Music Reviews - Like A Virgin (1984)

Please note, this is all my OPINION! Everybody is entitled to have OPINIONS. Please bare this in mind. :)
After my review of Madonna's first album, "Madonna" (which you can read hear) I have decided that I want to review more of her albums, hell maybe all of time. If I decide to do this, It will  be a once a mouth thing, as putting together a review is a lot of work.
Anyway, today I wanted to review "Like A Virgin". This is Madonna's second album, which was relisted on  November 12 1984. It was Certified 3× Platinum in the UK, Diamond in the US and overall, the album sold 25,000,000 copy's worldwide!

In my last review, I talked about how this album has some of her famous early songs. Overall this album really made Madonna an music legend, a fashion icon and also a brilliant performer. 

This album produced 4 singles, Like A Virgin, Material Girl, Angel and Dress You Up. As well as songs from movies she was in. Into The Groove from the Desperately Seeking Susan soundtrack. Gambler and Crazy For You, from the Vision Quest soundtrack. 

Like I just said, this album and the Like A Virgin era really cemented Madonna as an fashion icon.



This dress from the Material Girl video, inspired by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. ICONIC. 

The wedding dress from the Like A Virgin video. ICONIC.

Lace, finger-less gloves, oversize head bows,lots of necklaces and wristbands,Crucifix earrings, shaggy hair and thick eyebrows. ICONIC.

Lots of people coped these looks during this period as well. There was even a section of Macy's in New York filled with  tour merchandise like the crucifix earrings and finger less gloves. Because of this the term"Madonna-Wannabe"was created

Madonna performing "Dress You Up" in
"The Virgn Tour"

To promote the album, The Virgin Tour, Madonna's first tour was introduced, This tour was completely live, which a full band and dancers. The tour also had trademark Madonna outfits, as well as big video screens (very impressive at the time!) This tour shows Madonna's beginnings as a performer on stage. Every tour after this has been more and more ambitious.

Madonna in "Vision Quest"

Additionally, during this period, Madonna had her first staring movie roll, in Desperately Seeking Susan a movie about a bored suburban housewife, seeking adventure to her life, accidentally gets hit on the head, wakes up with amnesia, and is mistaken for a free-spirited New York City drifter named Susan, played by Madonna. She also had a cameo in Vision Quest, as a nightclub singer, These movie role was the making of Madonna being known for being a actress as well. 



Like my last review  I'll will be reviewing the songs on theses two points.

• Has the song stood the test of time, or is it dated? 
• My opinion on in.

I will also give a brief overview of the song, and also rate it out of 5.

So without further ado, here is my review of "Like A Virgin"

NOTE: I will be including Into The Groove, Gambler and Crazy For You in this review, even though they are not on this album, they are from this era. They will be reviewed at the end. 

1. Material Girl

Overview

Material Girl is about a woman who craves the finer things in life and will manipulate men to get them. This is quite self explanatory. In the music video, Madonna plays a actress, who's director is trying to date her. She is given things like diamonds, which she doesn't like and they are material processions. Madonna recreates a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, staring Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroe was a big influence on Madonna, fashion wise. 

Has the song stood the test of time?

Yes. This song is one of Madonna's biggest hits, and this song still gets radio airplay on some radio stations. 

My opinion

I really like this song, it's one of the best early songs that Madonna has done. I don't listen to this song all the time, but I do like it.

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

2. Angel



Overview

Angel is about a lover, who is almost like an angel, as when they are around they get rid of your sadness and anger. The "Angel" really loves Madonna, as the lyrics say "And I can't hear the traffic rushing by/ Just the pounding of my heart and that's why/ You're an angel"

Has The song stood the test of time?

Not really. I think that this song suffers from 80's synth.

My opinion

I don't really listen to this song. It's an okay song, that I just don't listen to all the time. The song is a very sweet love song.

I give this song 3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

3. Like A Virgin



Overview

Like A Virgin is about, well this song has two interpretations. Some people think that this song is about fucking and losing your virginity, to be honest I see where there coming from, "Touched for the very first time." And lets not forget the performance of this song in the Blond Ambition Tour. 

 I think that this song is about love, finding someone and fulling in love, with a person who makes you feel the very best you can, and fighting through the "wilderness" of bad men. Finding this person makes Madonna feel like a new women, hence the name "Like A Virgin"

Has it stood the test of time?

Yes! This is the biggest hit Madonna has ever had, it's up there with Vogue and Like A Prayer. It's A timeless song, which still gets radio airplay.

My opinion

I like the song, however I like the Moroccan style version from the Blond Ambition Tour.

 Nether the lest, this is a great song, that I listen to a lot.

I give this song 5 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

4. Over And Over



Overview

Over And Over is about, basically getting constantly criticized by somebody, who always makes you feel down about yourself, but you keep on getting up, and not caring.

Has it stood the test of time?

No way, just listen to the opening and you'll see why.

My opinion

I don't listen to this song a lot, I'm not keen on it, to me it just sounds really dated. I do like the message of the song, I just don't like the instruments used.

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

5. Love Don't Live Here Anymore



Overview

Love Don't Live Here Anymore is about a lover who has left somebody. The song talks about the emptiness in the persons live, as her lover has gone away. It's also talking about the heartbreak of a relationship breaking up and the loneliness from it.

Has it stood the test of time?

No, sadly. If you get rid of the synth, or tone it down a bit, It would have stood the test of time.

My opinion

In the past, I never listened to this song. But recently I have been listening to this song a lot more, and have been liking it more. I think maybe because I find it relatable to events that have happened in my life (</3). This is a fantastic love song, a lot better then Angel. This has to be one of the most vocally strong Madonna songs that I have ever heard. 

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

6. Dress You Up



Overview

Dress You Up is about an fashionable young man, who has lots of luxurious items in life, The man, however wants Madonna in the song, as she is a luxury that he wants.

Has it stood the test of time?

No, but it is a really good 80's song.

My opinion

I like this song, ever since I seen on The Virgin Tour recording I fell in love with it.

This song is one of really good, feel-good songs. It's one of those songs that you just want to dance to - a great party song. I listen to this song a lot as well.

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

7. Shoo-Bee-Doo



Overview

Shoo-Bee-Doo is about, well to be honest. I don't know. I have (shamefully) never listened to this song. I think it's about fulling in love with someone?

Has it stood the test of time?

No. The whole "Shoo Bee Doo" thing makes it sound dated.

My opinion

I never listened to this. I thought it would be crap because It has a stupid name. And I was right.

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

8. Pretender



Overview

Pretender is about a guy who pretends to be in love with you. But in reality, he is just wants a one night stand with you.

Has it stood the test of time?

No. It's horribly dated.

My opinion

While I like the lyrics and the message of the song. the instruments used ruins the song for me.

I give this song 3 stars out of 5 ★★★ 

9. Stay



Overview

Stay is about a lover who makes your life so much better, Madonna wants the person to stay in her life.

Has it stood the test of time?

Not really, the synth is okay in this song, it's the drums that date it for me.

My opinion

It's a okay song. That's all I have to say about it to be honest. It's okay

3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

Now onto the songs from the Desperately Seeking Susan Soundtrack and the Vision Quest Soundtrack.
Note: DDS Soundtrack and VQ Soundtrack is not on Spotify, So I will be using the Celebration versions. Additionally Gambler isn't on Spotify, so I will be using a YouTube Video.

10. Into The Groove


Overview

Into The Groove is about getting into the groove and dancing. Very self-explanatory.

Has it stood the test of time?

This song was another really big hit for Madonna, yes!

My opinion

I love this song, it really fits into the movie as well, this is a song I listen to alot

I give this 5 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

11. Crazy For You



Overview

Crazy For You is about being so crazily in love with someone. Self explanatory.

Has it stood the test of time?

Another big hit = Yes.

My opinion

This is one of my all time favorite Madonna songs, I love this song so much, shame that it hasn't been performed live since the Re-Invention Tour

I give this 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

12. Gambler

Overview

Gambler is about being a Gambler? I don't even know.

Has it stood the test of time?

No, the drums and synth and just too much.

My Opinion 

I'm not really keen on this song, I like The Virgin Tour version of it through

I give this 3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

Overall rating

My overall rating of this album is 4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The sound and style of Like A Virgin is a lot better then Madonna's first album. And this album really made Madonna into the star she is today, this album did a lot for her

• She became a fashion icon
• She became a noteworthy singer and performer
• She also had a career in acting wide open for her.

With her next album True Blue, it's just going to get a lot better for her success wise. With hits such as True Blue, Open Your Heart and Papa Don't Preach



Wow, This is a longggg review. I have been writing this since I posted that update. It's now 9:44PM. Just wow. Anyway I hope you enjoyed!

Byeeee!

Music Reviews - Madonna (1983)

Please note, this is all my OPINION! Everybody is entitled to have OPINIONS. Please bare this in mind. :)


Madonna. What a legend. Over the past 31 years (and 11 mouths - to be precise) Madonna has changed and revolutionized the music industry, and has also revolutionized music all together. Madonna is prominent singer and celebrity. You could ask a 84 year old man and a 6 year old child, and they will be able to hum or sing a part of a Madonna song.

Today, I will be reviewing Madonna's debut album, "Madonna", which was released on July 27th 1983. It was certificated 5x platinum in the USA, platinum in the UK and much more around the world.

As an Madonna fan , I will be trying to review this with no biased. I'll will be reviewing the songs on theses two points.

• Has the song stood the test of time, or is it dated? 
• My opinion on in.

I will also give a brief overview of the song, and also rate it out of 5.

So, without further ado, here is my review of "Madonna". 

1. Lucky Star

Overview

Lucky Star was Madonna's 4th single, which when to number one around the world. Lucky Star is about (in my option) about a boyfriend of Madonna's, who is her "Lucky Star", who also makes everything around her light and bright. Because of her boyfriend who is her "Lucky Star", she also sings about how she is the luckiest one of all.

Has the song stood the test of time? 

No, the heavy use of a synth keyboard just makes this song reek of the 80's to be completely honest.

My opinion

I quite enjoy this song, it showcases Madonna's earlier materiel very well, however this is not my favorite Madonna song, I do listen to this song every now and then, simply because it's a classic.

I give this song three stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 



2. Borderline

Overview 

Borderline to me is about a love that is never quite fulfilled and a relationship that is troubled and has lost the all passion. The song also shows themes for rebellion against male chauvinism, when it says "Something in way you love me won't let me be/I don't want to be your prisoner so baby won't you set me free" 

Has the song stood the test of time?

Kinda. However this song also has a lot of trademark 80's synth. To me, however this is one of them songs that are timeless, but that's just my opinion. 

My opinion 

This is one of my favorite early Madonna songs. It has a unique charm to the song, that I feel that no other artist could ever pull off. I love the use of the instruments and they all blend nicely to together.

I give this song 4 stars out of five ★ ★ ★ ★ 

3. Burning Up



Overview

Burning Up, is a more rock and roll number compared to the other tracks on this album. Burning Up is about an passion relationship that to me seems to be full of sex and burning passion.

Has it stood the test of time

Nope. The use of the electric guitar being the lead instrument makes the song sound very dated.

My Opinion

I'm not a fan of this song at all, even through it's nice to see a different type of song, it really doesn't fit onto the album at all, and personally I rarely listen to this song as i don't really like it.

I give this song 1 star out of 5 ★ 

4. I Know It



Overview 

I Know It is about a lover leaving your life, while you deeply in love with the person, however the way that they are acting, has changed your opinion of this person.

Has it stood the test of time?

Nope. Too much synth.

My Opinion

I not a huge fan of this song, but I don't hate it. It's an okay song and one of my favorite songs of this album, but I think that this song should have been a ballad, it would have sounded much better

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

5. Holiday



Overview 

This is pretty self explanatory, the song is about needing a time out of your life, going on a holiday and celebrating life.

Has it stood the test of time?

Yes! This like Borderline, is timeless.

My Opinion

I love this song! It's such a feel good, party tune. Everybody knows this song, it is one of Madonna's most famous songs, along with others such as "Vogue" and "Like A Prayer". I listen to this song A LOT. I just love it!

I give this 5 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

6. Think Of Me



Overview

Think Of Me another rock number, this one is a lot softer, which is good in my opinion. This song is about waiting around for somebody to love you and to think of you

Has it stood the test of time?

No, it's dated for the same reasons as Burning up.

My Opinion

I don't like this song a lot, it's just not a good song. Simple as.

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

7. Physical Attraction 



Overview

Physical Attraction is about being physically attracted to somebody? I don't really get what this song is about tbh.

Has it stood the test of time?

Nope. 80's synth

My Opinion

I like this song, the beats and synth in this track is great, this is one of the great tracks on the album, but it's not one of my real favorites, as I don't listen to this song a lot.

I give this song 3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

8. Everybody 



Overview 

This is the song that started it all, as Everybody was Madonna's first single. Everybody is about getting everybody to dance and sing, as well as to enjoy themselves and enjoy the music.

Has it stood the test of time?

Sadly, no this track sufferers from the 80's synth.

My Opinion

I really enjoy this track, this is one of my favorite early Madonna songs, as this is the song that started everything for Madonna. And I just really like it

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Overall rating

3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

This is a solid first album of Madonna, it features a lot of great songs from this time period, as well as some of her early hits It's not until her next album Like A Virgin, which has some of her most famous early songs. Overall this is a great first album, which started it all for Madonna.