Personnel: Madonna (vocals, keyboards); Chester Kamen, David Williams, Dann Huff, Bruce Gaitsch, Marcos Loya (guitar); Larry Corbett (cello); Patrick Leonard, Jai Winding, Stephen Bray, Geary Lanier (keyboards); Joseph Mayer, Richard Todd (French horn); Guy Pratt, Randy Jackson (bass); Jonathan Moffett, Jeff Porcaro, John Robinson (drums); Luis Conte, Paulinho da Costa, Sandra Crouch (percussion); Niki Harris, Marilyn Martin, Donna Delory, Ali Nadirah, Lynne Fiddmont, Rose Banks, Marcos Loya, Andrae Crouch Choir (background vocals).
Producers: Madonna, Pat Leonard, Stephen Bray, Prince.
Recorded at Johnny Yuma Recording, Burbank, California; Saturn Sound, Sherman Oaks, California; Ocean Way Recording, Los Angeles, California; Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Madonna's exquisite sense of the pop song, and suitably stylish aesthetic to match, was pushed to the hilt for 1989's LIKE A PRAYER. Sporting a bare midriff and a stylishly dark bob, she immediately set the Moral Majority up in arms with the title track's video, depicting, among other things, a black Christ and a hillside of burning crosses. The song, however, was as strong and as dazzling as the images. Before deciding on utilizing a constant barrage of public sexuality over songs, Madonna made great records. Highlights here include the sexy bubble-gum of "Cherish" and the delightful "Express Yourself." Great pop to go.
What the critics say...
Rolling Stone (10/31/02, p.136) - Ranked # 16 in Rolling Stone's "Women in Rock: The 50 Essential Albums"
NME (Magazine) (9/25/93, p.19) - Ranked #44 in NME's list of the `50 Greatest Albums Of The '80s.'
NME (Magazine) (10/2/93, p.29) - Ranked #91 in NME's list of the `Greatest Albums Of All Time.'
