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Posted by: Medellíam 13th November 2019, 04:48 PM

It's 35 years since the release of Madonna's sophomore album, Like a Virgin. Madonna wanted to take more creative control by primarily producing the album herself, however her record company were not prepared to give her this much artistic freedom, so Madonna ultimately chose Nile Rodgers as album producer, having been a fan of his work with disco-funk group Chic and his recent success with David Bowie's Let's Dance. Nile gave the album a more polished, well-rounded pop sound than her debut, satisfying Madonna's aim for this album to be all-killer-no-filler. Like a Virgin doubles down on Madonna's self-assured, provocative attitude that had attracted young adults to her debut and portrays this through a fusion of sex, religion and fashion. Madonna uses these topics to make up for her lack of producing privileges by creating bold, statement images: she playfully merges the contrasting religious stereotypes of the Virgin Mary and a whore, she pays homage to Marilyn Monroe, she uses her live performances as a platform to promote a confident depiction of female sexuality. Madonna's image was as recognised as her music, aided by her continuing embracing of the rising MTV which was becoming her most prominent means of promoting.

Home to four Top 5 Billboard hits, including the multi-million selling #1 title track, and boasting a staggering 21 million worldwide sales, Like a Virgin marked a new era in pop. Madonna-mania had exploded and the world witnessed the arrival of a musical and style icon. 35 years later, does Like a Virgin raise your interests?

Posted by: dandy* 13th November 2019, 06:59 PM

I had no idea before just now that Nile Rodgers produced this album!

Posted by: HauntedHaus 13th November 2019, 08:09 PM

I am listening through the album now as a celebration!

I can't say I ever give it much time usually though. The visuals of the era are fantastic though - the album cover, the music videos, it's a true representation of the lavish, the material, the cover pin-up girl. Madonna is so distanced from this as an artist and person now but it is still a fascinating look back at a period of time when she was still unknown and finding her feet.

Posted by: vibe 14th November 2019, 02:04 PM

My Rate

1. Dress You Up
2. Angel
3. Like A Virgin
4. Over and Over
5. Material Girl
6. Love Dont Live Here Anymore
7. Stay
8. Pretender
9. Shoo Be Doo


Into The Groove would be first if this was counted from the re-pressing.

Remember all that Crazy For You & Gambler was released during this album campaign. If these were also included on the re-pressings the album would be epic.

Posted by: Medellíam 14th November 2019, 05:54 PM

I feel the same. There's no denying it was a big era that set Madonna up for being the biggest star of the 80s - she's got the catchy pop hooks, she's assured in her sexuality and explores it with great humour, she recognises how visuals and video could catapult her career. However, the music doesn't quite do it for me - it lacks the depth of some of the songs on True Blue and lacks the interesting club production of her debut. It feels very stuck in the 80s which isn't necessarily a bad thing but I find her other three albums from the decade can all stand up today. It's quite surprising that Nile Rodgers produced the album because I actually find there's a lack of his cool and slick style here. The decision to pitch up her vocal wasn't a great move. I also find I'm listening to a group of songs rather than a body of work.

As vibe pointed out, the other songs from the era like 'Into the Groove' and 'Crazy for You' are much stronger than anything from the album. 'Material Girl' and 'Like a Virgin' are obviously classics and I do enjoy them, but not to the extent that most casual fans would.

All in all, I look back at this era more for the visuals and as part of the journey to Madonna's stardom.