Madonna’s five most iconic songs, according to Madonna

Decades after her breakthrough with “Like a Virgin,” Madonna remains a star the likes of which the world has never seen before and may never see again. It wasn’t just because her songs were a huge hit, although they were. But her fame was bigger than that, extending into the world of film, art, and fashion. She was a style icon, particularly shaping the look of the 1980s. The combination of her music and her general cultural presence made her a household name.

But with so many hits spread across so many eras and decades, it’s hard to decide which ones are the most iconic. In an interview with HuffPostthe singer herself had no problem.

First, of course, was “Like a Virgin,” the title track of their second album from 1984. While their debut established them, it was this song that, after an appearance on Top of the Pops. It became her first number one hit in the US and UK dance charts, and the song, with its playfully sexual lyrics, became a sensation.

She then chooses two songs Like a prayerher fourth album. The title track is clearly one of her most defining songs, covered non-stop by other artists and drunk singers at karaoke nights. “Like A Prayer” took her from a sexy pop kitten to an absolute pop star and took Madonna’s compositions and productions to a new level, turning them into true hymns with its gospel touch.

But her golden pop sensibility remained intact as she chose “Express Yourself” as one of her most iconic tracks. While fans might dispute this, as they would choose songs like “Hung Up” or “Holiday” instead, no one could deny that “Express Yourself” is a catchy slice of fame that seems directly responsible for today’s wave of strong, feminist pop stars as she sings, “Don’t go with second best, baby.”

Her next choice could also be controversial, as she has chosen “Ray Of Light.” As the title track of her 1998 album, it marked a moment of complete change for Madonna. The pop she was known for gave way to a more eclectic sound that fused elements of electronic, ambient and psychedelic into her own unique take on something different. “Ray Of Light” ushered in a new era that some fans loved and considered the album her best work, while others stayed behind and still clung to her 80s sound. For Madonna herself, it’s clearly a song she loves.

Your final choice is inevitable. It would be impossible to name Madonna’s most iconic songs and not include “Vogue”. Not only is “Vogue” still her biggest and most well-known song, but it is also a timeless queer anthem that brings the sound and style of the underground ballroom scene to the masses. It was only released as part of the soundtrack for her film I am breathless; it is A song so big that it didn’t even need a proper release or album to become a sensation.

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