She has a naturally fast vibrato, like Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, and Miley Cyrus to name a few. I love her voice. She’s had a brilliant, original career.
I am a big Madonna fan, and yes she emotes, and she tries very hard, but she is never going to be considered a technically proficient singer. Yes, she took lessons and you can tell when she has been studying, because her voice does get better, and you notice it most in some of the songs on this album. I can't compare her to Dolly Parton, she is in a different league when it comes to storytelling and emoting when she sings. A Madonna video can make me cry. Her voice alone can't. Dolly can sit on a stool with only a guitar and have me in tears. It's just not the same level of skill. Dolly pushed limits quite a bit in country music as well. So I listen to them both, but for different reasons.
@@MartinSmith156 I do too...most of them. I mean her playing is very beginner and she only plays chords, but I have liked when she has done that. I have always given her credit for trying to learn new things. I've liked some solo songs more than others, but I don't get emotionally affected by her solos as I do by other performers, but I agree that it's been a nice change when she does that.
Madonna was never afraid of controversy, she embraced it. Always pushing the envelope and lines. She was great at reinventing herself through the years.
Madonna didn’t have the best voice but she was the whole package as a performer and style icon. She pushed boundaries and was everywhere.- perfect for MTV back in its heyday
I cannot express with mere words how huge and influential Madonna was/is on the music industry. Sure, there were Icons before, and after, but she represented a huge shift in popular culture and consciousness. It was as if there was everything that happened pre-Madonna was one world, and than BOOM, she appeared and changed everything. Girls wanted to be just like her, so much so that you couldn't turn around without seeing a gaggle of young women looking like her. When one of her albums dropped it was a major event, inevitably reaching the top of the charts. She also courted plenty of controversy with her unapologetic political opinions, particularly with her early acceptance for the LGTBQ+ community in a time when it wasn't a particularity "safe" thing for a celebrity to do for their career. This video in particular was savaged by her critics, as you picked up on, so much so that she had a 5 million dollar endorsement deal from Pepsi-Cola canceled (though she still got paid lol). The burning crosses ruffled some feathers, but it was the representation of a Black Jesus that really made some heads spin. Her career has lasted decades so she has plenty of hits to react to. Personal choices include Borderline, Ray of Light, Music, True Blue, and my all time personal favorite, Open Your Heart. Edited to add, check out her performance of Vogue for the MTV music awards. You won't be disappointed.
Don't forget about Madonna was one of the very first celebrities who raised awareness about AIDS. My favorite MTV VMA performance by Madonna is her Express Yourself performance.
@peterdynnis4394 I second all of this and would like to add some important tidbits: EDITED: I realized that the length of my reply here was absolutly obnoxious....so I moved it to it's own comment.
Madonna is the most influential female figure in human history, ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, Mary mother of Jesus and even Jesus himself. In fact she is the 3rd most influential person ever!
Well said. She wasn't just a pop star. She influenced the culture of the 80s, the fashion, the music, the activism and did it looking oh so hot. Blond Ambition tour changed the way concerts were performed forever, the first tour of it's kind. She pioneered so many things (including the "Madonna mic" used on BAT). It's amazing how hard it is to describe to a young person the influence she has had in the world and how incredibly famous she was at this time. She was everywhere!
34 years ago, Prince on the opening guitar riff, racial profiling, black Jesus/Saint, inter racial kiss, stigmata, and burning crosses. You bet this created a stir when she released it. Pepsi dropped her Like A Prayer commercial and tour sponsorship after ONE airing of the commercial. Vatican excommunicated her from the Catholic Church. I've subscribed for your Madonna content. More please!
I remember a few years ago a Rolling Stones review that said: "the song closest to perfection in the POP genre." This song is almost my age and it keeps giving me things to think and feel 🤘👏👏
the guitar intro is Prince. so the song is misunderstood. Madonna's mother was named Madonna as well and she died of cancer when Madonna Sr was 30 and Madonna Jr was 5. the mother wrote letters to each of her 6 children for their father to give them when they turned 30. Madonnna grew up in a devout Catholic and she was younger she and her siblings would pray for their mother's intercession. madonna got the letrer from her mother, who she dedicated the album to, before begining work on what became the Like A Prayer album. when someone says her name she hears her mother's name and its like a prayer and she feels her mother's prescence. the song was everywhere the video was highly controversial. she is making a statement against institutional racism. after seeing a wrongly accused black man get arrested she runs to a church and falls asleep. she has a dream thats similar to St Theresa of Avilia, gets stigmata, meets god the choir director, sees the statue of St Martin de Porres come alive(patron saint of race relations) and has sex with him. the dancing in front of the crosses is her deciding to stand up against racism then going back to free the wrongly accused man. she got excommunicated from the Catholic Church for the first time for the video. she losts her pepsi deal.
I'm going nuts here HOPING that Salvo sees all of our comments and reads up on how important this video was at the time and understands what the imagery and messages were and then goes back and watches this video again. Madonna is the perfect rabbit hole for Salvo to go down if he is up for the emotional rollercoasters.
SalvoG, meet our Madonna. No matter how she appears now, she picked up Pop music, shook it and threw it all back down to us mere mortals. You managed to pick my very favorite Madonna song, EVER. Pop music evolved the way it did because of Madonna. This song, in particular, as others have already said, pushed the lines so hard, they never again were what they were before it. I remember how much heat she took over it and how much I loved her for it. Every single female pop singer now has Madonna to thank. She is THAT important to the music scene. You’re going to love this rabbit hole, but you started with her best song, I’m not sure any other song of hers can top this one. Enjoy!!
@@pttp5509however she is now, she deserves our ultimate respect for who and what she is. What I see is an amazing human who not only was an iconic musical genius, she’s a good mom, cared about human rights, especially gay rights before it was cool to do so. She pushed the envelope so far every time she had the opportunity to do so, that she deserves every bit of respect and love we have for her. I do get what you’re saying, but please don’t go there with her.
@@Shankulaaait’s hard to pick. But I’m going to have to go in this order. Like a Prayer, “Like a Virgin (it was the first song I heard of hers when I was in HS), Papa don’t Preach and Borderline. But really the entire Immaculate Collection is amazing. That she could even put out a greatest hits album in 1990 was an amazing undertaking.
@@pttp5509I see a woman who continues to fight and challenge stereotypes who is living her life exactly as she wants to with no one telling her to ‘act her age’. Honestly, what is so terrible about someone in their 60s continuing to tour, make music, have a sexuality and a joy for life? Growing older is tough. We get less active and healthy, but that shouldn’t kill our joy for life, nor should we quietly slink off and hide from public view just because society has told us that’s how we are supposed to behave. Has Mick Jagger, Steve Tyler, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Paul McCartney ‘acted their age’ or ‘destroyed their legacy’ by continuing to dress, act and perform the way they do? We have this weird idea that older people need to be invisible… well, that’s not Madonna nor has it ever been her. Why we loved her in her youth is because she didn’t give a f and challenged societal norms and expectations, and stood up for minority communities. Why are those bad qualities now that she’s older?
The controversy could not be understated. Kissing a black man in church as well as representing a black Jesus, was not mainstream at all at that time. Highlighting racial profiling, and racial injustice with burning crosses did not go over well at all either, especially with the Catholic Church! . Madonna was dropped from multi-million dollar Pepsi deal because if this controversy and was in hot water with the Catholic Church. She always pushed boundaries, and did not bow to anyone. She did things HER way. She paved the way for all the pop stars of today. Her influence in pop culture is massive. She is a legend!
Didn't you get the message? So relevant, still is! Madonna is more than a singer. She has something to say, she is pushing boundaries and buttons. She paved the way for most female artists these days. Back in the day this was controversial for so many reasons. I pray for Madonna's health now!
Madonna is and will always be the greatest female artist of all time. Her contributions to the music world is impeccable, the best selling female artist of all time showcases endless creativity in her works with sexual and political issues and controversies whom she managed to her advantage and be the statements she’s made known throughout her career with flying colors. Long live the Queen!!! ❤
I loved this song when it came out-I still do. I was a rebellious preacher’s kid in high school/college and this song was so controversial at the time. Prince played the beginning riffs on the guitar. Both Madonna and Prince are two of my favorite artists of all time.
And Prince cowrote, produced and performed on her song Love Song on her Like A Prayer album. He also played the guitar on her song Act Of Contrition which is on the same album.
A few years ago, I was with my dog, she was sick and we were travelling to the vets to end her pain. This song came on the radio, I’ll never forget it. It seemed relevant at the time. One of her best.
Any time I start to get iffy about Madonna, I remember this song and I’m reminded how brilliant she is. Since you’ve been reacting to musicals, you might enjoy her in Evita. I know many are divided on the movie vs the stage performance. But her vocals in the movie are mesmerizing, imo. Her rendition of “Don’t Cry for me Argentina” is a masterpiece as far as I’m concerned.
The first version of Evita I heard was Madonna's. I remember being shocked when I heard how differently the stage musical is (or at least was) performed! Usually so shrill and off-putting like it's designed to make you dislike this woman. Madonna humanized Evita and gave her a more realistic breadth of emotions. It was an impressive performance, but not surprising imo, given Madonna's history of compelling, character-driven music videos. She was made to bring that role to the screen.
@@todddepue681yeah…most Argentines were skeptical of Madonna portraying one of their political and spiritual icon although controversial to some. But she won them over and became some of her most loyal and passionate fans since. Btw, Madonna won Best Actress (Golden Globes) for Evita, and her performing of You Must Love Me in Evita won Best Original Song for writers Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice in both Golden Globes and the Oscars.
So good to hear this on your channel. Madonna is a complex artist, always pushing boundaries with layers of complexity. That's what makes her relevant years ago as well as today. More please!
This is why Madonna and Michael Jackson invented the music video. It's a whole artistic piece itself. Madonna is a visual artist, that also sings, but she's in charge in everything she's delivering in scene. She's composed and directed everything. The one and only Queen of Pop and the most successful female artist in music history in all-time.
They didn’t invent the music video. 🤣🤣🤣 They weren’t even necessarily the two that had the best videos. They both did have some really good ones but I feel your comment is dismissing a whole lot of other artists who had great videos. How much of the vision of the videos was their idea versus the record company, the director or others?
She was heartbroken when she wrote this masterpiece.. after the separation from Sean. An artist creates their best work when they are sad, reflective and full of emotions..which she was in 1988. Her heart and soul is all over this song. So beautiful and pure. You hear it every time you listen to it. It's in her voice, the melody, the lyrics. She'd grown and changed as a person because of that heart ache. That's why it's so special and raw. It's from the heart.❤
LOVE THIS SONG! To me, it always sounds "chant like" ... like a prayer! Some incantation repeated and gradually getting more powerful. Loved your reaction, sir! ♡
Madonna has never been a particularly *strong* singer. You'll never catch her doing vocal gymnastics or belting, but she has always had a knack for selecting extremely catchy pop tunes that are in her range. She was also a genius at branding at a time before anyone even knew what branding was, and knew how to court controversy just enough to stay in the public eye without getting completely cancelled.
Madonna's songs emphasize the emotive quality of her voice that shows real conviction. It can easily be playful or serious or have an edgy attitude. She absolutely believes everything thing she's singing and wants the listener to believe it also.
Nice reaction! It's a good place to start with Madonna since it showcases her knack for pop melody, etc. but also shows her seriousness as an artist. The single mix is basically the same but slightly beefed up for radio. You probably wouldn't notice unless you were extremely familiar with the original mix. The demo leaked a while back and it shows what the song would have sounded like without the choir - and you can see that the demo vocal is used in the final mix, which was common for her. Still great with some additional background vocals from Madonna but definitely less punch. Japan had two different charts and I'm pretty sure it charted much higher on their international chart. But if you think this list of #1's is impressive, you should see "Hung Up," which reached #1 in a record 41 countries. That's also a good one to react to. Very different from this. For vocals, I would check out "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "You'll See," "Oh Father," "Frozen," and her version of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from Evita. She has a huge, diverse catalog.
Had the vinyl record of this album back in the day ... still love it until today! Was lookin forward to see her live this year, best wishes for a full recovery Madonna!!
It's done because Madonna wanted to do it. Great album. She's controversial, but that's Madonna. Brilliant. Back in 1989, the thought of "horrors" Jesus being anything other than the blue eyed blonde guy we were taught about. The Klu Klux Klan innuendo of the burning cross, only to find out Jesus was black in the video ( and more than likely was period) was controversial too. Then the sexual innuendo of her character and Jesus Christ at the end. THEN you have the rhythm with this and many of her songs that made you want to "get up on the dance floor".
That isn’t Jesus she is trying to portray, rather St. Martin de Porres, a Black saint. She is quoted discussing it (and many Catholics recognized from the jump). Don’t disagree on portraying Jesus, just not who is in this video
It's actually amazing to watch in real time someone hearing for the first time a song that I've known since I was a child and can't imagine not knowing. One of the finest pop songs of all time!
Born Madonna Louise Veronica Ciconne - raised strict Italian Catholic, Madonna is an icon. She is the greatest (and highest selling) female pop star of all time. She ruled the 1980's.
G'day it's Steven from Down Under This music video created "a lot" of misunderstood controversy when it was released in 1989 and is undoubtedly one of the greatest pop songs in history. Get well soon Madonna All hail the Queen of Pop!
Madonna is a true legend. Your reacting to no one hit wonder. She is the highest selling recording artist of all time with over 350 million records sold worldwide. The the USA billboard charts she has had 12 no.1 hits and 38 top 10 hits. Next song you should react too is her dance club hit Vogue in 1990 which reached No.1 in 30 countries
Interesting first take on Madonna - I hope you'll do more! The thing about Madonna videos is that most of them are very deep and narrative in their own respect, aside from the song. If you've never heard the song, it's really easy to miss the meaning of the video because you're trying to listen to the song, that's totally natural. When it comes to Madonna I would recommend reacting to just the audio before reacting to the video, at least most of the time. Looking forward to seeing more of your reactions!
Yeah, I find that when it comes to Madonna, TH-camrs who listen to the music first, then watch the videos appreciate both more. That said, if you're only going to react one, you have to watch the videos because she's such a visual artist.
To fully appreciate Madonna’s artistry, one must go beyond the audio and the official music video, and see her various tour versions of her most popular songs where she delivers the most impactful and spectacular performance of these songs complete with the state-of-the art staging, choreography, and audio-visual, full media imagery. She’s after all the quintessential performing artist.
Prince was the guitarist on the opening of the song and towards the end when it picks up again. Madonna and Prince also worked on another song on her album, although they never worked in same studio as he insisted on doing it at Paisley Park and M also wanted to have full control and said she refused to record in such a cold environment. They ended up sending tapes back and forth and created a song called “Love Song” which is either very loved or hated by Madonna fans. Since I enjoy both their music, I always thought it was the perfect mix of both of their styles.
@@FindingMadonna She's the #4 best selling recording artist of all time in general, above her are The Beatles, Elvis and Michael. The only female in the top ten and her sales haven't been updated though... So, who knows, she's probably higher.
The first ever record my parents bought me , I was clueless and class mates were talking about it and we're obsessed, my parents were furious later because I was obsessed with it. It's how I became a fan till today. And she hasn't really changed. Witch I love.
Madonna was very underrated as a singer written of as pop.... But she released an album called something to remember, all Ballads and really showed her voice off brilliant album ❤❤
The vocal is the demo she sang at Pat Leonard's, the day she wrote it. Speaking of, it took less than an hour to write, to the 4-5-1 "gospel" chords Leonard had written and played for her on the piano. Lyrically it conflates praying with oral sex ("I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there" and "let the choir sing") but then, as with all her work, there's a deeper meaning about good triumphing over evil and so on. Oh, and that Guy Pratt (look him up) baseline is insane and really makes the song. To this day, it's probably the thing Pratt gets most asked about. LAP was the result of a steady upward career trajectory of about 7 years, which would peak with the following year's Blond Ambition world tour, plateau with concert film "(Truth or Dare) In Bed With Madonna" (1991), and take a sharp dive with 1992's "Erotica". Nobody in modern times has ever been as big as Madonna was from '89 to '91, not Beyoncé, Rhianna, Taylor Swift, Adele, anyone. Remember, there was no internet, no SM, no streaming. You had physical record sales, television, and print media, which she dominated, alongside her tours which would sell out in a matter of minutes. The hysteria that followed her around was just insane and if you didn't live through it, you cannot imagine it, sort of like Beatlemania or seeing Elvis. Of her contemporaries, only Micheal Jackson had it. Now it's seemingly commonplace and manufactured. There was no such thing as "likes" and "followers". We had to tune in, buy things and go to shows. Madonna on a magazine cover would mean selling out, as Anna Wintour in May1989 (Wintour's first non-model cover). People would watch shows like "Hard Copy" or "Entertainment Tonight" just to get a snippet of some story. She appeared on "Nightline" (serious daily news program) to defend a video (Justify My Love). This sort of thing just didn't happen. Ten years before "Rachel", when Madonna cut her hair for True Blue, virtually every girl in my class did the same, went blonde and applied the trademark beauty spot and red lips. People talk about "oh she doesn't have a great voice" but the reality is that she has a good voice, but she's not Whitney Houston, Ann Wilson, Annie Lennox, et al, but it doesn't matter. What she did, how she did it, what she achieved, and how she achieved it, has allowed others to achieve what was, prior to Madonna, not only unachievable, but unimaginable. There simply wasn't a solo female artist who did it on her own and in her own way. Nobody who wasn't part of a band, group, or duo, or who had a Svengali. behind them had achieved this level of fame and success. There was no Berry Gordy, Sunny Bono, or Clive Davis. All of the women in music today, no matter how talented they are, are only able to do what they're doing today, because Madonna did it first. Sadly, people of today's generation simply don't get it and probably never will. The internet has helped greatly and I love watching reaction videos from Millennials and Gen Z as they can't quite articulate things but will say things like "it kinda reminds me of Lady Gaga" so that always gives me a wry smile. Maybe in a few years, things will be different. I do hope she does produce a biopic. I just hope she doesn't direct it.
this song caused a major stir when released, mostly because of the video as well as a pepsi commercial that took part of the video for the advertisement. major impact, took madonna to the next level.
Ray of light (the entire album) saved my life at one point. It is magical and its otherworldly powers saved my life at one point. I remember the first time I saw Madonna live. This was before TH-cam was even a thing and nobody had decent cameras back then ..so when you got to a Madonna concert you really had no idea what to expect......and I've never experienced anything like a live Madonna concert. I had front row seats for the Drowned World Tour in Washington DC (in support of the Ray of Light Album) .. absolute out-of-this-world brilliance. I have now seen her live more times than i can count on one hand. Her live performances are absolutely earth-shatteringly good. I know that to anyone who doesn't know Madonna that all of this sounds over the top... but its not. It is impossible to overstate how massively important Madonna is to our entire culture and the world we live in. She is SO IMPORTANT.
One of the best pop songs ever written! If you impressed with chart stats, her song Hung Up went to number 1 in 41 countries if you wanna check that out. Edited to add, when she performs this love it is euphoric and a religious experience!
I have never been the biggest Madonna fan. Most of her songs depend on the pop of the music and synth. This song, Pappa Don't Preach, Material Girl, and Spanish Lullaby are Madonna at her best. This and Spanish Lullaby are her best vocal performances. Also, it was her most natural appearance and seeming sincere time period. Hence the period I liked her best.
Another song you should check out from Madonna is "Take A Bow" Babyface sang backup vocals on this song. Babyface, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has written and produced over 26 number-one R&B hits throughout his career and has won 12 Grammy Awards. He was ranked number 20 on NME's 50 of The Greatest Producers Ever list.
This was when she was at her creative peak. This and Cherish are the best songs on the album.... and Pat Leonard's production is stellar. Guy Pratts bassline is legendary and because he was an old friend of Pat Leonard's he rattled it out during the session and never expected it to stay in the final mix and promptly forgot it. When he was invited to hear the final mixdown, he sat on the sofa next to her and listened back to it and thought FFS, who did you get in to do that bassline? to which Madge turned round to him and said "ITS YOU, YA DUMMY!!" True story.
Oh, and regarding this video, it is extremely Catholic...Religious ecstasy is a thing in Catholicism and this is what the video is trying to represent. Madonna lies down in the church and begins to have mystical visions like many of the saints in Catholic history. During her dream, she recalls the violent incident that ends up with the black man getting arrested. When she wakes up, she knows the right thing to do is to go to the police to help the falsely arrested black man. Also, many people mistakenly refer to the black saint that comes to life as Jesus, but no, it is more than likely a depiction of St. Martin de Porres who is the patron saint of mixed race people. Some young people seem to not have learned in school what a burning cross represents in the USA. It is what the KKK used to do to terrorize black people. So her use of the burning cross in this video is a criticism of racism, but also maybe of how Christianity has perpetuated racism throughout the centuries.
So many good observations - thank you! One of the burning cross' original significances was to be seen as an official declaration of war between and by certain Scottish clans. It also has been used to symbolize the ferocity and ever enduring light of Christ. So, although the KKK adopted the practice, it didn't originate with them. (And in my little New England valley town, my elderly neighbor witnessed HUGE crosses burning on the mountainside to intimidate the Protestants in town, when he was a wee lad.)
Madonna witnessed the crime before she went into the church. Once she went inside the church that's when she lays down and has a dream about falling out of the sky and dancing with the choir and kissing the black man after the statue of the saint came to life and went out of the church. After she woke up that's when she made the right decision to tell the truth to the police in order to free the black man. I know that Madonna and the music video director Mary Lambert chose to use the burning crosses because they intended to take their historical context and direct them back to the racists and bigots who used them as way to terrorize their black targets. For me the burning crosses represent the wrath of God at all of the injustices of the world.
The song and the video are a lot to take in on the initial listen/watch. You'll def want to give the video another watch to catch the messsage about racial inequality and injustice...an idea not expressly mentioned in the song itself. At the time, I don't think people knew if they were more outraged by the question of religious vs sexual ecstasy or being confronted with the realities of racism. But they were definitely mad that someone could so successfully, with a pop song, spread a powerful message counter to the conservative ideals of the time.
As a Madonna fan who is probably older than most here, (or maybe not), I can say Madonna is very lucky that she arrived at a time when music videos were starting to boom. It boosted her career immensely and did the same for many people. I don't think she ( or many other singers) would have had the success they did without the benefit of music videos. There are many before her that she learned from, and emulated people she idolized, as every performer does, it's just that the earlier ones had to market themselves and start fads, hairdos, and clothing styles without the benefit of videos. That gave all performers at the time a huge advantage. It made shortcomings in her vocal ability less important because fans found other things to love about her. She is not the greatest vocalist in the world, but she knew how to market herself very well, and how to use the media to her advantage. She used that skill more than most others in her time did. U2 released their first album in 1980 and was also groundbreaking in using songs to bring the problems of the world to people's attention. That's something Boy George was already doing (talk about people starting a dressing and make-up trend for boys and girls, and standing up for Gay rights. ). The whole punk movement was a rebellion against the hypocrisy in the world and in government and the treatment of oppressed people. Yes, she started fads and offended people, and she talked about some wrongs in the world, but so did many before her. That's the purpose of song and music.
@lamusiclover2264 I don't think anyone would argue the fact that music videos were a key element to Madonna's success. It's a medium she understood the power of immediately. She had the ability to portray compelling, convincing characters in these little 4 minute films and those of the MTV generation were fascinated by it. As great as some of her songs might be, one can't hear them without one's mind immediately conjuring a visual image. (And not an image of, say, a beautiful island, but rather an image of her twirling in a flamenco dress...an important distinction there) That's a powerful connection to make. And while there's validity in the argument about the difficulties women in music face, in terms of gaining popularity Madonna's female-ness helped her immensely. They say she did things women weren't "supposed to do". But I think, more importantly, she did things men (most men, there are obvious exceptions) simply couldn't do. Namely, being a figure of seduction to men and a figure to emulate for women (or, you know, vise versa😊) Again, virtually impossible, or at least more difficult, without the help of music videos. Certainly her work ethic, determination, and focus propelled her career, as well. These qualities can be attributed to any number of things, but they kept her from being distracted by the hedonistic trappings of rock n roll which were the downfall of many of her contemporaries. And of course she wasn't the first or only pop artist to make a "statement" with her work. To make such claims (and we know lots of commenters make them!) is inaccurate and hyperbolic. But by using every tool at hand, she definitely did a hell of a good job of it.
@@todddepue681 see, you and I agree. And I find that rare. When I make comments about Madonna, most others start fangirling all over the place that she was the first to do everything on Earth and there was no one before her that did such-and-such, and there never will be another to do such and such, and everybody's copying her. That just isn't true. And believe me, there are lots of her fans that would put me through the wringer for anything I said! So I appreciate your comment.. she was extremely good at marketing, and using the tools of the time to do it. If not for video, I don't think she would have gotten by on her voice alone, and she knows it! She's not a great singer but she writes very catchy songs. Look how easy it is to become world famous and wealthy just because of stupid social media crap that you post. This generation doesn't believe that you need talent, you just need to be a Kardashian or do something cute on social media. Madonna knew she had to be very visual in order to become famous. She's not one of the singers that could sit on an empty stage on a stool with a microphone and do 2 hours of acoustic singing with no sets or dancing. She just doesn't have that ability which is okay. She knows how to put on a good show with the ability she has. Every generation is going to have people like Madonna. Taylor Swift has already surpassed her and record sales I think, and now everyone lives for her and Beyonce, who manages to be an idol, and a very private person who stays out of the news at the same time.
@@lamusiclover2264 I've been intrigued by, mesmerized by, and at times even idolized this woman since I was 13 in 1984. But it's obvious to me that without the visual component of her work, for me personally, that never would have happened. And I don't think that in any way discounts or denigrates her talent. Rather I think that's exactly what makes her special. You're a music "lover"....if I'm honest, I'm a music liker lol. Of course, I constantly say things like "I loooove that song"...and I sincerely mean it...but I'm not really interested in analyzing anybody's vocal range or guitar skills or record sales. I couldn't care less. I work in fashion. I love art, design, theatrical production. So as much as I looked forward to hearing and dancing to and singing along with a new Madonna album, it was those videos, photo shoots and concerts I was dissecting. They shaped my taste and how I see the world. She's never made a secret about her visuals often being inspired by films, paintings or books. And that made me investigate those things that inspired her and I certainly came upon other interesting people and things because of it. For me, these are all points heavily in Madonna's favor. And I think it can fairly be said that, no matter how great their voice is, not many pop stars achieve exactly that same kind of impact. I'm sure cases can be made for others, but for me, I'm happy with Madonna and what she brought to my life. Anyway, everybody gets what they get from an artist and has their own personal connection for a million different reasons. I'm sure some of my own "Madonna memories" are skewed in her favor...gilded by the fairy dust of time....whatever. Big deal. I'm not gonna fight with anybody about it. (So please try to remember that if you catch me out making a sycophantic comment in Empress's comment section 😉 LOL) Except! The Ray of Light album is a masterpiece from start to finish. 🤣🤣🤣 JK....I actually hate "Little Star"! But other than that....to each his own.
@@lamusiclover2264 oh, and I also stand by my belief that Evita is her finest film work and that she was perfectly formed to bring that role to the screen. Why? Because it's like a 2 hour music video! It was totally her format.
Love this song, among her best, which is saying a lot. She’s had many outstanding songs over several decades. But even among all that, the pinnacle or zenith of Madonna is unquestionably Vogue. If you haven’t heard it, you haven’t heard Madonna.
I would encourage you to listen to anything Madonna recorded after she did Evita. There is a new power and control to her voice because of the genre of singing that she required guidance with. I watched Evita at the Sydney Opera House, and I recall thinking that Madonna would make an excellent choice for the role, and she was.
She has an Alto voice, period. She has a very pleasant tone and it's a pretty voice, she also has a powerful lower register that she can dip in and out of, it's soulful. To make my point, the highest a man's voice can be is a Tenor, like Steve Perry, whereas a woman can get to a Soprano like Whitney Houston; but it would be unfair to compare Elvis to Whitney Houston. So if Madonna were a man, there would be no people commenting on her voice or skill.
I consider this part of is from her early years. Check out her 90s music. One of my favorites is the power of goodbye off her ray of light album which is I think is Madonna at her best.
*love the vocals comment. havent heard that 1000000x during her career. blah.* *but youre right. vocally shes no whitney. shes no mariah. shes no celine. and thank gawd for that or her career would have fizzled after a couple albums! take your pick... perfect pitch singers just standing there writing boring songs & performing them just as boringly, or a woman with intelligence, talent, marketing skills, business savvy, as well as an instantly recognizable voice, dance moves for days & a knack for creating drama & controversy as well as brilliant aural & visual gems while reinventing her sound & style enough to keep her on top for 40 years!* *she has what **_NONE_** of those 'pitch perfect' singers have ever had while they were concentrating on hitting every note... emotion. a real connection to the music & the audience.* *thats why Madonna is **_The Most Successful Female Music Artist in History_** (& **_The Most Successful Female/Solo Touring Act in History)._** Never mind that during all this she literally redefined what a celebrity could be... how truly famous someone could get. and she's worth about $800m! and all without an opera singer's voice!* *dont **_ever_** sleep on the Queen of Pop!* 👑⭐👑
Love this so much! I remember this so well. She lost her Pepsi commercial over this video. It was amazing in concert. Blond Ambition still the best show I've ever seen. 💗💗
Awesome reaction. Madonna has amazing and great pop tunes. This and ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ are standout 80’s tracks to me from her. The bass on both songs kick-azz. Also both controversial as usual. lol
I think this is the song that got her excommunicated from the Catholic church the first time. It was burning crosses and a dark skin Jesus that upset people.
I bought this CD at the mall when it came out. I opened it in my car and was instantly weirded out by the strange smell which I found out later was patchouli essential oil. It was infused in the CD insert. The whole album is great.
Probably the best Pop Song in music history. Long live the Queen of Pop.
I wouldn't argue with you on that. I hope we get to hear more Madonna on this channel.
yup 👍🏼
Frozen is better ❤
This is rock
@@maurosilveri6950 rock/pop with gospell, she's done it all.
She has a naturally fast vibrato, like Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, and Miley Cyrus to name a few. I love her voice. She’s had a brilliant, original career.
I am a big Madonna fan, and yes she emotes, and she tries very hard, but she is never going to be considered a technically proficient singer. Yes, she took lessons and you can tell when she has been studying, because her voice does get better, and you notice it most in some of the songs on this album. I can't compare her to Dolly Parton, she is in a different league when it comes to storytelling and emoting when she sings. A Madonna video can make me cry. Her voice alone can't. Dolly can sit on a stool with only a guitar and have me in tears. It's just not the same level of skill. Dolly pushed limits quite a bit in country music as well. So I listen to them both, but for different reasons.
@@lamusiclover2264i don't know, some of my favorite Madonna tour performances is just her singing live and with a guitar.
@@MartinSmith156 I do too...most of them. I mean her playing is very beginner and she only plays chords, but I have liked when she has done that. I have always given her credit for trying to learn new things. I've liked some solo songs more than others, but I don't get emotionally affected by her solos as I do by other performers, but I agree that it's been a nice change when she does that.
Madonna was never afraid of controversy, she embraced it. Always pushing the envelope and lines. She was great at reinventing herself through the years.
Madonna didn’t have the best voice but she was the whole package as a performer and style icon. She pushed boundaries and was everywhere.- perfect for MTV back in its
heyday
I cannot express with mere words how huge and influential Madonna was/is on the music industry. Sure, there were Icons before, and after, but she represented a huge shift in popular culture and consciousness. It was as if there was everything that happened pre-Madonna was one world, and than BOOM, she appeared and changed everything. Girls wanted to be just like her, so much so that you couldn't turn around without seeing a gaggle of young women looking like her. When one of her albums dropped it was a major event, inevitably reaching the top of the charts. She also courted plenty of controversy with her unapologetic political opinions, particularly with her early acceptance for the LGTBQ+ community in a time when it wasn't a particularity "safe" thing for a celebrity to do for their career. This video in particular was savaged by her critics, as you picked up on, so much so that she had a 5 million dollar endorsement deal from Pepsi-Cola canceled (though she still got paid lol). The burning crosses ruffled some feathers, but it was the representation of a Black Jesus that really made some heads spin.
Her career has lasted decades so she has plenty of hits to react to. Personal choices include Borderline, Ray of Light, Music, True Blue, and my all time personal favorite, Open Your Heart.
Edited to add, check out her performance of Vogue for the MTV music awards. You won't be disappointed.
as it's been said music pop music can be defined as before Madonna and after Madonna..
Don't forget about Madonna was one of the very first celebrities who raised awareness about AIDS.
My favorite MTV VMA performance by Madonna is her Express Yourself performance.
@peterdynnis4394 I second all of this and would like to add some important tidbits:
EDITED: I realized that the length of my reply here was absolutly obnoxious....so I moved it to it's own comment.
Madonna is the most influential female figure in human history, ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, Mary mother of Jesus and even Jesus himself. In fact she is the 3rd most influential person ever!
Well said. She wasn't just a pop star. She influenced the culture of the 80s, the fashion, the music, the activism and did it looking oh so hot. Blond Ambition tour changed the way concerts were performed forever, the first tour of it's kind. She pioneered so many things (including the "Madonna mic" used on BAT). It's amazing how hard it is to describe to a young person the influence she has had in the world and how incredibly famous she was at this time. She was everywhere!
34 years ago, Prince on the opening guitar riff, racial profiling, black Jesus/Saint, inter racial kiss, stigmata, and burning crosses. You bet this created a stir when she released it. Pepsi dropped her Like A Prayer commercial and tour sponsorship after ONE airing of the commercial. Vatican excommunicated her from the Catholic Church. I've subscribed for your Madonna content. More please!
I remember a few years ago a Rolling Stones review that said: "the song closest to perfection in the POP genre." This song is almost my age and it keeps giving me things to think and feel 🤘👏👏
This song is one of Madonna's many masterpiece songs!
the guitar intro is Prince. so the song is misunderstood. Madonna's mother was named Madonna as well and she died of cancer when Madonna Sr was 30 and Madonna Jr was 5. the mother wrote letters to each of her 6 children for their father to give them when they turned 30. Madonnna grew up in a devout Catholic and she was younger she and her siblings would pray for their mother's intercession. madonna got the letrer from her mother, who she dedicated the album to, before begining work on what became the Like A Prayer album. when someone says her name she hears her mother's name and its like a prayer and she feels her mother's prescence. the song was everywhere the video was highly controversial. she is making a statement against institutional racism. after seeing a wrongly accused black man get arrested she runs to a church and falls asleep. she has a dream thats similar to St Theresa of Avilia, gets stigmata, meets god the choir director, sees the statue of St Martin de Porres come alive(patron saint of race relations) and has sex with him. the dancing in front of the crosses is her deciding to stand up against racism then going back to free the wrongly accused man. she got excommunicated from the Catholic Church for the first time for the video. she losts her pepsi deal.
A classic. Iconic. Generational. The imagery is essential to the song. Madonna does not have another song as culturally important as this one.
I'm going nuts here HOPING that Salvo sees all of our comments and reads up on how important this video was at the time and understands what the imagery and messages were and then goes back and watches this video again. Madonna is the perfect rabbit hole for Salvo to go down if he is up for the emotional rollercoasters.
SalvoG, meet our Madonna. No matter how she appears now, she picked up Pop music, shook it and threw it all back down to us mere mortals. You managed to pick my very favorite Madonna song, EVER. Pop music evolved the way it did because of Madonna. This song, in particular, as others have already said, pushed the lines so hard, they never again were what they were before it. I remember how much heat she took over it and how much I loved her for it. Every single female pop singer now has Madonna to thank. She is THAT important to the music scene. You’re going to love this rabbit hole, but you started with her best song, I’m not sure any other song of hers can top this one. Enjoy!!
I hoped Madonna would retire gracefully so people would remember her brilliance, not the “old” woman desperate for attention. Sad
I absolutely agree. What is your favorite VINTAGE Madonna song? Mine is Burning Up, it’s so friggin catchy.
@@pttp5509however she is now, she deserves our ultimate respect for who and what she is. What I see is an amazing human who not only was an iconic musical genius, she’s a good mom, cared about human rights, especially gay rights before it was cool to do so. She pushed the envelope so far every time she had the opportunity to do so, that she deserves every bit of respect and love we have for her. I do get what you’re saying, but please don’t go there with her.
@@Shankulaaait’s hard to pick. But I’m going to have to go in this order. Like a Prayer, “Like a Virgin (it was the first song I heard of hers when I was in HS), Papa don’t Preach and Borderline. But really the entire Immaculate Collection is amazing. That she could even put out a greatest hits album in 1990 was an amazing undertaking.
@@pttp5509I see a woman who continues to fight and challenge stereotypes who is living her life exactly as she wants to with no one telling her to ‘act her age’. Honestly, what is so terrible about someone in their 60s continuing to tour, make music, have a sexuality and a joy for life? Growing older is tough. We get less active and healthy, but that shouldn’t kill our joy for life, nor should we quietly slink off and hide from public view just because society has told us that’s how we are supposed to behave. Has Mick Jagger, Steve Tyler, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Paul McCartney ‘acted their age’ or ‘destroyed their legacy’ by continuing to dress, act and perform the way they do? We have this weird idea that older people need to be invisible… well, that’s not Madonna nor has it ever been her. Why we loved her in her youth is because she didn’t give a f and challenged societal norms and expectations, and stood up for minority communities. Why are those bad qualities now that she’s older?
The controversy could not be understated. Kissing a black man in church as well as representing a black Jesus, was not mainstream at all at that time. Highlighting racial profiling, and racial injustice with burning crosses did not go over well at all either, especially with the Catholic Church! . Madonna was dropped from multi-million dollar Pepsi deal because if this controversy and was in hot water with the Catholic Church.
She always pushed boundaries, and did not bow to anyone. She did things HER way. She paved the way for all the pop stars of today. Her influence in pop culture is massive. She is a legend!
Didn't you get the message? So relevant, still is! Madonna is more than a singer. She has something to say, she is pushing boundaries and buttons. She paved the way for most female artists these days. Back in the day this was controversial for so many reasons. I pray for Madonna's health now!
Trail blazer. There will never be another Madonna.
Madonna is and will always be the greatest female artist of all time. Her contributions to the music world is impeccable, the best selling female artist of all time showcases endless creativity in her works with sexual and political issues and controversies whom she managed to her advantage and be the statements she’s made known throughout her career with flying colors. Long live the Queen!!! ❤
My Madonna! How I love her! ❤❤❤ Just a queen! 👑👑👑
I loved this song when it came out-I still do. I was a rebellious preacher’s kid in high school/college and this song was so controversial at the time. Prince played the beginning riffs on the guitar. Both Madonna and Prince are two of my favorite artists of all time.
And Prince cowrote, produced and performed on her song Love Song on her Like A Prayer album. He also played the guitar on her song Act Of Contrition which is on the same album.
I think it's one of the best pop songs there is.
A few years ago, I was with my dog, she was sick and we were travelling to the vets to end her pain. This song came on the radio, I’ll never forget it. It seemed relevant at the time. One of her best.
She is unique! Great artist! 🤩🤩
Any time I start to get iffy about Madonna, I remember this song and I’m reminded how brilliant she is.
Since you’ve been reacting to musicals, you might enjoy her in Evita. I know many are divided on the movie vs the stage performance. But her vocals in the movie are mesmerizing, imo. Her rendition of “Don’t Cry for me Argentina” is a masterpiece as far as I’m concerned.
The first version of Evita I heard was Madonna's. I remember being shocked when I heard how differently the stage musical is (or at least was) performed! Usually so shrill and off-putting like it's designed to make you dislike this woman. Madonna humanized Evita and gave her a more realistic breadth of emotions.
It was an impressive performance, but not surprising imo, given Madonna's history of compelling, character-driven music videos. She was made to bring that role to the screen.
She worked really hard with a vocal coach before that movie and it shows. She was really good.
@@todddepue681yeah…most Argentines were skeptical of Madonna portraying one of their political and spiritual icon although controversial to some. But she won them over and became some of her most loyal and passionate fans since. Btw, Madonna won Best Actress (Golden Globes) for Evita, and her performing of You Must Love Me in Evita won Best Original Song for writers Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice in both Golden Globes and the Oscars.
So good to hear this on your channel. Madonna is a complex artist, always pushing boundaries with layers of complexity. That's what makes her relevant years ago as well as today. More please!
This is why Madonna and Michael Jackson invented the music video. It's a whole artistic piece itself. Madonna is a visual artist, that also sings, but she's in charge in everything she's delivering in scene. She's composed and directed everything. The one and only Queen of Pop and the most successful female artist in music history in all-time.
They didn’t invent the music video. 🤣🤣🤣 They weren’t even necessarily the two that had the best videos. They both did have some really good ones but I feel your comment is dismissing a whole lot of other artists who had great videos. How much of the vision of the videos was their idea versus the record company, the director or others?
My all time favorite song! It never gets old.
She was heartbroken when she wrote this masterpiece.. after the separation from Sean. An artist creates their best work when they are sad, reflective and full of emotions..which she was in 1988. Her heart and soul is all over this song. So beautiful and pure. You hear it every time you listen to it. It's in her voice, the melody, the lyrics. She'd grown and changed as a person because of that heart ache. That's why it's so special and raw. It's from the heart.❤
LOVE THIS SONG! To me, it always sounds "chant like" ... like a prayer! Some incantation repeated and gradually getting more powerful. Loved your reaction, sir! ♡
Worth noting that the vocal in this studio was taken from the one-take demo. Queen.
Madonna has never been a particularly *strong* singer. You'll never catch her doing vocal gymnastics or belting, but she has always had a knack for selecting extremely catchy pop tunes that are in her range. She was also a genius at branding at a time before anyone even knew what branding was, and knew how to court controversy just enough to stay in the public eye without getting completely cancelled.
Selecting? She has written&co-produced 95% of her catalog
she writes 95% of her songs and you didnt live through the 90s
@@ehuffnsd I was in high school when LIke a Virgin came out and bought every single album. I LIVED through Madonna, tyvm.
Madonna's songs emphasize the emotive quality of her voice that shows real conviction. It can easily be playful or serious or have an edgy attitude.
She absolutely believes everything thing she's singing and wants the listener to believe it also.
Yeah, and also a really great emotive singer. You can tell she really feels everything she sings, probably because she writes most of her stuff.
Classic Madonna will always remind of night life of Florida on my first trip the the states in the 80’s
Nice reaction! It's a good place to start with Madonna since it showcases her knack for pop melody, etc. but also shows her seriousness as an artist. The single mix is basically the same but slightly beefed up for radio. You probably wouldn't notice unless you were extremely familiar with the original mix. The demo leaked a while back and it shows what the song would have sounded like without the choir - and you can see that the demo vocal is used in the final mix, which was common for her. Still great with some additional background vocals from Madonna but definitely less punch. Japan had two different charts and I'm pretty sure it charted much higher on their international chart. But if you think this list of #1's is impressive, you should see "Hung Up," which reached #1 in a record 41 countries. That's also a good one to react to. Very different from this. For vocals, I would check out "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "You'll See," "Oh Father," "Frozen," and her version of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from Evita. She has a huge, diverse catalog.
Had the vinyl record of this album back in the day ... still love it until today! Was lookin forward to see her live this year, best wishes for a full recovery Madonna!!
Does your vinyl record still have the patchouli scent?
@@dalee72 Mine had the Patchouli scent for YEARS for sure (then I had to get rid of all records to move countries). It was amazing!!
Mine was a tape and it was scented too….Do you remember the Pepsi drama over the video?
It's done because Madonna wanted to do it. Great album. She's controversial, but that's Madonna. Brilliant. Back in 1989, the thought of "horrors" Jesus being anything other than the blue eyed blonde guy we were taught about. The Klu Klux Klan innuendo of the burning cross, only to find out Jesus was black in the video ( and more than likely was period) was controversial too. Then the sexual innuendo of her character and Jesus Christ at the end. THEN you have the rhythm with this and many of her songs that made you want to "get up on the dance floor".
That isn’t Jesus she is trying to portray, rather St. Martin de Porres, a Black saint. She is quoted discussing it (and many Catholics recognized from the jump). Don’t disagree on portraying Jesus, just not who is in this video
More Madonna pls
It's actually amazing to watch in real time someone hearing for the first time a song that I've known since I was a child and can't imagine not knowing. One of the finest pop songs of all time!
Born Madonna Louise Veronica Ciconne - raised strict Italian Catholic, Madonna is an icon. She is the greatest (and highest selling) female pop star of all time. She ruled the 1980's.
Madonna was great back then.
does the voice seem to come from the sky? it gives me goosebumps
Wait until you see Hung Up's chart position. She got a Guinness book of world record for that.
All the pop stars from last 30 years has been inspired by Queen Madonna ❤
Madonna's best stuff is on the CD Bedtime Stories. This song had the Catholic Church in an uproar.
Bedtime Stories is an absolute Masterpiece ❤👑
Secret is so good. And Love Tried to Welcome Me.
G'day it's Steven from Down Under
This music video created "a lot" of misunderstood controversy when it was released in 1989 and is undoubtedly one of the greatest pop songs in history.
Get well soon Madonna
All hail the Queen of Pop!
She shaped female pop music...
She earned the title Queen of pop and when you listen to all her 14 studio albums, you understand why.
Madonna is a true legend. Your reacting to no one hit wonder. She is the highest selling recording artist of all time with over 350 million records sold worldwide. The the USA billboard charts she has had 12 no.1 hits and 38 top 10 hits. Next song you should react too is her dance club hit Vogue in 1990 which reached No.1 in 30 countries
The most successful female artists of all time😊
Madonnas voice was angelic at her peak. She sounded what everyone imagine what an angel sounds like.
Interesting first take on Madonna - I hope you'll do more! The thing about Madonna videos is that most of them are very deep and narrative in their own respect, aside from the song. If you've never heard the song, it's really easy to miss the meaning of the video because you're trying to listen to the song, that's totally natural. When it comes to Madonna I would recommend reacting to just the audio before reacting to the video, at least most of the time. Looking forward to seeing more of your reactions!
Yeah, I find that when it comes to Madonna, TH-camrs who listen to the music first, then watch the videos appreciate both more. That said, if you're only going to react one, you have to watch the videos because she's such a visual artist.
To fully appreciate Madonna’s artistry, one must go beyond the audio and the official music video, and see her various tour versions of her most popular songs where she delivers the most impactful and spectacular performance of these songs complete with the state-of-the art staging, choreography, and audio-visual, full media imagery. She’s after all the quintessential performing artist.
Madonna was never known for being a "Great" Singer. But still her voice appeals to everybody. It always works. Especially with a catchy tune.
Madonna has a unique and recognizable voice. There are sone incredibly gifted vocalists that don’t have that quality.
I'm sure other comments have mentioned " Ray of light" . She really pushes it vocally. She's awesome.
Queen of Pop!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Prince was the guitarist on the opening of the song and towards the end when it picks up again. Madonna and Prince also worked on another song on her album, although they never worked in same studio as he insisted on doing it at Paisley Park and M also wanted to have full control and said she refused to record in such a cold environment. They ended up sending tapes back and forth and created a song called “Love Song” which is either very loved or hated by Madonna fans. Since I enjoy both their music, I always thought it was the perfect mix of both of their styles.
Iconic. This woman is unmatched. You should 100 percent more react to more from this legend.
that's crazy madonna is the best selling pop artist of all time
She's one of, but not THE.
Indeed, the best selling female recording artist of all time worldwide! Her numbers are insane!
Female artist but yes. MJ and the Beatles (and maybe the Stones and Queen) are above her.
@@FindingMadonna She's the #4 best selling recording artist of all time in general, above her are The Beatles, Elvis and Michael. The only female in the top ten and her sales haven't been updated though... So, who knows, she's probably higher.
@@jamiemacdonald436among females she is. General once she was at four. Behind The Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson
My favorite Madonna song! Awesome you enjoyed it!
The first ever record my parents bought me , I was clueless and class mates were talking about it and we're obsessed, my parents were furious later because I was obsessed with it. It's how I became a fan till today. And she hasn't really changed. Witch I love.
Madonna was very underrated as a singer written of as pop.... But she released an album called something to remember, all Ballads and really showed her voice off brilliant album ❤❤
This song was absolutely MAJOR when it came out. I remember. It hit the top of all of the charts. This song is like nothing else.
My favorite female artist ever! Madonna get well so we can see your show. ❤️❤️❤️. Got tickets for the Phoenix show !!
The vocal is the demo she sang at Pat Leonard's, the day she wrote it. Speaking of, it took less than an hour to write, to the 4-5-1 "gospel" chords Leonard had written and played for her on the piano. Lyrically it conflates praying with oral sex ("I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there" and "let the choir sing") but then, as with all her work, there's a deeper meaning about good triumphing over evil and so on. Oh, and that Guy Pratt (look him up) baseline is insane and really makes the song. To this day, it's probably the thing Pratt gets most asked about.
LAP was the result of a steady upward career trajectory of about 7 years, which would peak with the following year's Blond Ambition world tour, plateau with concert film "(Truth or Dare) In Bed With Madonna" (1991), and take a sharp dive with 1992's "Erotica". Nobody in modern times has ever been as big as Madonna was from '89 to '91, not Beyoncé, Rhianna, Taylor Swift, Adele, anyone. Remember, there was no internet, no SM, no streaming. You had physical record sales, television, and print media, which she dominated, alongside her tours which would sell out in a matter of minutes. The hysteria that followed her around was just insane and if you didn't live through it, you cannot imagine it, sort of like Beatlemania or seeing Elvis.
Of her contemporaries, only Micheal Jackson had it. Now it's seemingly commonplace and manufactured. There was no such thing as "likes" and "followers". We had to tune in, buy things and go to shows. Madonna on a magazine cover would mean selling out, as Anna Wintour in May1989 (Wintour's first non-model cover). People would watch shows like "Hard Copy" or "Entertainment Tonight" just to get a snippet of some story. She appeared on "Nightline" (serious daily news program) to defend a video (Justify My Love). This sort of thing just didn't happen. Ten years before "Rachel", when Madonna cut her hair for True Blue, virtually every girl in my class did the same, went blonde and applied the trademark beauty spot and red lips.
People talk about "oh she doesn't have a great voice" but the reality is that she has a good voice, but she's not Whitney Houston, Ann Wilson, Annie Lennox, et al, but it doesn't matter. What she did, how she did it, what she achieved, and how she achieved it, has allowed others to achieve what was, prior to Madonna, not only unachievable, but unimaginable. There simply wasn't a solo female artist who did it on her own and in her own way. Nobody who wasn't part of a band, group, or duo, or who had a Svengali. behind them had achieved this level of fame and success. There was no Berry Gordy, Sunny Bono, or Clive Davis. All of the women in music today, no matter how talented they are, are only able to do what they're doing today, because Madonna did it first.
Sadly, people of today's generation simply don't get it and probably never will. The internet has helped greatly and I love watching reaction videos from Millennials and Gen Z as they can't quite articulate things but will say things like "it kinda reminds me of Lady Gaga" so that always gives me a wry smile. Maybe in a few years, things will be different. I do hope she does produce a biopic. I just hope she doesn't direct it.
She definitely needs a biopic or “something” for new generations to understand just why she is the blueprint for the modern day pop star.
Please experience Madonna. She is unchallenged with her discography videos and live shows
I remember the song but never saw the video before. Thought provoking for sure.
this song caused a major stir when released, mostly because of the video as well as a pepsi commercial that took part of the video for the advertisement. major impact, took madonna to the next level.
do Ray of Light, both single and album!
Ray of light (the entire album) saved my life at one point. It is magical and its otherworldly powers saved my life at one point. I remember the first time I saw Madonna live. This was before TH-cam was even a thing and nobody had decent cameras back then ..so when you got to a Madonna concert you really had no idea what to expect......and I've never experienced anything like a live Madonna concert. I had front row seats for the Drowned World Tour in Washington DC (in support of the Ray of Light Album) .. absolute out-of-this-world brilliance. I have now seen her live more times than i can count on one hand. Her live performances are absolutely earth-shatteringly good.
I know that to anyone who doesn't know Madonna that all of this sounds over the top... but its not. It is impossible to overstate how massively important Madonna is to our entire culture and the world we live in.
She is SO IMPORTANT.
One of the best pop songs ever written! If you impressed with chart stats, her song Hung Up went to number 1 in 41 countries if you wanna check that out. Edited to add, when she performs this love it is euphoric and a religious experience!
I have never been the biggest Madonna fan. Most of her songs depend on the pop of the music and synth.
This song, Pappa Don't Preach, Material Girl, and Spanish Lullaby are Madonna at her best. This and Spanish Lullaby are her best vocal performances.
Also, it was her most natural appearance and seeming sincere time period. Hence the period I liked her best.
Surprised you don't like Ray of Light era then. Very down to earth. And the music/vocals were amazing.
Another song you should check out from Madonna is "Take A Bow" Babyface sang backup vocals on this song. Babyface, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has written and produced over 26 number-one R&B hits throughout his career and has won 12 Grammy Awards. He was ranked number 20 on NME's 50 of The Greatest Producers Ever list.
Definitely a great great song and video, I tend to forget how young you are that you never heard this song
In my humble opinion, her best look.
This was when she was at her creative peak. This and Cherish are the best songs on the album.... and Pat Leonard's production is stellar. Guy Pratts bassline is legendary and because he was an old friend of Pat Leonard's he rattled it out during the session and never expected it to stay in the final mix and promptly forgot it. When he was invited to hear the final mixdown, he sat on the sofa next to her and listened back to it and thought FFS, who did you get in to do that bassline? to which Madge turned round to him and said "ITS YOU, YA DUMMY!!"
True story.
Oh, and regarding this video, it is extremely Catholic...Religious ecstasy is a thing in Catholicism and this is what the video is trying to represent. Madonna lies down in the church and begins to have mystical visions like many of the saints in Catholic history. During her dream, she recalls the violent incident that ends up with the black man getting arrested. When she wakes up, she knows the right thing to do is to go to the police to help the falsely arrested black man. Also, many people mistakenly refer to the black saint that comes to life as Jesus, but no, it is more than likely a depiction of St. Martin de Porres who is the patron saint of mixed race people. Some young people seem to not have learned in school what a burning cross represents in the USA. It is what the KKK used to do to terrorize black people. So her use of the burning cross in this video is a criticism of racism, but also maybe of how Christianity has perpetuated racism throughout the centuries.
So many good observations - thank you!
One of the burning cross' original significances was to be seen as an official declaration of war between and by certain Scottish clans. It also has been used to symbolize the ferocity and ever enduring light of Christ. So, although the KKK adopted the practice, it didn't originate with them. (And in my little New England valley town, my elderly neighbor witnessed HUGE crosses burning on the mountainside to intimidate the Protestants in town, when he was a wee lad.)
Madonna witnessed the crime before she went into the church. Once she went inside the church that's when she lays down and has a dream about falling out of the sky and dancing with the choir and kissing the black man after the statue of the saint came to life and went out of the church. After she woke up that's when she made the right decision to tell the truth to the police in order to free the black man.
I know that Madonna and the music video director Mary Lambert chose to use the burning crosses because they intended to take their historical context and direct them back to the racists and bigots who used them as way to terrorize their black targets. For me the burning crosses represent the wrath of God at all of the injustices of the world.
She is a chameleon. She’s also sung Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (she was in Evita).
Madonna, Queen of Pop, Master of Visual Arts and Marketing! ❤❤❤❤❤
Queen of pop music 👑👑👑
The song and the video are a lot to take in on the initial listen/watch. You'll def want to give the video another watch to catch the messsage about racial inequality and injustice...an idea not expressly mentioned in the song itself.
At the time, I don't think people knew if they were more outraged by the question of religious vs sexual ecstasy or being confronted with the realities of racism.
But they were definitely mad that someone could so successfully, with a pop song, spread a powerful message counter to the conservative ideals of the time.
As a Madonna fan who is probably older than most here, (or maybe not), I can say Madonna is very lucky that she arrived at a time when music videos were starting to boom. It boosted her career immensely and did the same for many people. I don't think she ( or many other singers) would have had the success they did without the benefit of music videos. There are many before her that she learned from, and emulated people she idolized, as every performer does, it's just that the earlier ones had to market themselves and start fads, hairdos, and clothing styles without the benefit of videos. That gave all performers at the time a huge advantage. It made shortcomings in her vocal ability less important because fans found other things to love about her. She is not the greatest vocalist in the world, but she knew how to market herself very well, and how to use the media to her advantage. She used that skill more than most others in her time did. U2 released their first album in 1980 and was also groundbreaking in using songs to bring the problems of the world to people's attention. That's something Boy George was already doing (talk about people starting a dressing and make-up trend for boys and girls, and standing up for Gay rights. ). The whole punk movement was a rebellion against the hypocrisy in the world and in government and the treatment of oppressed people. Yes, she started fads and offended people, and she talked about some wrongs in the world, but so did many before her. That's the purpose of song and music.
@lamusiclover2264 I don't think anyone would argue the fact that music videos were a key element to Madonna's success. It's a medium she understood the power of immediately. She had the ability to portray compelling, convincing characters in these little 4 minute films and those of the MTV generation were fascinated by it.
As great as some of her songs might be, one can't hear them without one's mind immediately conjuring a visual image. (And not an image of, say, a beautiful island, but rather an image of her twirling in a flamenco dress...an important distinction there) That's a powerful connection to make.
And while there's validity in the argument about the difficulties women in music face, in terms of gaining popularity Madonna's female-ness helped her immensely.
They say she did things women weren't "supposed to do". But I think, more importantly, she did things men (most men, there are obvious exceptions) simply couldn't do. Namely, being a figure of seduction to men and a figure to emulate for women (or, you know, vise versa😊) Again, virtually impossible, or at least more difficult, without the help of music videos.
Certainly her work ethic, determination, and focus propelled her career, as well. These qualities can be attributed to any number of things, but they kept her from being distracted by the hedonistic trappings of rock n roll which were the downfall of many of her contemporaries.
And of course she wasn't the first or only pop artist to make a "statement" with her work. To make such claims (and we know lots of commenters make them!) is inaccurate and hyperbolic. But by using every tool at hand, she definitely did a hell of a good job of it.
@@todddepue681 see, you and I agree. And I find that rare. When I make comments about Madonna, most others start fangirling all over the place that she was the first to do everything on Earth and there was no one before her that did such-and-such, and there never will be another to do such and such, and everybody's copying her. That just isn't true. And believe me, there are lots of her fans that would put me through the wringer for anything I said! So I appreciate your comment.. she was extremely good at marketing, and using the tools of the time to do it. If not for video, I don't think she would have gotten by on her voice alone, and she knows it! She's not a great singer but she writes very catchy songs. Look how easy it is to become world famous and wealthy just because of stupid social media crap that you post. This generation doesn't believe that you need talent, you just need to be a Kardashian or do something cute on social media.
Madonna knew she had to be very visual in order to become famous. She's not one of the singers that could sit on an empty stage on a stool with a microphone and do 2 hours of acoustic singing with no sets or dancing. She just doesn't have that ability which is okay. She knows how to put on a good show with the ability she has.
Every generation is going to have people like Madonna. Taylor Swift has already surpassed her and record sales I think, and now everyone lives for her and Beyonce, who manages to be an idol, and a very private person who stays out of the news at the same time.
@@lamusiclover2264 I've been intrigued by, mesmerized by, and at times even idolized this woman since I was 13 in 1984. But it's obvious to me that without the visual component of her work, for me personally, that never would have happened. And I don't think that in any way discounts or denigrates her talent. Rather I think that's exactly what makes her special.
You're a music "lover"....if I'm honest, I'm a music liker lol. Of course, I constantly say things like "I loooove that song"...and I sincerely mean it...but I'm not really interested in analyzing anybody's vocal range or guitar skills or record sales. I couldn't care less.
I work in fashion. I love art, design, theatrical production. So as much as I looked forward to hearing and dancing to and singing along with a new Madonna album, it was those videos, photo shoots and concerts I was dissecting. They shaped my taste and how I see the world. She's never made a secret about her visuals often being inspired by films, paintings or books. And that made me investigate those things that inspired her and I certainly came upon other interesting people and things because of it.
For me, these are all points heavily in Madonna's favor. And I think it can fairly be said that, no matter how great their voice is, not many pop stars achieve exactly that same kind of impact. I'm sure cases can be made for others, but for me, I'm happy with Madonna and what she brought to my life.
Anyway, everybody gets what they get from an artist and has their own personal connection for a million different reasons. I'm sure some of my own "Madonna memories" are skewed in her favor...gilded by the fairy dust of time....whatever. Big deal. I'm not gonna fight with anybody about it. (So please try to remember that if you catch me out making a sycophantic comment in Empress's comment section 😉 LOL)
Except! The Ray of Light album is a masterpiece from start to finish. 🤣🤣🤣
JK....I actually hate "Little Star"!
But other than that....to each his own.
@@lamusiclover2264 oh, and I also stand by my belief that Evita is her finest film work and that she was perfectly formed to bring that role to the screen. Why? Because it's like a 2 hour music video! It was totally her format.
as a fellow Michigander (but living in Hawaii now) I'm looking forward to you exploring the Madonna catalog.
Prince played guitar in this and another song on the album. They also have a really great duet on the album.
When the first issues of this album (CD/Cassette/Vinyl) came out, the liner notes were scented with Patchouli oil.
Love this song, among her best, which is saying a lot. She’s had many outstanding songs over several decades. But even among all that, the pinnacle or zenith of Madonna is unquestionably Vogue. If you haven’t heard it, you haven’t heard Madonna.
SHE'S THE QUEEN OF POP! ❤
Well, she has skill in that she wrote the song and co-produced it, also I like what you said about her earlier singing, it reminds me more of poetry
I would encourage you to listen to anything Madonna recorded after she did Evita. There is a new power and control to her voice because of the genre of singing that she required guidance with. I watched Evita at the Sydney Opera House, and I recall thinking that Madonna would make an excellent choice for the role, and she was.
This is my favourite Madonna video
She has an Alto voice, period. She has a very pleasant tone and it's a pretty voice, she also has a powerful lower register that she can dip in and out of, it's soulful. To make my point, the highest a man's voice can be is a Tenor, like Steve Perry, whereas a woman can get to a Soprano like Whitney Houston; but it would be unfair to compare Elvis to Whitney Houston. So if Madonna were a man, there would be no people commenting on her voice or skill.
Guy Pratts bass is off the hook. He’s been in Pink Floyd since Roger Waters left the band. Moffett on drums. Michael Jackson’s drummer also
I consider this part of is from her early years. Check out her 90s music. One of my favorites is the power of goodbye off her ray of light album which is I think is Madonna at her best.
This was a BIG song for its time. She was the queen of controsvery back in her day and this video was soooooo controversial when it came out
*love the vocals comment. havent heard that 1000000x during her career. blah.*
*but youre right. vocally shes no whitney. shes no mariah. shes no celine. and thank gawd for that or her career would have fizzled after a couple albums! take your pick... perfect pitch singers just standing there writing boring songs & performing them just as boringly, or a woman with intelligence, talent, marketing skills, business savvy, as well as an instantly recognizable voice, dance moves for days & a knack for creating drama & controversy as well as brilliant aural & visual gems while reinventing her sound & style enough to keep her on top for 40 years!*
*she has what **_NONE_** of those 'pitch perfect' singers have ever had while they were concentrating on hitting every note... emotion. a real connection to the music & the audience.*
*thats why Madonna is **_The Most Successful Female Music Artist in History_** (& **_The Most Successful Female/Solo Touring Act in History)._** Never mind that during all this she literally redefined what a celebrity could be... how truly famous someone could get. and she's worth about $800m! and all without an opera singer's voice!*
*dont **_ever_** sleep on the Queen of Pop!* 👑⭐👑
It's a pop masterpiece.
Love this so much! I remember this so well. She lost her Pepsi commercial over this video. It was amazing in concert. Blond Ambition still the best show I've ever seen. 💗💗
Salvo more Madonna please ❤
Awesome reaction.
Madonna has amazing and great pop tunes. This and ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ are standout 80’s tracks to me from her. The bass on both songs kick-azz. Also both controversial as usual. lol
An icon. Someone said she reminded them of Elaine Benes in this video and now I can’t not see it 😅
Madonna’s best song for sure
As someone who was a teenager at the time this song came out: it was up there with the biggest songs of the decade. Translation: yes it was big.
Madonna Hung Up #1 in more than 40 countries
I’ve subscribed for your Madonna content, I love it!! Thank you!
Props to Guy Pratt who’s slapping that bass!
Can't wait for you takle Crazy for you by Modonna loved this
I think this is the song that got her excommunicated from the Catholic church the first time. It was burning crosses and a dark skin Jesus that upset people.
I bought this CD at the mall when it came out. I opened it in my car and was instantly weirded out by the strange smell which I found out later was patchouli essential oil. It was infused in the CD insert. The whole album is great.
classic madonna