Top 10 Madonna Songs
Top 10 Madonna Songs
Top 10 Underrated Madonna Songs
She’s living in a material world. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Madonna songs. For this list, we’ve chosen our entries based on a combination of the artist’s fan favorites and their most commercially successful songs.
#10: “Into the Groove” “Into the Groove” single (1985)
Top 10 Best Dance Songs of All Time
Recorded for the singer’s first major film role after becoming a music star, “Into the Groove” yet again proved the singer’s ability to craft songs that make you want to get off your seat and dance. This should come as a surprise to nobody as she has professed numerous times that had she not become a singer, she wanted to be a dancer. Everything about this groove is a great time, and it fit perfectly into the film “Desperately Seeking Susan.”
#9: “Hung Up” Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005)
After her previous album offended many with its portrayal of American life and culture, this dance-pop number served as something of a comeback for the legendary performer. With an undeniably catchy beat sampled from ABBA’s disco-flavored “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” “Hung Up” showed that the Queen of Pop was back and ready to dance our socks off. Its critical acclaim and the fact that it topped multiple charts worldwide only proved that fact further.
#8: “Material Girl” Like a Virgin (1984)
Despite the simplicity of the lyrics, this single may just be the most complicated one of an extremely long career. Lyrically focused on a girl who is only interested in what she can gain from any potential suitor, the video that accompanied “Like a Virgin,” by contrast, featured a protagonist who rejects extravagant gifts in favor of a simple date. The synth-heavy arrangement and irresistible beat made for an instant hit that had people humming it not only for days later, but years later – as demonstrated by the fact that it’s on our list.
#7: “Justify My Love” The Immaculate Collection (1990)
One of the most talked about songs in a career that oftentimes courted controversy; “Justify My Love” was pretty much five minutes of pure sex. Its minimalist, trip-hop-infused beat garnered acclaim among critics and served as the background for breathless whispering and speaking of sparse yet repetitive lyrics. The Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper was accompanied by a music video that didn’t pull any punches either, with the sexual nature of its visuals eventually leading MTV to ban it outright.
#6: “Express Yourself” Like a Prayer (1989)
This female empowerment anthem set to a dance rhythm marked a turning point in the career of the former Material Girl. With lyrics that speak about the short term effects of material gain and the need for people to instead seek emotional truth, “Express Yourself” attempted to tell a generation of young people to wait for the one that truly deserves you and that it’s better to be alone than to disrespect yourself. Reaching number two on the Hot 100, it’s also gone on to influence multiple artists.
#5: “Papa Don’t Preach” True Blue (1986)
Top 10 Papa Roach Songs
Like many of Madonna’s best songs, “Papa Don’t Preach” focuses on the importance of being true to yourself and not allowing others to tell you who you are or what you’re going to do with your life. For many years, fans and critics alike assumed that its storyline of a teen pregnancy was based on the life of the singer – however, the song was written by a man and given to her to put her own spin on. A simple, relatable story and melodic beat combine to make this True Blue tune another chart-topper and unforgettable Madonna single.
#4: “Holiday” Madonna (1983)
Without the attention and success accompanying Madonna’s first smash hit, the musician’s storied career may never have come to pass. A simple but upbeat tune that epitomizes the term earworm, “Holiday” has remained one of the star’s best-known songs to this day and is a live staple. Featuring cowbell, synths and electronic handclaps, the track really makes you feel like you’re on vacation - and that is something everyone, no matter their position in the world, can’t help but enjoy.
#3: “Like a Virgin” Like a Virgin (1984)
Top 10 Pop Songs You Didn’t Know Had a Dark Meaning
The controversy this song and its music video attracted ultimately turned Madonna into a superstar and cemented her place in pop culture. The imagery of the songstress in a wedding dress while singing about her first time was too much for many watchdog groups to handle and they fought heavily against it. But this did little to stop “Like a Virgin” from earning rave reviews, a number one placement on the Hot 100 and the admiration of a generation. Madonna famously performed the dance-pop number at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards while writhing in a wedding dress and humping the stage.
#2: “Vogue” “I’m Breathless: Music from and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy” (1990)
Ultimately a pop song, “Vogue” and its music video introduced mainstream America to a new dance style that had been popular in the underground gay scene. While house music was a heavy influence on this monster hit’s sound, the track also made it okay again to listen to (and like) disco music. Topping the charts around the world, the almost 5-minute single has made a musical huge impact. But it’s also unforgettable and just makes us wanna dance. Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - “Ray of Light” Ray of Light (1998) - “Music” Music (2000) - “Frozen” Ray of Light (1998) - “I’ll Remember (Theme from With Honors)” “With Honors (Music from the Motion Picture)” soundtrack (1994) - “Live to Tell” True Blue (1986)
#1: “Like a Prayer” Like a Prayer (1989)
Top 10 Songs So Offensive People Tried to Ban Them
This is the Madonna song to have garnered what’s arguably the most controversy and conversation in her entire discography. Between the religious imagery used as sexual innuendo, gospel-inspired hints, and a music video featuring burning crosses, “Like a Prayer” had people up in arms almost immediately. Regardless, there’s no denying how great a song the pop rock number truly is. Critically lauded, lyrically evocative and musically complex, it became her 7th Hot 100 chart-topper and is undeniably Madonna at her best. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Madonna song? For more music Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
0
0
flagged
0
0
report