Also writing for Billboard, Andre Paine said Sony Ericsson achieved Latin American sales of 650,000 units of their W760 model, which came preloaded Hard Candy, obtaining a symbolic gold disc from Warner Music.{{cite magazine |last1=Paine |first1=Andres |title=Cannes you dig it? |magazine=Billboard |date=January 31, 2009 |page=10 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2009/BB-2009-01-31.pdf#page=10 |access-date=December 30, 2024 |issn=0006-2510}} According to Chilean newspaper La Nación, in 2009, Madonna's release exemplified a precedent of how cell phones became an important vehicle of music consumption in an era marked by a financial crisis that also affected music industry.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435094623|title=U2 regresa sin obstáculos en el horizonte|date=March 3, 2009|work=La Nación|access-date=December 30, 2024|id={{ProQuest|435094623}} |language=es|url-access=subscription}}

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = Hard Candy {{nobold|– Standard edition}}{{cite AV media notes|others=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|year=2008|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id= 9362-49884-9|type=liner notes}}

| total_length = 56:22

| title1 = Candy Shop

| writer1 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Pharrell Williams

}}

| extra1 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length1 = 4:16

| title2 = 4 Minutes

| note2 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

| writer2 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Tim Mosley
• Justin Timberlake
• Nate Hills

}}

| extra2 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja

}}

| length2 = 4:04

| title3 = Give It 2 Me

| writer3 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams

}}

| extra3 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length3 = 4:48

| title4 = Heartbeat

| writer4 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams

}}

| extra4 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length4 = 4:04

| title5 = Miles Away

| writer5 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Mosley
• Timberlake
• Hills

}}

| extra5 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja

}}

| length5 = 4:49

| title6 = She's Not Me

| writer6 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams

}}

| extra6 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length6 = 6:05

| title7 = Incredible

| writer7 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams

}}

| extra7 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length7 = 6:20

| title8 = Beat Goes On

| note8 = featuring Kanye West

| writer8 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams
• West

}}

| extra8 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length8 = 4:27

| title9 = Dance 2Night

| writer9 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Mosley
• Timberlake
• Hannon Lane

}}

| extra9 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Lane{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Demacio "Demo" Castellon{{ref|b|[b]}}

}}

| length9 = 5:03

| title10 = Spanish Lesson

| writer10 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams

}}

| extra10 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length10 = 3:38

| title11 = Devil Wouldn't Recognize You

| writer11 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Mosley
• Timberlake
• Hills
• Joe Henry

}}

| extra11 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja

}}

| length11 = 5:09

| title12 = Voices

| writer12 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Mosley
• Timberlake
• Hills
• Lane

}}

| extra12 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Lane{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length12 = 3:39

}}

{{Track listing

| all_writing =

| headline = Hard Candy {{nobold|– Japanese and iTunes Store pre-order edition (bonus track)}}{{cite AV media notes|others=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|year=2008|publisher=Warner Bros Records. Japan|id= WPCR-12880|type=liner notes}}{{cite web |title=Pre-order Madonna's Hard Candy album |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/pre-order-madonnas-hard-candy-album |via=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107042703/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/pre-order-madonnas-hard-candy-album |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |date=March 26, 2008}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 60:16

| title13 = Ring My Bell

| writer13 = {{flat list|

• Madonna
• Williams}}

| extra13 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length13 = 3:54

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Hard Candy {{nobold|– Limited Collector's Edition Candy Box (bonus tracks)}}{{cite AV media notes|others=Madonna|title=Hard Candy (Limited Collector's Edition Candy Box)|year=2008|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id= 440444-2|type=liner notes}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 63:41

| title13 = 4 Minutes

| note13 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Tracy Young House Edit

| extra13 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Tracy Young{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length13 = 3:33

| title14 = 4 Minutes

| note14 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Rebirth Remix Edit

| extra14 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Demacio "Demo" Castellon{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length14 = 3:42

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Hard Candy {{nobold|– Digital deluxe edition (bonus tracks)}}{{cite web |title=Hard Candy (Deluxe Version) - Madonna |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/hard-candy-deluxe-version/278674439 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=December 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602201152/https://music.apple.com/us/album/hard-candy-deluxe-version/278674439 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |date=April 25, 2008}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 70:58

| title13 = 4 Minutes

| note13 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Peter Saves New York Edit

| extra13 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Peter Rauhofer{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length13 = 5:00

| title14 = 4 Minutes

| note14 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Junkie XL Remix Edit

| extra14 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Junkie XL{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length14 = 4:37

| title15 = Give It 2 Me

| note15 = Paul Oakenfold Edit

| extra15 = {{flat list|

• The Neptunes
• Madonna{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Paul Oakenfold{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length15 = 4:59

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Hard Candy {{nobold|– Limited LP edition (bonus disc)}}{{cite AV media notes|others=Madonna|title=Hard Candy (Limited colored LP)|year=2008|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|id= 470972-1|type=liner notes}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 67:33

| title1 = 4 Minutes

| note1 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Tracy Young Mixshow

| extra1 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Young{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length1 = 6:19

| title2 = 4 Minutes

| note2 = featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (Peter Saves New York

| extra2 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Timberlake
• Danja
• Rauhofer{{ref|c|[c]}}

}}

| length2 = 10:52

}}

Notes

• ^{{note|a|a}} signifies a co-producer
• ^{{note|b|b}} signifies an additional producer
• ^{{note|c|c}} signifies a remixer and additional producer

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.

{{Div col}}

• Madonna – vocals, songwriting, executive producer
• Justin Timberlake – vocals, background vocals, songwriting, executive producer
• Timbaland – vocals, songwriting, executive producer, drums, bass
• Kanye West – vocals (rap)
• Pharrell Williams – songwriting, background vocals, producer
• Nate "Danja" Hills – producer, keyboards
• Mark "Spike" Stent – audio recording, audio mixing
• Andrew Coleman – audio mixing
• Anthony Asher – engineering
• Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica – recording
• Demacio "Demo" Castellon – recording, programming, audio mixing
• Julian Vasquez – assistant engineer
• Vadim Chislov – assistant engineer
• Graham Archer – assistant engineer
• Fareed Salamah – assistant engineer
• Joseph Castellon – senior engineer
• Wendy Melvoin – acoustic guitar
• Monte Pittman – acoustic and bass guitar
• Hannon Lane – keyboards
• DJ Demo – scratches
• Ron Taylor – Pro Tools
• Stevie Blacke – strings
• Chris Gehringer – audio mastering
• Steven Klein – principal photography
• Giovanni Blanco – art direction
• Guy Oseary – management

{{div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Hard Candy}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|type=album|title=Hard Candy|artist=Madonna|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|certref=|refname="capif"|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024|refname="ariacerti"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|relmonth=4|certyear=2008|certmonth=8|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|nocert=true|salesamount=50,000|salesref={{cite web |title=MDNA vende 80 mil cópias e ganha certificado duplo de platina |url=https://imirante.com/mirantefm/entretenimento/sao-luis/2012/05/09/mdna-vende-80-mil-copias-e-ganha-certificado-duplo-de-platina |publisher=Imirante FM |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123000814/https://imirante.com/mirantefm/noticias/2012/05/09/mdna-vende-80-mil-copias-e-ganha-certificado-duplo-de-platina.shtml |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |language=pt |date=May 9, 2012}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|relmonth=04|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024|refname="cria"|salesamount=169,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Chile (IFPI Chile)|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|award=Gold|salesamount=7,500|certref={{cite web |title=Madonna consigue disco de oro en Chile por su último álbum |url=http://www.emol.com/noticias/magazine/2008/10/13/325943/madonna-consigue-disco-de-oro-en-chile-por-su-ultimo-album.html |work=El Mercurio |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024124222/http://www.emol.com/noticias/magazine/2008/10/13/325943/madonna-consigue-disco-de-oro-en-chile-por-su-ultimo-album.html |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |language=es |date=October 13, 2008}}|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Czech Republic (ČNS IFPI)|award=Platinum|number=2|nosales=true|certref={{cite web |title=Madonně vychází DVD z nejúspěšnějšího turné historie |url=https://www.tyden.cz/rubriky/kultura/hudba/madonne-vychazi-dvd-z-nejuspesnejsiho-turne-historie_163733.html?showTab=nejctenejsi-7 |work=Týden |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312180319/https://www.tyden.cz/rubriky/kultura/hudba/madonne-vychazi-dvd-z-nejuspesnejsiho-turne-historie_163733.html?showTab=nejctenejsi-7 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |language=cs |date=March 29, 2010}}|footnote=sales}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|source=chart|id=20|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Finland|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=October 31, 2014|salesamount=22,011|salesref={{cite web |title=Album Top-40 |url=https://www.hitlisten.nu/default.asp?w=20&y=2008&list=a40 |publisher=IFPI Danmark |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119022925/https://www.hitlisten.nu/default.asp?w=20&y=2008&list=a40 |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |language=fi}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024|salesamount=240,000|salesref={{cite web |title=Quels sont les flops musicaux de 2015? |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-100310.html |work=PureMédias |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224104144/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-100310.html |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |language=fr |date=December 23, 2015}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|id=20090201024016|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Hungary|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=album|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|relyear=2008|nocert=true|salesamount=175,774|access-date=January 14, 2018|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|certmonth=05|access-date=October 31, 2014|refname="riaj"|salesamount=252,520|salesref={{cite web |title=2008 Oricon Annual Ranking |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/081211_01_04.html |publisher=Oricon |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227143854/https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/081211_01_04.html |archive-date=December 27, 2015 |language=ja}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024|refname="amprofon"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|type=album|access-date=December 26, 2024|refname="nvpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|source=archive|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Russia|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|access-date=January 16, 2021|certref={{cite web |title=Чарт продаж. Россия 39-2009 |url=http://www.2m-online.ru/news/detail.php?ID=5479 |publisher=National Federation of Phonogram Producers (NFPF) |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218061148/http://www.2m-online.ru/news/detail.php?ID=5479 |archive-date=December 18, 2009 |language=ru |date=September 30, 2009}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Slovakia (IFPI Slovakia)|award=Platinum|number=3|salesamount=6,000|salesref={{cite web |title=Slováci si už novej Madonny nakúpili na tri platiny |url=https://kultura.pravda.sk/hudba/clanok/36345-slovaci-si-uz-novej-madonny-nakupili-na-tri-platiny/ |work=Pravda |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312185133/https://kultura.pravda.sk/hudba/clanok/36345-slovaci-si-uz-novej-madonny-nakupili-na-tri-platiny/ |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |language=sk |date=May 30, 2008}}|certref=|footnote=sales}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=South Korea|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|nocert=yes|salesamount=4,525|salesref={{efn|South Korean sales as of June 2008 according to the Music Industry Association of Korea (MIAK).{{cite web |title=2008 상반기결산 POP음반 판매량|url=http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/pop_2008_1.htm |publisher=Music Industry Association of Korea |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801080513/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/pop_2008_1.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2008 |language=ko}}}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=October 31, 2014|certmonth=40|salesamount=43,500|salesref={{cite web |title=Las ventas de discos caen por octavo año mientras las digitales siguen sin arrancar. |url=https://www.promusicae.es/news/view/13-noticias/44-las-ventas-de-discos-caen-por-octavo-ano-mientras-las-digitales-siguen-sin-arrancar |publisher=PROMUSICAE |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115212818/https://www.promusicae.es/news/view/13-noticias/44-las-ventas-de-discos-caen-por-octavo-ano-mientras-las-digitales-siguen-sin-arrancar |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |language=es |date=January 27, 2009}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024|salesamount=40,000|salesref={{cite web |last1=Nylén |first1=Susanne |title=Till Sverige – efter 19 år |url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/Eoboj5/till-sverige--efter-19-ar |work=Aftonbladet |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327123232/https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/Eoboj5/till-sverige--efter-19-ar |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |language=sv |date=January 30, 2009}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Turkey|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009 |access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024|refname="bpi"|salesamount=335,523|id=2747-2003-2|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Entry | region=United States | title=Hard Candy| artist=Madonna | type=album | award=Gold | relyear=2008| certyear=2008| salesamount=751,000 | salesref=| refname="riaa"| access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|artist=Madonna|title=Hard Candy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=December 26, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|nocert=true|salesamount=4,000,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Bottom}}

{{div col|colwidth=35em}}

• List of number-one albums from the 2000s (UK)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Australia)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Canada)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Ireland)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Japan)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Poland)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Portugal)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (Spain)
• List of number-one albums of 2008 (U.S.)
• List of number-one hits of 2008 (France)
• List of number-one hits of 2008 (Germany)
• List of number-one hits of 2008 (Italy)

{{div col end}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite book

|last=Easlea

|first=Daryl

|title=Madonna: Blond Ambition

|publisher=Backbeat Books

|year=2012

|url=https://archive.org/details/madonnablondambi0000easl

|url-access=registration

|isbn=9781617130342

}}

• {{Discogs master|18125|Hard Candy|type=album}}
• {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_mDMUCDn3y4a8RrN5KtGDGCkPs3X4Ik0v4|Hard Candy}}

{{Madonna}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2008 albums

Category:Albums produced by Danja (record producer)

Category:Albums produced by Justin Timberlake

Category:Albums produced by Madonna

Category:Albums produced by the Neptunes

Category:Albums produced by Timbaland

Category:Madonna albums

Category:Warner Records albums