Like a Prayer - Madonna (CD 1989)

Madonna is a women of many personalities, contradictions and revelations. She was setting trends from day one and has constantly achieved success with different personas. I feel the reason Madonna has been so lasting is because she really is all those personas. She is the boy toy who loves the material world. She's the vulnerable woman who yearns for her father's love. She is the women who encourages other women to express themselves. She is a loving mother who enjoys having beautiful children. Although I haven't always identified with Madonna during some of her phases, I admire her cajones in revealing these sides in a candid, blunt fashion.

Like A Prayer was released in 1989 and immediately became surrounded in a cloud of controversy. Her video for the title track was filled with imagery ranging from a burning cross to an African American Jesus-like figure that had conservatives in an uproar. The song itself was a very spiritual song and I actually feel it is one of Madonna's best. I feel this was part of Madonna reconciling a lot of different concepts in her life. Sex, romance and religion intermingled in this song and the bridges actually have a gorgeous sound and complete with a choir.

"Express Yourself" was the liberated feminine anthem of choice at that time and I enjoyed listening to it then, but I really enjoy it now. I've always taken the chorus of this song to heart and feel it was a great portrayal of a strong woman who wasn't afraid to be a woman. Some feminine anthems are almost hateful towards men but this was one just saying to make sure you're appreciated and that you are getting what you deserve in the bedroom and out.

This is followed by a duet by Prince and Madonna that isn't really what you would expect from some of the most dynamic performers of the eighties. Very laid back and mellow, I was expecting a lot more attitude and innuendo. The harmonies aren't bad but the song is overall just disappointing. "Love Song" is definitely one of the lesser tracks of the album.

"Till Death Do Us Part" is a pretty lighthearted track and has a frolicking instrumentation to it. This song is fun and spirited and the words don't seem to match the music. Talking about the collapse of a relationship this song is a lot deeper than the carefree music leads you to believe.

"Cherish" was a breezy love song and the words, all though very elementary, we're on the lips of listeners everywhere. The song was enhanced greatly by the imagery featured in her video. (as all Madonna songs were) "I was never satisfied with casual encounters..." Madonna croons and it seems to give us an insight into Madonna. Sometimes these songs were more revealing than the songs that meant to be.

"Dear Jessie" is a very inspired little song on this album that sounds like a lullaby. Featuring strings and whimsical lyrics this song is a pleasant surprise and very addicting. Soft melodies and harmonies intertwine giving us a sound that Madonna has never duplicated since. "Pink elephants and lemonade, Dear Jessie, hear the laughter running through the love parade" The bridge of this song is truly inspired and I have a friend who sings this to her little one years later." This is one of the most interesting songs you will ever hear from Madonna.

"Oh Father" is a song full of sorrow and longing for a better relationship with her father. Opening with some elegant strings and an emotionally vulnerable Madonna singing through the eyes of a child. It is quite fascinating and has some pretty powerful words. Conflict with religion and other issues emerge from this song. Definitely a highlight from one of Madonna's best albums.

"Keep It Together" is a song about family and how much she values it. This is a good fast paced song and although not one of my favorites it has strong lyrics and a dance friendly rhythm. The album ends with a weird little song called "Act of Contrition". It sounds like a prayer but its kind of distorted and has some of the choir featured in "Like A Prayer" in the back ground.

Overall this is a wonderful album and in my opinion one of Madonna's best. Some weak songs are dispersed through the good ones so it isn't a consistently good listen. For example "Spanish Eyes" (her voice was not agile enough for this song) and "Love Song" are ones I usually skip. Therefore I didn't give it the highest rating. But I do feel it is worthy of being in my collection and I do not regret buying it.