Like a lot of Gen-Xers, I grew up with Madonna. At any point in my life I can tell you exactly what Madonna song was playing in the background. Madonna means so many things to so many people. She essentially succeeded in a historically male dominated field.
Madonna was always authentic, even it that meant reinventing herself, time and again. She took risks and stood up for her beliefs even if they weren’t popular – though you can bet they’d eventually be en vogue. A true blue avant-garde artist, Madonna = ICON.
Madonna made it okay to: express yourself, take a risk, be a “bitch”, challenge the system, celebrate ones sexuality, remain unapologetic, defy gender norms, reinvent yourself, and kick ass – at any age.
#15 Lucky Star
Starting with this one because this is the first song I heard by Madonna. Though it was a few (ahem) decades ago, I can still vividly remember hearing the opening notes of this song at my babysitter’s house. Who’s that girl?
#14 Sky Fits Heaven
My dad and I share a love of Madonna. I have fond memories of listening to the Ray of Light CD with him during a road trip through Northern California. This is one of our favorites – a great driving song, a great message.
#13 Hung Up
The first song on my exercise playlist – a good hype track. The entire Confessions on a Dance Floor album is *chef’s kiss*. This is also one of her best videos. Just look at this queen.
#12 Who’s That Girl
Loved the little cartoon girlies and Madonna’s androgynous look in the video. Just a fun song that takes me back to well, being a girl. “Light up my life – so bright I can’t see…”
#11 Dress You Up
Unless you grew up in the 80s,it’s hard to articulate how massive and far-reaching Madonna’s influence was.This video captures that magic-history in the making. The song has such an infectious energy “let me cover you with velvet kisses…”
#10 Justify My Love
Challenging the antiquated yet persisting expectations of women, Madonna sang about sexuality – not in an effort to sell records, but perhaps to get on an equal playing field as the men. Why should they have all the fun?
#9 Keep It Together
The closing performance of the Blonde Ambition Tour and the moving last scene of the Truth or Dare documentary. The heartfelt message in the song + the skilled choreography of the number + the sublime cinematography = a marvel.
#8 Crazy For You
Wanna slow dance?
#7 Spotlight
An early vocal champion for marginalized groups, Madonna was particularly influential as an ally to the LGBTQ community in the 80s and 90s. I think of that when I hear the enduring message in this song: “spotlight, this world is yours and mine. . .”
#6 Angel
This is a vastly underrated Madonna tune that showcases her vocal range.
#5 Nothing Really Matters
Nothing really matters
Love is all we need
Everything I give you
All comes back to me
Nothing takes the past away
Like the future
Nothing makes the darkness go
Like the light
#4 Rescue Me
The closing track on The Immaculate Collection (1990) love the beat, the breathy lyrics, and the crescendo in the last half of the song. I don’t remember this getting a lot of airplay but it’s always been a standout for me.
#3 Live to Tell
This was the video that let us know Madonna was going to keep us guessing. I still remember my friend coming over, imploring me to turn on MTV: “did you SEE the new Madonna video? She looks so different!” We were blown away then fascinated by this new pared down version of the mega star. This song showed everyone, if there were any lingering doubts, that Madonna could SING. I could give this song a thousand listens and still be moved each time.
If I ran away, I’d never have the strength to go very far
How would they hear the beating of my heart?
#2 Into the Groove
Music can be such a revelation.
#1 Deeper and Deeper
Reminds me of being a teenager, hanging out with my friends, dancing, trying on a thousand different outfits – when getting ready to go out was the best part of our night.
What are some of your favorite Madonna songs? Leave a comment, below.
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