"Like a Virgin" is a 12" vinyl LP album by Madonna, released in 1984. It became a breakthrough hit and solidified Madonna's status as a pop icon. The album features the iconic title track along with other popular songs like "Material Girl" and "Into the Groove". With its catchy pop hooks and bold image,This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Madonna's 1984 album "Like a Virgin" was more than just a chart-topping success; it was a cultural earthquake that redefined the boundaries of female pop stars. The album's release coincided with the rise of MTV, and Madonna's provocative videos and image became synonymous with the era.
Pushing Boundaries in the '80s
In the early 1980s, pop music was still finding its footing after the disco era. Artists like Michael Jackson were setting the pace, but Madonna arrived ready to break the rules. "Like a Virgin," particularly its title track, challenged traditional notions of female sexuality with its playful yet assertive lyrics. The song was an immediate sensation, topping charts worldwide, and its accompanying music video, where Madonna writhed in a wedding dress on a Venetian gondola, became one of the most iconic moments in music history.
Musical Explorations
Beyond the shock factor, "Like a Virgin" was a musically diverse album. Produced by Nile Rodgers, it incorporated elements of dance-pop, new wave, and R&B. Songs like "Material Girl" offered a tongue-in-cheek critique of consumerism, while "Dress You Up" was a pure celebration of fashion and fun. While Madonna wasn't the primary songwriter on most of the tracks, her interpretive skills were undeniable, bringing a sense of playful sensuality to every song.
Controversy Magnet
Madonna seemed to court controversy, and "Like a Virgin" was no exception. Religious groups decried the album's sexually suggestive themes and imagery. Madonna's performances, particularly her infamous 1984 MTV Video Music Awards appearance where she emerged from a giant wedding cake to perform the title track, cemented her status as a master provocateur. Some critics dismissed her as attention-seeking, but Madonna's willingness to challenge norms made her an undeniable force for change.
Beyond the Music
While the music on "Like a Virgin" was catchy and well-produced, the album's enduring impact lies in Madonna's persona. She embodied a new type of female pop star: independent, in control of her sexuality, and unapologetically ambitious. This image resonated with young women worldwide, inspiring them to embrace their power and challenge expectations.
Madonna's "Like a Virgin" is a song that transcends its shocking title. While the suggestive phrase caused a stir in the 1980s, the song's true meaning is far more nuanced.
A Song of Renewal, Not Innocence
The songwriters, Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, have explained that "Like a Virgin" wasn't intended to be literal. It arose from Steinberg's experience entering a new relationship after a difficult past. The "virgin" refers to feeling fresh and reborn emotionally, not to physical virginity. The lyrics "I made it through the wilderness/ Somehow I made it through" speak to a journey of healing, and the chorus expresses the joy of finding love that makes you feel "shiny and new."
Pop Music with Layers
Musically, "Like a Virgin" is a dance-pop masterpiece. Produced by Nile Rodgers, it blends catchy melodies with a driving bassline and pulsing synths. This energetic sound, coupled with Madonna's breathy vocals, creates a captivating soundscape that perfectly complements the song's theme of emotional renewal.
Controversy as a Catalyst
The song's title and Madonna's provocative image undoubtedly generated controversy. Religious groups took offense, and some saw it as a celebration of promiscuity. However, this controversy arguably fueled the song's success. Madonna's willingness to challenge norms made her a symbol of rebellion and liberation for young people.
A Song About Resilience
At its core, "Like a Virgin" is a song about resilience and the transformative power of love. It speaks to the possibility of starting anew, of finding something that makes you feel reborn, even if you've been hurt before. This message resonated with a generation, making "Like a Virgin" a cultural touchstone and solidifying Madonna's place as a pop icon.
|
Music Genre: Pop |
| Producers:
Produced by Nile Rodgers, Madonna, Steve Bray "Like a Virigin" is the second studio album by the Queen of Pop: Madonna |
|
Album Packaging / Information: Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos. |
|
Record Label & Catalognr: SIRE 925 181-1 (9251819 |
|
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
|
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Germany |
Complete Track-listing of the album "MADONNA Like a Virgin" |
|
The detailed tracklist of this record "MADONNA Like a Virgin" is:
|
Description
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Like A Virgin" Record Label Details: SIRE 925 181-1
Madonna is an iconic figure in popular culture who rose to fame during the 1980s. Her music, fashion, and persona were a defining feature of the decade, and she became one of the most influential and successful artists of the era.
Madonna's Music
Madonna's music was a key part of her success in the 1980s. She burst onto the scene in 1983 with her self-titled debut album, which featured the hit singles "Holiday," "Lucky Star," and "Borderline." These songs helped establish Madonna as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music world.
Madonna's music was characterized by its upbeat, danceable sound and catchy hooks. Her lyrics often explored themes of love, sex, and empowerment, and her bold and provocative style challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. She also incorporated elements of disco, funk, and R&B into her music, creating a unique sound that set her apart from other pop stars of the time.
One of Madonna's most popular songs from the 1980s was "Like a Virgin," which was released in 1984. The song was controversial for its sexual content and suggestive lyrics, but it also became a cultural touchstone and an anthem for female empowerment. Other notable songs from the era include "Material Girl," "Papa Don't Preach," and "Express Yourself."
Madonna's Fashion
Madonna's fashion was another important aspect of her persona in the 1980s. She was known for her bold, daring style, which often included revealing outfits, lingerie, and provocative accessories. Her fashion choices were seen as a form of self-expression and a rejection of traditional gender roles and expectations.
One of Madonna's most famous fashion statements was the "Boy Toy" belt that she wore during her 1984 performance on the MTV Video Music Awards. The belt, which featured the words "Boy Toy" in silver letters, became an instant sensation and was widely copied by fans. Madonna's other fashion choices, such as fingerless gloves, lace tights, and neon-colored outfits, also became popular trends of the era.
Madonna's Persona
Madonna's persona was a complex and multifaceted part of her appeal in the 1980s. She was seen as a rebellious and subversive figure, challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries with her music, fashion, and public persona.
At the same time, Madonna was also seen as a role model for young women, empowering them with her message of self-expression and sexual freedom. Her music and fashion choices inspired a generation of girls and women to embrace their own unique styles and identities.
Madonna's persona was also shaped by her Catholic upbringing and her exploration of religious themes in her music and imagery. She drew on religious iconography in her music videos and live performances, sparking controversy and debate among religious groups and conservative critics.