MADONNA - LIKE A PRAYER 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Like a Prayer" is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on 21 March 21 by Sire Records, three years after her previous studio album. Madonna worked with Stephen Bray, Patrick Leonard, and fellow icon Prince on the album while co-writing and co-producing all the songs. As Madonna's most introspective release at the time, Like a Prayer has been described as a confessional record. She described the album as a collection of songs "about my mother, my father, and bonds with my family." The album was dedicated to her mother, who died when Madonna was young.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Like a Prayer" Album Description:

In the late 1980s, Madonna had already established herself as a pop icon, pushing boundaries with her provocative image and infectious dance-pop anthems. However, with her fourth studio album, "Like a Prayer," released in 1989, she embarked on a new era of artistic exploration and maturity.

Historical Context:

The album arrived at a time when the pop landscape was shifting. Artists were increasingly using their platforms to address social issues and express personal truths. Madonna, never one to shy away from controversy, embraced this trend with "Like a Prayer."

Musical Exploration:

"Like a Prayer" was a sonic departure from Madonna's previous work. The album incorporated elements of gospel, funk, and R&B, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. While dance-pop remained at the core, tracks like the title song, "Express Yourself," and "Oh Father" explored deeper themes of spirituality, female empowerment, and personal struggles.

Controversies:

The album's title track and its accompanying music video ignited a firestorm of controversy. The video featured religious imagery, including burning crosses and a Black Jesus, which some religious groups deemed blasphemous. The controversy led to Pepsi pulling a major advertising campaign featuring Madonna, but it also solidified her reputation as a fearless artist willing to challenge societal norms.

Production Team and Studio:

Madonna collaborated with a team of renowned producers and musicians on "Like a Prayer," including Patrick Leonard, Stephen Bray, and Prince. Prince, a musical icon in his own right, contributed his signature guitar work and songwriting talents to the track "Love Song," a duet with Madonna. The album was recorded at various studios, including Johnny Yuma Studios and Olympic Studios in Los Angeles.

Beyond the Music:

"Like a Prayer" was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon. It sparked conversations about religion, sexuality, and artistic expression, cementing Madonna's status as a pop icon and a symbol of female empowerment.

"Like A Prayer" Video:

The "Like a Prayer" music video, directed by Mary Lambert, was a groundbreaking and controversial piece of art. Released in 1989, it pushed boundaries and sparked intense debate due to its provocative religious and racial themes.

Music Genre:

 80's Pop 

Album Production Information:

 The album: "MADONNA Like a Prayer" was produced by: Madonna and Patrick Leonard, Stephen Bray, Prince

Record Label & Catalognr:

SIRE WX 239 / 925 844

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1989 Made in EU / EEC
Complete Track-listing of the album "MADONNA Like a Prayer"

The detailed tracklist of this record "MADONNA Like a Prayer" is:

  1. "Like a Prayer" Madonna, Patrick Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 5:39
  2. "Express Yourself" Madonna, Stephen Bray Madonna, Stephen Bray 4:39
  3. "Love Song" (with Prince) Madonna, Prince Rogers Nelson Madonna, Prince 4:52
  4. "Till Death Do Us Part" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 5:16
  5. "Promise to Try" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 3:36
  6. "Cherish" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 5:03
  7. "Dear Jessie" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 4:20
  8. "Oh Father" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 4:57
  9. "Keep It Together" Madonna, S. Bray Madonna, Stephen Bray 5:03
  10. "Spanish Eyes" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 5:15
  11. "Act of Contrition" Madonna, P. Leonard Madonna, Patrick Leonard 2:19

 

Front Cover Photo Of MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Close up of Side One record's label MADONNA - Like A Prayer 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Like A Prayer" Record Label Details: SIRE WX 239 / 925 844

"Like A Prayer" Record Label Details: SIRE WX 239 / 925 844
 

Like a Discography: The Complete 1980s Collection of Madonna's Vinyl Records

MADONNA - Angel 7" Vinyl Single
MADONNA - Angel album front cover vinyl record

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MADONNA - Burning Up b/w Physical Attraction 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - Burning Up b/w Physical Attraction  album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1983, Madonna's 12" vinyl single "Burning Up" b/w "Physical Attraction" emerged during a transformative period in pop music. MTV had recently launched, and a new wave of artists was reshaping the industry with innovative sounds and visuals.

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MADONNA - Causing Commotion 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
MADONNA - Causing Commotion album front cover vinyl record

In the music scene of 1987, Madonna, the undisputed Queen of Pop, released "Causing a Commotion," a 12" maxi-single that became an instant sensation. The song, featured in the soundtrack of the film "Who's That Girl," captured the energy and spirit of the era, further solidifying Madonna's iconic status.

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MADONNA - Dress You Up 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - Dress You Up  album front cover vinyl record

In the music scene of 1985, Madonna, the undisputed Queen of Pop, released "Dress You Up," a 12" maxi-single that became a dance-pop anthem and further solidified her iconic status. The song, featured in her second studio album "Like a Virgin," captured the energy and spirit of the era,

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MADONNA - The First Album 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - The First Album  album front cover vinyl record

Madonna's first self-titled album, released in 1983, was a significant milestone in the artist's career. It was her debut album, and it showcased her unique style and sound that would go on to define her career. The album was produced by Reggie Lucas

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MADONNA - Gambler (7" and 12" Versions)
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In 1985, Madonna, fresh off the success of her second album "Like a Virgin," released an standard and extended dance mix of "Gambler" as a 12" maxi-single. The track, originally featured on the soundtrack of the film "Vision Quest," received a pulsating makeover, transforming it into a club-ready anthem.

- Gambler 7" PS Single (1985) - Gambler extended dance mix (1985, Holland)
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MADONNA - Into The Groove b/w Shoo-Bee-Doo  album front cover vinyl record

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MADONNA - La Isla Bonita (Remix Edit) 7" Vinyl Single
MADONNA - La Isla Bonita (Remix Edit) album front cover vinyl record

In 1987, Madonna, already a global pop icon, released "La Isla Bonita" as a single from her third studio album, "True Blue." The song, a departure from her usual dance-pop sound, incorporated Latin and Caribbean influences, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

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MADONNA - Like a Prayer 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - Like a Prayer  album front cover vinyl record

In the late 1980s, Madonna had already established herself as a pop icon, pushing boundaries with her provocative image and infectious dance-pop anthems. However, with her fourth studio album, "Like a Prayer," released in 1989, she embarked on a new era of artistic exploration and maturity.

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MADONNA - Like a Virgin 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - Like a Virgin album front cover vinyl record

Madonna's 1984 album "Like a Virgin" was more than just a chart-topping success; it was a cultural earthquake that redefined the boundaries of female pop stars. The album's release coincided with the rise of MTV, and Madonna's provocative videos and image became synonymous with the era.

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MADONNA - Live to Tell 7" Vinyl Single
MADONNA - Live to Tell  album front cover vinyl record

In 1986, Madonna released "Live to Tell," the lead single from her third studio album, "True Blue." The song marked a significant shift in her musical direction, showcasing a more mature and introspective side of the pop icon.

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MADONNA - Self-Titled First Album 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - Self-Titled First Album  album front cover vinyl record

Emerging from the underground dance clubs of New York City, Madonna's music captured the spirit of a generation seeking self-expression and liberation. Her self-titled album blended elements of dance-pop, disco, and synth-pop, creating a sound that was both infectious and innovative.

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MADONNA - True Blue 12" Vinyl LP
MADONNA - True Blue  album front cover vinyl record

Madonna’s “True Blue” is a landmark album in her career that cemented her status as a pop icon. Released in 1986, it was her third studio album, and it was a massive commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. The album spawned many hits, including “Papa Don’t Preach,”

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MADONNA - Who's That Girl (7" and 12" Versions)
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In 1987, Madonna unleashed the "Who's That Girl" 7" Single anf 12" maxi-single, a dancefloor extravaganza that expanded upon the infectious energy of the film's title track. This extended format allowed for a deeper exploration of the song's various remixes and extended versions, catering to both club DJs and avid fans.

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