On this day March 21 1989 Madonna released her fourth studio album Like a Prayer. The album became a massive global success hitting number one on the US Billboard 200 and topping the charts in the UK Canada France Germany Italy Spain Greece and many other countries. With over 15 million copies sold worldwide it remains one of her most iconic and critically acclaimed albums.
Like a Prayer featured a mix of pop rock and gospel influences with powerful tracks like the title song Express Yourself and Cherish. The album also sparked controversy with its provocative themes and religious imagery particularly in the music video for Like a Prayer which led to backlash from the Vatican and a temporary loss of Madonna’s Pepsi endorsement deal.
80s insight: The song Like a Prayer was ranked number 55 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time solidifying its impact on pop music.
Like a Prayer featured a mix of pop rock and gospel influences with powerful tracks like the title song Express Yourself and Cherish. The album also sparked controversy with its provocative themes and religious imagery particularly in the music video for Like a Prayer which led to backlash from the Vatican and a temporary loss of Madonna’s Pepsi endorsement deal.
80s insight: The song Like a Prayer was ranked number 55 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time solidifying its impact on pop music.
