Like a Virgin

With her second album, Madonna exploded into the popular stratosphere, and deservedly so. Expertly produced by Nile Rodgers, with the best session musicians on the planet, Madonna here staked her claim as being the number one music star on the planet with staggering confidence.Yes, her "boy toy" image and slinky, lingerie-clad cover shot may not have aged well, but there is no denying the genuine pop thrill of that kick-drum explosive opening to "Material Girl". That song's terrific video will still probably play in your head, but this remains one of the great singles of that era. And as much as you would NOT like to admit it, it was one of those pop songs that kids and their parents could both like.The album continues with "Angel", a song that seems so much better now than it did back then...beautiful strings, an irresistible beat and vibrant vocals by Madonna. Most impressive.Not much more can or should be said about the song, "Like A Virgin", but listening to it after all these years with fresh ears...it's a monster song with only one goal: to top the charts and dominate radio/MTV. Which it did. Handily."Over and Over" is the overlooked gem of the collection. An awesome uptempo track that'll have you dancing in your seat as you head down the highway. The melody sticks with you like a virus. Check out that sweet guitar threaded throughout the tune."Love Don't Live Here Anymore" is her first, and almost successful, stab at an epic ballad. She'd nail it later in her career with other songs."Dress You Up", for me, is a junior version of "Over and Over", but it is yet another nearly perfect pop song on an album nearly made up of nothing but.What's worth mentioning here is that Madonna still has a limited range, but she's consciously expanding it, and never pushes it needlessly. She knows her vocal limits, and finds settings to best show it off."Shoo-Bee-Doo" shows her interest in "retro"-style tunes, something she'd master with "True Blue" and in another sense, the entire "I'm Breathless" album."Pretender" and "Stay" still sound like filler to this day, but pretty tasty filler nonetheless.This excellent remaster adds two dance mixes of the biggest hits, but they're just an additional bonus. The real treat here is getting a chance to listen to one of the decade's highlights in exquisite fashion.A necessary addition to any serious pop fan's collection.

Usually the second album by the artist, especially if the debut was a hit, isn't as good. This one is definitely the exception to the rule. I think it's nearly as good as her first album. I remember seeing her on the MTV Video Awards in 1984 prancing around in a wedding dress, and thinking "Wow, that is so cool." I thought it was especially cool (and disturbing to the parents) that the word 'virgin' was in the title. Back then, it was almost considered to be dirty. So I went out and bought this album on tape soon after. Like her first one, I was not at all disappointed. I loved nearly every song, especially her cover of Rose Royce's "Love Don't Live Here Anymore". Usually a cover version isn't as good as the original, but hers blew Rose Royce's version out of the water. This was one song I rewound and listened to several times. That one and "Angel" which I really liked too, and thought didn't get nearly enough airplay as it should have.I wasn't as crazy about the last three songs--"Shoo-Bee-Doo", "Pretender" & "Stay" but I'll listen to them anyway. I recently bought the CD version so I could rip the songs and put them on my MP3 player. Of course, like twenty years ago (Holy cow, has it really been that long? It seems like yesterday to me!) I still enjoy the songs.

I got Celebration for my birthday, then my neighbor was kind enough to give me a copy of Ray Of Light, then I decided to get all her other CDs and give copies to my neighbor so we'd both have the ultimate collection.Anyway...The moment I heard this CD, I knew the title song was good, but then the whole thing surprised me by being an awesome collection. This and Bedtime Stories are now tied for my second favorite Madonna album.Anyway, the whole album is full of fast-paced makes-you-wanna-dance numbers (Like A Virgin, Material G irl, Dress You Up, etc.) as well as a few slow-paced but still lovable tracks (Angel, Love Don't Live Here Anymore).It doesn't matter whether you're from the 80's and some how have managed to not buy this album or from the 90's-00's, this album is a keeper for anybody who needs something fun to dance to. I recommend it to anybody. :)

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I got this album. But after I listened to it, it was kind of like a time warp, stepping back into the '80's. "Material Girl" and "Like a Virgin" are my two favorites! For some reason whenever I hear any of those two songs, I think of that singer in that music video from "The Goonies." I guess it's because Madonna has a big influence on a lot of things, and to me she was the '80's.I almost got in trouble for singing "Like a Virgin" when I was on the ferry from England to France, and on the overnight train from Paris to Nice. 'cause Kristen would sing the Like a Virgin part, and I would do the Hey part. It really made her and the others giggle.*The remixes of Material Girl and Like a Virgin were alright, but I didn't like them as much as the originals. (Too many extra sounds that distract and take away from the song itself.)

The album that brought Madonna out from the clubs of New York City and got her touring full time (along with the Beastie Boys who opened for her). Beginning with the memorable and catchy tune "Material Girl", Like a Virgin is probably one of Madonna's more precious albums and is definitely the best to come out during her heyday. It has the more poignant singing styles of "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" and "Shoo Be Dooby Do Ba" as well as the signature "Like a Virgin" and "Dress You Up". All in all, it's easily my favorite from the Queen of Pop!