On July 27, 1983 a self-titled album was released by a then-unknown singer with the unusual name of Madonna. No one had any idea whatsoever that this was the beginning of an extra-ordinary and legendary career. A new musical icon had arrived- one that would go on to join the ranks of Elvis, The Beatles,and Michael Jackson. And a
female icon, at that. Rock had always had its bad boys. Now the girls (and boys!) got Madonna. She would go on to become a brilliant visual artist, and this first album, although nowhere near the creative heights she would later achieve, still shows an extremely impressive and strong debut album.
Especially in the late 70's and early 80's- an era chock full of one-hit wonders. "Holiday", "Lucky Star", "Borderline", "Burning Up", Everybody", "Think Of Me", and "Physical Attraction" are standout hits, and along with her unique and sexy style are what made this album so memorable and iconic in the first place. The album went on to be certified 5x Platinum and would eventually sell over 8 million copies worldwide.
Sandwiched perfectly between the end of disco and the dawn of New Wave, she was able to find a unique voice and sound. Filled with catchy pop hooks and shimmering synth beats, "MADONNA" is an essential 80's album.
Madonna first became popular in the underground club scene of New York, and this record perfectly captures that time and place.
Her legendary ambition shines through on this album- she makes it very clear who she is and what she's all about. Revolutionary in that it perfectly melded the underground dance scene, New Wave, and a bit of punk all in one exciting, raw package, it's undeniably one of the greatest albums to emerge from the early 80's. Madonna's first album brilliantly took disco (which was sadly dead at this point) and re-shaped it into cutting-edge dance pop. Yielding 3 Top 20 hits, but a whole handful of dance anthems, Madonna's first album is a dance classic that rightfully started one of the most significant female careers in music history. Now digitally re-mastered, "Madonna" sounds better than ever.
I was so proud that I had this with the original cover, when everyone else I knew had the crappy-looking reissue, with a Like A Virgin-era photo on the cover and 'the first album' as the actual title.
ReplyDeleteIt was stolen from my school locker in 1985.
Can't say I miss it now, to be honest, but thanks for the memories.