June 23, 20205 yr Love the production on this one, it evokes such warmth and familiarity. I can see how this became her first big hit in the US, I think Madonna is so relatable in her delivery of the lyrics and the whole package comes together so well. I love the version she performed on the Jimmy Fallon Show. Strange how neglected it's been performance-wise over the years - only two world tour appearances.
June 24, 20205 yr I am not surprised that it has not had many live performances . It’s incredibly hard to sing live. Stephanie Mills has a hit before Borderline with ‘Never Knew Love Like This Before’ produced by Reggie Lucas. I only noticed the similarities between the songs after listening to the ‘into the groove podcast’. Borderline is a house hold favourite.
June 25, 20205 yr Author This is my favourite 80s track. Just pure, pop perfection :wub: So many feels the second it starts, without fail!
June 27, 20205 yr I wouldn't go as far as saying it's my favourite 80s song from her (not with Like a Prayer existing!) but it's definitely right up there, head and shoulders above everything else before the True Blue album.
June 28, 20205 yr Borderline is her first proper decent song for me and a gem in her 80's stuff. I grew to love Holiday but initially I thought it was terrible and I still think Lucky Star is embarrassing. Papa don't preach is her first true masterpiece (of many) for me still remains my favourite Madonna song!
July 13, 20205 yr Author J_FAtIvdf7w 06. Shoo-Bee-Doo Shoo-Bee-Doo is taken from Madonna's 2nd studio album. It is a homage to Motown music, and is delivered in the doo-wop genre, resembling the songs of early 60s girl groups like The Shirelles or The Crystals. The saxophone breakdown is played by Lenny Pickett. Lyrically, it is about relationship problems and the confusion faced within this. What are your thoughts on this album track from 1984?
July 17, 20205 yr Author This is one of my least favourite songs on one of my least favourite albums from her :( It's so dull and dreary.
July 21, 20205 yr Borderline is one of my all-time Madonna favourites... on the other hand, Shoo be is album filler, one of her weakest songs... it's the only song from Like a Virgin she wrote solo, so it's good she always got paired up with other songwriters to write songs ;)
July 23, 20205 yr Author G333Is7VPOg 07. Papa Don't Preach Papa Don't Preach is the second single from True Blue. It deals with the aftermath of a teenage pregnancy, but obviously has a multitude of meanings in terms of parental relations. It was a huge commercial success and went on to become a defining hit of the 80s and of Madonna's career, as she proved she could tackle important issues in her music. Madonna has sinced performed it on multiple tours and it is a staple and signature hit from her. What are your thoughts on this huge single from 1986?
July 26, 20205 yr One of her best! She really stepped it up a gear - the Vivaldian intro, the expressive vocals, the storytelling, everything feels more sophisticated but it's still effortlessly catchy like the hits that preceded it. I love how this powerful, troubling subject matter is portrayed within the confines of a commercial, upbeat pop record and still make its impact. It's a real strength of Madonna's songcraft that she's achieved time and time again. The live performances are all fantastic. I've particularly been interested in the short performance she did on the MDNA Tour recently.
July 26, 20205 yr Author I have such a beautiful, personal connection with this song. It really is one of her best and that opening alone is the thing of GENIUSES.
August 14, 20204 yr Author fO4QOfpoYzU 08. Promise To Try Promise To Try features on Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' album. It is written from the perspective of Madonna's younger self as she attempts to deal with the loss of her mother (who died of breast cancer at age 36 when Madonna was five years old). She considers it to be the companion song to 'Oh Father' which also features on the album. What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking track from 1989?
October 20, 20204 yr Author ThHz9wlBeLU 09. Lucky Star In terms of tracklists, Lucky Star is Madonna's first song as it is the opening track to the debut album. In the song, a male love interest is compared to a celestial body and Madonna sings with her whimsical vocals over a heavy drum and guitar instrumentation. What are your thoughts on this shining track from 1984?
October 25, 20204 yr Author I agree it's better live (the Confessions Tour version :wub: :wub:) but even on its own, I think it's a debut album highlight *.*
October 28, 20204 yr Agreed about the Confessions performance! The 'Hung Up' instrumental was a genius move, it really elevates 'Lucky Star' itself as well as building the anticipation for the finale. There's a raw energy to the original which is really endearing when you think of all Madonna has achieved since. The intro is iconic too.
November 8, 20204 yr Author a7Tuta8aOhs 10. Causing a Commotion Causing a Commotion was the second single taken from the Who's That Girl soundtrack album. Inspired by her relationship with Sean Penn, and his abusive and violent nature and went on to become a top 10 both in the UK and the US. What are your thoughts on this uptempo number from 1987?
November 9, 20204 yr I never took notice of 'Causing a Commotion' until I came across Bright Light Bright Light's stunning cover which made me realise just how great the song is. The hook is one of my favourites and the "I hope you find what you're looking for" bridge is devine. :heart:
