Madonna | Madonna (1983)
Madonna | Madonna (1983)
by Brent Faulkner
Madonna has accrued her fair share of controversy and indifference throughout her lengthy, though illustrious career. For all the controversy and criticism from fans, whether it be the question of Madonna’s morals or the subject matter of her more edgy numbers, the universal acclaim for this legendary artist is undeniable. Shocking she may have been throughout her career - namely her heyday, whether it was the sexual references of “Like A Virgin” or the questionable music video that accompanied the gospel-tinged “Like A Prayer,” few will deny the genius of Madonna. That genius was cultivated with Madonna’s self-titled 1983 effort, Madonna, which was jam packed with guilty pleasures even the most devoted hardcore rock fan won’t or can’t deny. Unlike so many efforts of today’s age, there are no misses; with every hook comes only the most tempting, naughty, yet “sugary sweet” lyricism.
“Lucky Star” opens the album brilliantly with archetypical 1980s production filled with funky, crisp guitars and bright, dance-tastic synths. Although lengthy, the groove is addictive, not to mention the simple, but memorable chorus: “Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight/starlight, star bright, make everything alright/Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight...” “Borderline” builds upon perfection, maintaining the bright production of “Lucky Star,” but providing an even more potent cut. Beautiful, classic, and still relevant, “Borderline” may be shadowed by ‘bigger’ Madonna hits (“Like A Virgin,” “Like or Prayer,” etc.), but it is elite amongst her greatest performances. Vocally, she sounds pure and clear.
“Burning Up” keeps the hits coming, though doesn’t eclipse the benchmarks established by “Lucky Star” or “Borderline.” “I Know It” is equally alluring, like “Burning Up” being one of two shorter cuts from Madonna. As always, the chorus stands out with Madge singing “I know you’re gonna take your love and run...” “Holiday” is the valedictory moment, of course, with exceptional, shimmering production work. From a first listen, “Holiday” is a stand out, whether it be the varied sounds or the catchy, minimalist hook - “holiday, celebrate...”
“Think of Me” packs punch, though “Physical Attraction” ‘attracts’ even more with its synthetic brass and bass sounds. “Physical Attraction” plays on its title’s sensuality perfectly, sounding like the ‘ultimate guilty’ pleasure. Pop, disco, and urban music fuse effortless on this sensational cut, as they do on its hailed follow-up, “Everybody,” the last original that graces Madonna. “Burning Up [12” Version],” one of two bonuses, extends upon its parent cut, proving equally enjoyable. “Lucky Star [New Mix]” is solid as well, though one might argue its length is excessive clocking in over seven minutes.
Madonna - Lucky Star [Video]
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While there may be nothing ‘perfect,’ Madonna’s self-titled effort was certainly the ‘perfect benchmark’ for her illustrious career. It precedes the cutting edge “Like a Virgin” from 1984 or most recent #3 Pop hit “4 Minutes” from 2008’s hip-hop turned Hard Candy effort, but one must attribute its star power as the proponent of all that was to come. What can be said of an album that launched an icon of our time? Without Madonna, there’d be no Lady Gaga or similar pop/urban artists who grace iPods, TV, and radio airwaves every single day. ‘Back in they day’ - No, just as relevant or more relevant than 1983.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 1/31/2011 9:54 AM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, Pop Music
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, Pop Music
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Brent...Dude, No Madonna. No Lady Gaga. I love it! Kudos man. Madonna was badd back then. I played 'Lucky Star' and 'Everybody'. That was some sick stuff from a hot lady. Easy music.
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Can no one touch Madonna. Brent, you scored with "Physical Attraction". Give me "Everybody" at Roxy!
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