We might know her as Madonna, but since the 1980s the undeniable ‘Queen of Pop’ has made so much more than just a name for herself, pushing the boundaries of mainstream popular culture with her boundless appetite for reinvention. Madonna has built a legacy that goes beyond music or fashion, earning her the credit of inventing the contemporary definition of ‘pop fame’.
Since her serendipitous signing to Sire Records in 1982, she has proved herself to be the master of cultural appropriation, her fiery, relentless ambition and unwillingness to compromise has made her the most omnipresent and polarizing figure in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, and with no signs of slowing down yet, it’s unlikely anyone else will be wearing that crown anytime soon!
Our I Like: Madonna playlist is made for fun. Whether you’re getting ready for a big night out or hitting the road on holidays, this playlist is bursting at the seams with modern pop magic, turn it up loud and dance along … it’s what Madonna would do!
What better place to get the party started than with this featured track...
Holiday
From her debut album simply titled, Madonna (1983), “Holiday” was written by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens of Pure Energy, and became Madonna's first mainstream hit single, climbing to No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Additionally, it also became her first top-ten single in many countries, including here in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK.
The track features instrumentation from guitars and synthesized string arrangements, while its lyrics celebrate the universal joy of taking a holiday. From the moment it starts you can’t think of anything but Pina Colada’s by the sea, just as holidays should be!
Moving down the list brings us to “Like a Virgin” – the video that redefined the definition of the female pop star and, as Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth would say, ‘liberated us from male, white, corporate oppression,’ forever. Thanks, Madge!
Like A Virgin
"Like a Virgin" was the lead single from Madonna’s second studio album of the same title, Like a Virgin (1984). Written by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, and produced by Nile Rodgers. "Like a Virgin" was almost left on the cutting room floor because Rodgers initially felt the song didn’t have a strong enough hook, but subsequently changed his opinion after Madonna convinced him that she knew exactly how powerful that song was destined to be. After it rose to No.1 around the world Rodgers was quoted simply saying, ‘Do as Madonna says.’
The track was produced using studio musicians instead of synthesizers at Nile's request, which went against the style of electronic music in that era. This defining feature is credited for setting it apart from other contemporary pop albums at the time, but I think we all know it was Madonna’s highly controversial portrayal of a sexually independent woman that made the world stop and pay attention, simultaneously cementing her position as a pop culture icon.
Vogue
Released as the first single off I'm Breathless (1990), "Vogue" is an upbeat house song that remains one of her biggest international hits, topping the charts in over 30 countries. Madonna wrote this track herself with the help of producer, Shep Pettibone, on a measly $5000 budget. Pettibone remembers the experience fondly, saying, ‘She’s fast … just give her an idea or direction and hit go.’
The track’s music video takes stylistic inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s, and introduced the world to, ‘voguing’, a dance floor move already popular in the underground New York club scene, made into a timeless phenomenon by Madonna and her dancers. “Vogue” spread through the early 1990s faster than flannel and won three awards at the 1990 MTV Music Awards.
The Material Girl herself, Madonna is credited with co-writing and co-producing most of her songs. She has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, making her the best-selling female recording artist, and highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time. Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility, and, according to Billboard charts, is in the Top 10 artists who hold the most No. 1 singles.
Universally timeless, Madonna has built a legacy that goes beyond music. Her presence changed pop culture forever, and as the 35th anniversary of her self-titled debut album, Madonna, draws closer what better time to stop and thank the ‘Queen of Pop’, who taught us how to “Vogue” and feel “Like a Virgin”, but most importantly, to be a bad-ass and do things your own way, against all odds.
Apple users can listen here...
