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Ray of Light is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on February 22, 1998, by Maverick Records. A major stylistic and aesthetic departure from her previous work, Bedtime Stories (1994), Ray of Light is an electronica, trip hop, techno-pop, and new-age record that incorporates multiple genres, including ambient, house, rock, and classical. Mystical themes feature prominently in the music and lyrics, reflecting Madonna's embrace of Kabbalah, her study of Hinduism and Buddhism, and her daily practice of Ashtanga yoga.
After giving birth to her first child, Lourdes, Madonna began working on the album with producers Babyface and Patrick Leonard. After those sessions failed to produce the direction she wanted, Madonna pursued a new musical approach with English producer William Orbit, resulting in a more experimental sound. The recording process was the longest of Madonna's career, and she experienced problems with Orbit's hardware setup, which frequently broke down and delayed recording while it was repaired.
Ray of Light received universal acclaim upon its release and is often considered Madonna's magnum opus. Critics praised her new musical direction, contemplative songwriting, and mature vocals, as well as Orbit's complex, innovative production. The album has also been credited with introducing electronica into mainstream pop culture and affirming the 39-year-old Madonna's relevance during a period dominated by major teen-marketed artists. Retrospectively, the album has continued to receive acclaim and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Madonna has referred to it as her quintessential album. Ray of Light won four Grammy Awards from a total of six nominations at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards.
The album entered the US Billboard 200 at number two, earning the biggest first-week sales by a female artist at the time. It also peaked at number one in 17 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and charted within the top five in most major music markets. Worldwide, Ray of Light has sold over 16 million copies and is one of the best-selling albums by women. Five singles were released from the album, including the international top five hits "Frozen" and "Ray of Light". The album's promotion was later supported by the Drowned World Tour in 2001. A remix album entitled Veronica Electronica was released on July 25, 2025.