The queen of reinvention has long both surprised and delighted fans with new images and new sounds, while always remaining true to her dance roots. That queen, of course, is Madonna, who returned to the pop charts this year with a dominatrix style and a club-friendly album, Hard Candy.

Madonna’s black corsets and bass-driven beats are at the forefront of this fall’s Sticky & Sweet Tour and, as always, Madonna’s brand of subversive sex definitely sells. Hard Candy’s lead single, aptly titled “4 Minutes,” is all slinky grooves and marching band horns cued and crafted by ubiquitous producer Timbaland. Justin Timberlake also lends vocals to the album, though teenage fans may be disappointed by his absence from the tour.

Pop’s reigning diva is in top form, presiding over this decade’s musical wanderings through retro rock ‘n’ roll and disco decadence. Hard Candy may not be the best album, but Madonna is surely one of the best performers of our time.

Madonna appears at MGM Grand Garden Arena November 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75, $175, $265 and $375.

By Caitlin McGarry