You’d be hard pressed to list a pop culture moment as iconic as Madonna’s 1984 performance at the VMA’s that saw her writhing on the ground in a white wedding dress while singing “Like a Virgin.” It was a career-defining performance, one that thrust her headfirst into the world of controversy she’s been known for ever since, and set the stage for Madonna to solidify her status as the Queen of Pop for decades to come.
Like A Virgin as an album covers some of those similar themes– feminism, sexual expression, and artistic freedom are all soaked into the marrow of this cut– but most importantly, it’s just a damn good pop album from front to back. The first 2/3 of the album are almost a greatest hits compilation, featuring the bubbly bounce of “Material Girl”, the disco-tech groove of “Angel”, the sultry seductiveness of “Like A Virgin”, the emotional pageantry of “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, and the anthemic self-affirming nature of “Dress You Up”. For those unfamiliar with Madonna’s discography, this is an essential album on that journey.
Standout Songs: “Material Girl”, “Angel”, “Like A Virgin”, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, “Dress You Up”
