Madonna without a doubt is one of the most known faces from the 80s that still is in the music game today.  With 4 decades of music under her belt anyone of any age can name at least one Madonna song. 

 

Today I want to focus on Madonna songs from the 1980s and 1990s.  These two decades were when Madonna defined herself to the music culture and pop culture in general by knocking down barriers for other female artists today.  Here is my top 10 list of Madonna songs from the 80s and 90s.

 

10. “Take a Bow” (1994)

 

 

“Take a Bow” was a comeback song for Madonna in the 90s.  After her Erotic flub of the early 90s, “Take a Bow” put her back on track as an influential artist.  What I love about “Take a Bow” is how the song is from the heart.  It talks about unrequited love from a lover and the heart break one feels.  The music video is amazing as well.  The play of the strong bull fighter who can’t come to terms to show his love for his lover in public is beautiful and tragic all at the same time. 

 

9.  “Who’s That Girl” (1987)

 

 

“Who’s That Girl” released in 1987 along with the movie of the same name Who’s That Girl staring Madonna. What I love about the video.... it is simple.  It’s Madonna in a park with kids dancing around.  Clips from the movie and even a cartoon are inserted into the video but it doesn’t take away from the simplicity of the video.  The song itself has an underlining Spanish influence to it that makes you want to get up and dance with it. Over all it’s just an amazing song.

 

8. “Nothing Really Matters” (1999)

 

 

“Nothing Really Matters” from Madonna's 1998 album Frozen is a dance track with heavy influence of electronica.  “Nothing Really Matters” makes me want to nod my head along with the beat and sing right along.  The video itself has influences from the book Memories of a Geisha which really do not make any sense but as the song states, “Nothing Really Matters.”

 

7.  “Everybody” (1982)

 

 

Madonna’s first single every that got her a record deal is “Everybody.”  Most people think “Holiday” was her first single which is very wrong.  This was a disco mixed with 80’s new wave. “Everybody” can get any crowd up and dancing. The video only had a $1500 budget but holds up great even today.

 

6. “Burning Up” (1983)

 

 

Madonna’s second single “Burning Up” is catchy with great guitar riffs and new wave sound.  Another one of Madonna songs that can get anybody up and dancing with its catchy beats and funky bass line.  The video also showcased Madonna’s sense of humor and her boy toy image of the early 80s. 

 

5.  “Like a Prayer” (1989)

 

 

“Like a Prayer” was a middle finger to the church. With burning crosses and a black Jesus, Madonna upped the shocked factor by a 100.  Pepsi bought out their contract with her and religious groups protested.  The video now is quite tame compared to what is released today.  The song itself has some of the best Madonna vocals in any of her songs layered with an amazing backing choir which rounded out the song. 

 

4. “Ray of Light” (1998)

 

 

“Ray of Light” released as Madonna’s second single from the album Frozen.  “Ray of Light” and the album Frozen earned Madonna her first Grammy’s.  The song itself harkens back to Madonna’s dance roots with electronica beats bringing in the new generations.  The song is fast and fun.  The video graphics with Madonna standing in front of a screen watching life go by her and ending with her in the dance club made the video absolute fun to watch.

 

3. “Material Girl” (1984)

 

 

The “Material Girl” video is a classic Madonna video.  It was a play-off of Marilyn Monroe “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The video was fun, light hearted and very girly.  The song told guys you don’t have to be rich to be with me.  The song is catchy and sticks with you long after you hear it.

 

2. “Crazy for You” (1985)

 

 

Madonna’s first ballad from the movie Vision Quest. This song always had me swaying right along to it and singing.  It’s a great song and showed off Madonna’s versatility.  Even though no one remembers the movie the song is from, everybody remembers the song. 

 

1. “Cherish” (1989)

 

 

My all-time favorite Madonna song is “Cherish.”  I could listen to this song on repeat all day long.  Released in 1989, it was a song that made you want to sing to your loved one on a beach watching mermaids and mermen swim around and play. 

 

That’s my list of top 10 songs from Madonna from the 80s and 90s.  It was a tough list to put together but I hope you enjoy it.