I was pleasantly amused and surprised when Madonna was sharing Like A Prayer videos and lyrics on Facebook, not knowing really why, but appreciating it nonetheless. It wasn’t until I was browsing the web a little later in the day when I saw that it was actually 25 years ago this month when this epic album was released.
Full disclosure: My Madonna period has two phases. The 1st phase occurred when the Like A Virgin album was released, especially when “Material Girl” became a radio hit. Had to have that cassette, and my Mom got it for me. After that though, I didn’t really have the concept of following an artist in my head, so I just didn’t. So basically, I missed out on the fact that Madonna continued to release albums after that. I was a special child. Anyway, the next and final and still-ongoing phase is when the Immaculate Collection greatest hits album was released. I was down in Puerto Rico with my Dad and picked it up and my mind was kinda blown. All these great songs! Who knew?
When I got the VHS of the Immaculate Collection videos I think I may have worn out the tape on the stretch of videos starting from “La Isla Bonita”, continuing to “Like A Prayer” and of course ending with the awakening video of “Express Yourself”. All these funny feelings! Yeah, those funny feelings still show up when watching the “Express Yourself” video….holy cow, those men are still smokin’ hot. I may have tried to deny my sexuality back then but deep in my head, I knew that I was a FAN.
With time, I ended up of course getting each album individually, especially once CDs were a thing and I had a CD-player. Like A Prayer was one of my first CDs and it was and still is a revelation. It’s sophisticated, sexy, emotional, and at times, funny. Of course, it’s also controversial. But that was Madonna.
Thinking about the album as a whole, I would have to say it’s probably at the top of my rankings, scrambling at times with Confessions on a Dance Floor. Depends on the mood, I think. In terms of particular songs though, “Like A Prayer” pretty much keeps ahold of the throne for my most favorite Madonna song. Each concert I’ve seen (all two of them!) one of the highlights (if not THE highlight) has been Madonna’s performance of “Like A Prayer.” She always brings something so exciting, emotional and exhilarating when staging a number around the song. But just listening to even the studio version, whether it’s the Like A Prayer album version or the Immaculate Collection version, and there IS a difference, is a thrilling experience. I’m linking to the video here – it’s certainly not my favorite video of Madonna’s, but it’s a great way to be able to hear the song through this blog without skirting RIAA interest.
The album also has one of the funniest surprises at the very end of the last song, “Act of Contrition.” It’s Madonna flipping out at the gates of St. Peter, and it’s hilarious: “I HAVE a reservation!”