If your joy is derived from what society thinks of you, you’re always going to be disappointed.
Madonna
Madonna, the iconic Queen of Pop, has graced us with decades of dance-floor anthems, confessional ballads, and boundary-breaking self-expression. From her early days as a “Lucky Star” to her reinvention as a “Hung Up” superstar, her music has transcended genres, cultures, and generations.
Join me on a musical journey as we explore the very best of Madonna – a collection that unites the globe, blurs the lines between the club and the church, and keeps us coming back for more. Whether you’re voguing in your living room or belting out “Like a Prayer” in the car, these songs are timeless.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into “Our Ten” personal Madonna favorites:
NOTE: CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A VIDEO PERFORMANCE OF EACH SONG
10. BEAUTIFUL STRANGER (1999)
Reaching Billboard’s Top 20 based solely on airplay, Madonna’s single from the soundtrack to “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” exudes a captivating blend of psychedelic disco pop. The song delves into the singer’s infatuation with the fictional character “spy” Austin Powers, who delivers a flamboyant performance in the accompanying video. Surprisingly, Madonna and Mike Myers exhibit excellent chemistry, earning the singer her 5th Grammy for this retro-60’s tune infused with a distinct 90’s swagger.
Peak Position in the: US #19 (Airplay only) UK: #2
9. OPEN YOUR HEART (1986)
Originally titled “Follow Your Heart”, the song was written in a rock and roll style and was meant for Cyndi Lauper to record. Concurrently, Madonna’s team was searching for material for her third album, “True Blue”, and with her producer Patrick Leonard accepted the track and then transformed it into a dance smash. The video sparked criticism and spurred controversy for Madonna’s kissing a young boy on the lips while working at a sex club.
Peak Position in the US #1 UK #4
8. MUSIC (2000)
Heralding the unifying influence of music, this particular song was leaked ahead of schedule and subsequently shared on Napster (remember that?) This led to the threat of legal action to safeguard the rights of its creator. Madonna drew inspiration from her experience at a Sting concert in 1999 and penned the primary hook to celebrate the profound way in which music moves people and fosters a sense of closeness among strangers. The song achieved chart-topping success in 25 countries, offering a glimpse into the future while simultaneously paying homage to the disco era.
Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #1
7. EXPRESS YOURSELF (1989)
Composed as a tribute to Sly and the Family Stone, this female empowerment anthem drew inspiration for its video imagery from Fritz Lang’s classic 1927 film “Metropolis” and holds the distinction of being the third most expensive music video ever created. Madonna’s “Die Another Day” and “Scream” by Michael and Janet Jackson are the only music videos that have surpassed its production costs. In 2011, controversy arose regarding the perceived similarities in sound, message, and melody between this anthem and Lady Gaga’s single “Born This Way”. Interestingly, this controversy seemed to have only propelled Lady Gaga’s single to greater heights.
Peak Position in the: US #2 UK #5
6. MATERIAL GIRL (1984)
The word “provocative” and Madonna have always been an inseparable duo, akin to salt and pepper, resulting in a lively blend of music that has elevated the singer into an immediate icon known as the “Material Girl.” With music produced by Chic’s Nile Rodgers, the video featured the pop star portraying Marilyn Monroe in Madonna’s rendition of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Monroe’s 1953 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” It was during the filming of this video that the singer encountered Sean Penn, whom she wedded eight months later.
Peak Position in the: US #2 UK #3
5. VOGUE (1990)
Lifted from the soundtrack album “I’m Breathless” inspired by her 1990 film “Dick Tracy”, the single pushed the underground fad of “vogueing” into the mainstream. Lacking the religious imagery of some of her more recent videos at the time, the stark black and white set and the singer’s Monroe-inspired persona resurfacing created one of her most memorable performances on film.
Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #1
4. LIKE A PRAYER (1989)
After facing setbacks in her career and personal life, Madonna turned to her Catholic upbringing for solace and inspiration. Unapologetically, she channeled her emotions into the bold and controversial album “Like a Prayer” in 1989. The title track’s music video, featuring provocative imagery and themes of interracial relationships and religious symbolism, stirred significant controversy. Despite facing backlash from various groups, including Pepsi and the Vatican, Madonna’s daring approach resulted in one of her most enduring and fulfilling records to date.
Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #1
3. RAY OF LIGHT (1998)
The title track from Madonna’s seventh studio album embodies freedom as its central theme. With its club-friendly electronic beats and emotionally stirring lyrics, this single not only debuted in the top 5 of Billboard’s Hot 100, but also secured three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year. The accompanying music video, characterized by a fast-paced, international city aesthetic, perfectly complements the frenetic energy of the song and earned the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. As the hit single declares, “she’s got herself a little piece of heaven,” and it’s safe to say the audience does too.
Peak Position in the: US #5 UK #2
2. LIKE A VIRGIN (1984)
With the debut of the title track from her second studio album, Madonna – the Icon, was brought into the world. Penned by the renowned duo Tom Kelly & Billy Steinberg, known for crafting hits like “Alone” (Heart), “True Colors” (Cyndi Lauper), “I’ll Stand By You” (The Pretenders), and “So Emotional” (Whitney Houston), and produced by Nile Rodgers with accompaniment by Rodgers’ group Chic (“Le Freak”, “Good Times”, “I Want Your Love”), Madonna had no inkling that the song, along with “Material Girl,” would evolve into her signature song(s).
Peak Position in the: US – #1 UK – #3
1. TRUE BLUE (1986)
Sandwiched between “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Open My Heart” as single releases is this retro doo-wop title track from Madonna’s third studio album, “True Blue”. Inspired by her relationship with then-husband Sean Penn and Motown girl groups from the 60’s, the song showed the star’s versatility musically and its catchy chorus is one that proves infectious for the listener. Her platinum blond coiffure featured in the music video provided a glance of the chameleon Madonna would come to be known for her image twists and turns throughout her long career.
Peak Position in the: US – #3 UK – #1
Considering this is a “casual” listener list, I’ve focused primarily on the artist’s chart-topping hits. However, I wholeheartedly agree that Madonna’s discography is a treasure trove of musical gems. It’s akin to trying to choose a favorite star in the night sky – an impossible task!
In addition to the iconic tracks we’ve already covered, here’s my secondary list – a nod to those hidden treasures, the album tracks that deserved their moment in the spotlight:
- “Live to Tell”: A haunting ballad that tugs at the heartstrings.
- “Crazy for You”: Sweet and nostalgic, it captures the essence of young love.
- “Rain”: Moody, introspective, and beautifully melancholic.
- “Oh Father”: Vulnerable and raw, it delves into family dynamics.
- “Secret”: Sultry and mysterious – a late-night confessional.
- “Bedtime Story”: An avant-garde exploration of electronic sounds.
- “Drowned World/Substitute for Love”: A dreamy reflection on fame and identity.
- “Skin”: Sensual and evocative, it’s a hidden gem from the “Ray of Light” album.
- “Love Tried to Welcome Me”: A poetic meditation on love’s complexities.
- “Ghosttown”: A post-apocalyptic anthem with a poignant message.
Remember, music is subjective, and each listener discovers their own personal favorites. So, whether you’re dancing to “Holiday” or shedding a tear to “Live to Tell,” Madonna’s artistry continues to resonate across generations. 🎶✨
Feel free to explore these tracks on my Spotify Playlist and let them weave their magic into your musical journey! 🌟🎵
So, there you have it. Our Ten. What would “Your Ten” look like? Leave your thoughts via a comment on the page!
Before you leave, please check out our previous entries in the “Our Ten” series here on Moteventure!
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