Madonna Louise Ciccone, more widely recognized as Madonna, is famously dubbed the Queen of Pop. At 66 years old, this iconic singer has made a significant impact on culture, with her music and public persona challenging the norms of the 1980s.
Her illustrious musical career showcases a diverse selection of hit songs, varying styles, and insightful political and social commentary. Madonna’s knack for constant reinvention in her music, visuals, and songwriting allows her work to resonate with fans across various generations.
Honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the “well-documented figures of the modern age,” Madonna’s impressive discography includes numerous high-charting hits such as Like A Virgin, Holiday, La Isla Bonita, Frozen, Music, and Vogue.
Iconic Songs by Madonna: Like a Prayer, Hung Up, and Vogue
1) Like a Prayer (498,920,990 Spotify streams)
Released in March 1989 as the lead single from her fourth studio album of the same name, Like a Prayer features elements of funk.
The song achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintaining that position for three consecutive weeks. Like a Prayer delves into themes of intimacy, spirituality, and vulnerability, with the chorus expressing:
“When you call my name/ It’s like a little prayer/ I’m down on my knees/ I want to take you there/ In the midnight hour/ I can feel your power/ Just like a prayer/ You know I’ll take you there.”
This iconic track is included in the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
2) Material Girl (470,662,936 Spotify streams)
Material Girl, released on January 23, 1985, is a pop anthem that advocates for women to recognize their self-worth and prioritize their own needs. The opening verse encapsulates the song’s essence:
“Some boys kiss me, some boys hug me/ I think they’re okay/ If they don’t give me proper credit/ I just walk away/ They can beg and they can plead/ But they can’t see the light (That’s right)/ ‘Cause the boy with the cold hard cash/ Is always Mister Right.”
Written by Robert Rans and Peter Brown, this hit served as the second single from her sophomore studio album, Like a Virgin, and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Madonna’s third top-five entry.
3) Hung Up (459,882,304 Spotify streams)
Co-written by Madonna, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Stuart Price, and Benny Andersson, Hung Up was released on October 18, 2005, as the lead single from her tenth studio album, Confessions on a Dance Floor.
This nu-disco track addresses the melancholy and frustrations linked to unrequited love. The post-chorus reflects:
“Every little thing, every little thing/ I’m hung up, I’m hung up on you/ Waiting for your call, waiting for your call/ I’m fed up, I’m tired of waiting on you.”
Hung Up achieved commercial prowess, becoming Madonna’s 36th top-ten entry, thus making her one of the only two artists—alongside Elvis Presley—to accomplish this milestone.
4) The Beautiful Island (419,023,473 Spotify streams)
As the seventh single from her nine-track album True Blue, La Isla Bonita was released on February 25, 1987.
This song reverently refers to a fictional island, San Pedro, which the singer vividly dreams of visiting. The chorus beautifully captures this longing:
“Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free (Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)/ This is where I long to be, La Isla Bonita/ And when the samba played, the sun would set so high/ (Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)/ Ring through my ears and sting my eyes, your Spanish lullaby.”
Infused with Latin influences, the track peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Madonna’s eleventh top-five hit and has been covered by artists like Ricky Martin and Alizee.
5) 4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) (341,273,543 Spotify streams)
On March 17, 2008, Madonna joined forces with ten-time Grammy winner Justin Timberlake and esteemed producer Timbaland to drop her energetic single 4 Minutes.
Featuring songwriters Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Nate Hills, and Tim Mosley, the song conveys a theme of urgency while also encouraging environmental awareness and enjoyment. The first verse states:
“C’mon, boy/ I’ve been waiting for somebody to pick up my stroll, ah/ Ah, well, don’t waste time/ Give me a sign, tell me how you wanna roll, mmm/ I want somebody to speed it up for me, then take it down slow/ There’s enough room for both/ Well, I can handle that, you just gotta show me where it’s at/ Are you ready to go? Are you ready to go?”
4 Minutes debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Madonna’s 37th chart entry and breaking records previously held by Elvis Presley.
6) Like a Virgin (296,889,905 Spotify streams)
Like a Virgin is the lead single from Madonna’s second studio album of the same name.
The song explores themes of healing, commitment, affection, and vulnerability, as illustrated in the second verse:
“Gonna give you all my love, boy/ My fear is fading fast/ Been saving it all for you, ’cause only love can last/ You’re so fine and you’re mine/ Make me strong, yeah, you make me bold, oh your love thawed out/ Yeah, your love thawed out what was scared and cold.”
This track was pivotal in establishing Madonna as a superstar, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first chart-topper.
7) Vogue (244,080,461 Spotify streams)
Released in March 1990, Vogue is a house music classic that features prominently in the soundtrack of the acclaimed action crime film Dick Tracy.
The RIAA-certified hit addresses sociocultural pain and struggles, highlighting dance as a means of escape from adversity. The first verse states:
“Look around, everywhere you turn is heartache/ It’s everywhere that you go (Look around)/ You try everything you can to escape/ The pain of life that you know (Life that you know)/ When all else fails and you long to be/ Something better than you are today/ I know a place where you can get away/ It’s called a dance floor/ And here’s what it’s for, so.”
In May 1990, the song reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Madonna’s best-selling single at the time with over six million copies sold globally.
Madonna’s extensive repertoire not only entertains but also addresses significant social themes like injustice and gender inequality, demonstrating her enduring relevance in today’s music landscape.
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