The 1980s was a decade of dominance for Madonna. The Material Girl released a total of four studio albums, all of which topped the Billboard 200 chart.
And by the end of the 1980s, Madonna was the most successful female artist of the decade with a string of number-one hits and bestselling albums.
So what are the best Madonna songs of the 1980s? Here’s a look at our picks for the top Madonna tracks of the decade.
Top Best Madonna Songs of The 80s
- Material Girl
- Borderline
- Papa Don’t Preach
- Physical Attraction
- Like a Prayer
- Live to Tell
- Crazy for You
- Open Your Heart
- La Isla Bonita
- Burning Up
Madonna’s Love Songs of the 80s
Madonna is often considered one of the greatest pop stars of all time. She has released dozens of albums and sold over 300 million records. However, one question that remains unanswered is whether or not she is good at writing love songs.
Critics seem to think so. Many of her biggest hits are love songs, including “Like a Virgin,” “Crazy for You,” and “Take a Bow.” In fact, the majority of her songs could be classified as love ballads.
Some people argue that Madonna’s lyrics are cheesy and shallow, but others believe that she has a unique way of capturing the complexities of romantic relationships. Her songs often explore the emotions associated with falling in love and breaking up.
Regardless of how you feel about Madonna’s music, it’s hard to deny that she knows how to write a catchy love song.
- Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
- Crazy for You
- Live To Tell
- Love Song
- Lucky Star
- Cherish
Madonna Rock Songs of the 80s
Madonna is known for her pop music, but does she have any rock songs in her repertoire? In the 80s, she released a few rock-inspired songs, including “Burning Up” and “True Blue.”
She also covered the John Lennon song “Imagine.” However, Madonna’s later albums have been mostly pop and dance music.
While she has occasionally dabbled in rock music, it’s not a major part of her sound. However, we have found some songs of her that are inspired by rock music.
- Into the Groove
- Live To Tell
- Burning Up
- Act of Contrition
- Safe Neighborhood
- Everybody
Madonna Dance Songs of the 80s
In this section, we will be looking at Madonna’s dance songs of the 80s. This will include tracks like “Into the Groove” and “Holiday.”
Dance music was becoming increasingly popular in the 1980s, and Madonna along with other artists like Michael Jackson and Prince were at the forefront of this new genre.
While Madonna is primarily known as a pop artist, she has always incorporated elements of dance music into her tracks. This is evident in songs like “Everybody” and “Physical Attraction.”
Over the years, Madonna has evolved as an artist, but her early work in the 80s established her as a pioneer in the world of dance music.
- Express Yourself
- Holiday
- Physical Attraction
- La Isla Bonita
- Dress You Up
- Like a Virgin
- Where’s the Party
- Open Your Heart
- Over and Over
- Everybody
Early, Mid, Late Madonna Songs of the 80s
The early 80s was the time when Madonna was starting to find her sound. She released her first album in 1983 which included hits like “Everybody” and “Burning Up.” These songs were poppy and upbeat and helped to establish Madonna as a new artist to watch.
The mid-80s was when Madonna truly hit her stride. She released the album “Like a Virgin” in 1984, which contained the title track and “Material Girl.” These songs were more mature than her earlier work, and they helped Madonna to appeal to a wider audience.
In the late 1980s, Madonna released songs like “Like a Prayer” and “Till Death Do Us Part.” These ballads showed a more emotional side of Madonna, and they helped to cement her status as one of the biggest pop stars of the era.
Early 80s Madonna Songs
- Lucky Star
- Borderline
- Burning Up
- I Know It
- Holiday
- Think of Me
Mid 80s Madonna Songs
- Material Girl
- Angel
- Like a Virgin
- Papa Don’t Preach
- Live To Tell
Late 80s Madonna Songs
- Like a Prayer
- Express Yourself
- Love Song
- Till Death Do Us Part
- Promise to Try
Madonna Songs in 80s Movies
In the 80s, Madonna starred in a few movies- Desperately Seeking Susan, Shanghai Surprise, and Dick Tracy.
While none of these movies were huge hits, Madonna’s performances were praised by critics. She showed that she could not only sing but also act, and do it well.
Since then, she has continued to act and has starred in some successful films like Evita and W.E. She may not be Oscar-worthy material, but is definitely a talented actor.
Here are some of Madonna’s songs that were featured in 80s movies:
- Into the Groove (for “Desperately Seeking Susan,” 1985)
- Crazy For You (For “Vision Quest,” 1985)
- Live to Tell (For “At Close Range,” 1986)
- Who’s That Girl (For “Who’s That Girl,” 1987)
- Casing a Commotion (For “Who’s That Girl,” 1987)
- The Look of Love (For “Who’s That Girl,” 1987)
Popular/Famous Madonna Songs of the 80s
Almost all the Madonna songs of the 80s were popular, but some were more popular than others. In this section, we will be looking at that.
But let’s first understand what made her songs so popular. There are a few things.
For one, Madonna had a unique sound that was unlike any other artist at the time. She also wasn’t afraid to push boundaries with her lyrics and performances, which helped make her stand out from the rest. Additionally, she was a very hard-working artist who was always trying to improve her craft.
Ultimately, it was Madonna’s combination of talent, charisma, and determination that made her so successful in the 80s. Her songs still hold up today and continue to be enjoyed by fans old and new.
That said, here are some of Madonna’s most popular songs of the 80s:
- Borderline
- Everybody
- Material Girl
- Dress You Up
- Papa Don’t Preach
- Dear Jessie
Madonna’s Debut Album Songs – Madonna ( 1983 )
Madonna’s self-titled debut album is a piece of art. It is not just a regular album, but a story. It starts with the playful “Lucky Star” and ends with the heart-wrenching “I Know It”. In between, there are a lot of great songs like “Borderline”, “Physical Attraction” and “Gamble”.
The album is very 80s, with its dance-pop sound. But it also has a timeless quality to it. Here are all the songs from Madonna’s debut album:
Side One
| “Lucky Star” | 5:38 |
| “Borderline” | 5:18 |
| “Burning Up” | 3:44 |
| “I Know It” | 3:45 |
Side Two
| Title | Length |
|---|---|
| “Holiday” (producer: John “Jellybean” Benitez) | 6:08 |
| “Think of Me” | 4:54 |
| “Physical Attraction” | 6:37 |
| “Everybody” (producer: Mark Kamins) | 4:57 |
2001 Remastered Edition (bonus tracks)
| Title | Length |
|---|---|
| “Everybody” (producer: Mark Kamins) | 6:02 |
| “Burning Up” (12″ version) | 5:59 |
| “Lucky Star” (“New” Mix) | 7:15 |
Video Compilation
| Title | Director | Length |
|---|---|---|
| “Burning Up” | Steve Barron | 4:00 |
| “Borderline” | Mary Lambert | 3:55 |
| “Lucky Star” | Arthur Pierson | 5:04 |
| “Like a Virgin” | Lambert | 3:39 |
Madonna’s Second Album Songs – Like a Virgin ( 1984 )
“Like a Virgin” is Madonna’s second album and it is a departure from the sound of her self-titled debut. The songs are more mature and the production is more polished.
This album kicks off with the song “Material Girl” which is quintessential Madonna. It is an upbeat pop track that talks about her being the Material Girl.
The song is full of sass and confidence and it perfectly portrays Madonna in the 80s.
The next track, “Angel”, is a ballad that shows off Madonna’s softer side. It is a beautiful and haunting song that will stay with you long after you have finished listening to it.
The third track, “Like A Virgin”, is obviously the title track of the album. It was one of Madonna’s biggest hits back in the day and it still holds up today.
Standard Edition
| Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| “Material Girl” | Peter BrownRobert Rans | 4:01 |
| “Angel” | MadonnaStephen Bray | 3:56 |
| “Like a Virgin” | Thomas KellyWilliam Steinberg | 3:38 |
| “Over and Over” | MadonnaBray | 4:12 |
| “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” | Miles Gregory | 4:47 |
| “Dress You Up” | Andrea LaRussoPeggy Stanziale | 4:01 |
| “Shoo-Bee-Doo” | Madonna | 5:16 |
| “Pretender” | MadonnaBray | 4:30 |
| “Stay” | MadonnaBray | 4:07 |
2001 Remastered Edition (bonus tracks)
| Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| “Like a Virgin” (extended dance remix) | KellySteinberg | 6:08 |
| “Material Girl” (extended dance remix) | BrownRans | 6:07 |
1985 International Reissue (bonus track)
| Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| “Into the Groove” | MadonnaBray | 4:44 |
| “Dress You Up” | LaRussoStanziale | 4:01 |
| “Shoo-Bee-Doo” | Madonna | 5:16 |
| “Pretender” | MadonnaBray | 4:30 |
| “Stay” | MadonnaBray | 4:07 |
Madonna’s Third Album Songs – True Blue ( 1986)
“True Blue” is Madonna’s third album and it is a refreshing change from her earlier hits. The music has a more mature, pop sound to it. The lyrics are meaningful and the tracks flow together smoothly.
The album opens with the song “Papa Don’t Preach” which is a great choice for the opening track. It sets the tone for the rest of the album perfectly.
The second track, “Open Your Heart”, is another one of Madonna’s classic hits. It is a beautiful ballad that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
The third track, “White Heat”, is a bit of a change of pace from the previous two tracks. It is a more upbeat, dance track that will get your feet moving.
Standard Edition
| Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Papa Don’t Preach” | Brian ElliotMadonna | MadonnaStephen Bray | 4:29 |
| “Open Your Heart” | MadonnaGardner ColePeter Rafelson | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | 4:13 |
| “White Heat” | MadonnaLeonard | MadonnaLeonard | 4:40 |
| “Live to Tell” | MadonnaLeonard | MadonnaLeonard | 5:51 |
| “Where’s the Party” | MadonnaBrayLeonard | MadonnaLeonardBray | 4:21 |
| “True Blue” | MadonnaBray | MadonnaBray | 4:18 |
| “La Isla Bonita” | MadonnaLeonardBruce Gaitsch | MadonnaLeonard | 4:02 |
| “Jimmy Jimmy” | MadonnaBray | MadonnaBray | 3:55 |
| “Love Makes the World Go Round” | MadonnaLeonard | MadonnaLeonard | 4:31 |
2001 Remastered Edition (bonus tracks)
| Title | Remixer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| “True Blue” (The Color Mix) | Shep Pettibone | 6:40 |
| “La Isla Bonita” (Extended Remix) | Chris Lord-Alge | 5:27 |
35th Anniversary Edition (bonus tracks)
| Title | Remixer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| “Papa Don’t Preach” (Extended Remix) | Bray | 5:42 |
| “True Blue” (The Color Mix) | Pettibone | 6:40 |
| “Open Your Heart” (Extended Version) | Michael BarbieroSteve Thompson | 10:34 |
| “La Isla Bonita” (Extended Remix) | Lord-Alge | 5:27 |
| “True Blue” (Remix/Edit) | Pettibone | 4:26 |
| “Open Your Heart” (Dub) | BarbieroThompson | 6:40 |
| “Live to Tell” (Instrumental) | 5:50 | |
| “True Blue” (Instrumental) | 6:51 | |
| “La Isla Bonita” (Instrumental Extended Remix) | Lord-Alge | 5:18 |
Madonna’s Fourth Album Songs – Like a Prayer ( 1989)
Released in 1989, Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” album was one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. Fans and critics alike were eager to see how Madonna would follow up her blockbuster hit album “True Blue”.
The lead single, also titled “Like a Prayer”, quickly reached number one on the charts. The accompanying music video, which featured religious iconography and themes, was controversial but highly successful.
The rest of the album didn’t disappoint either. It spawned several other hit singles including “Express Yourself”, “Cherish”, and “Dear Jessie”.
The songs were catchy and radio-friendly, with a mix of pop, soul, and funk sounds. The lyrics dealt with mature themes such as love, relationships, sex, and religion.
Standard Edition
| Title | Length |
|---|---|
| “Like a Prayer” | 5:41 |
| “Express Yourself” (writers and producers: Madonna, Stephen Bray) | 4:37 |
| “Love Song” (with Prince; writers and producers: Madonna, Prince) | 4:52 |
| “Till Death Do Us Part” | 5:16 |
| “Promise to Try” | 3:36 |
| “Cherish” | 5:03 |
| “Dear Jessie” | 4:20 |
| “Oh Father” | 4:57 |
| “Keep It Together” (writers and producers: Madonna, Bray) | 5:03 |
| “Spanish Eyes” | 5:15 |
| “Act of Contrition” | 2:19 |
30th Anniversary Edition
| Title | Length |
|---|---|
| “Like a Prayer” (12″ Dance Mix; remix/additional production: Shep Pettibone) | 7:52 |
| “Express Yourself” (Non-Stop Express Mix; remix/additional production: Pettibone) | 8:00 |
| “Love Song” (with Prince) | 4:52 |
| “Till Death Do Us Part” | 5:18 |
| “Cherish” (extended version) | 6:16 |
| “Dear Jessie” | 4:21 |
| “Oh Father” (single version) | 4:27 |
| “Keep It Together” (12″ remix; remix/additional production: Pettibone) | 7:48 |
| “Pray for Spanish Eyes” | 5:17 |
| “Supernatural” | 5:12 |
FAQs
What were Madonna’s biggest hits in the 80s?
Madonna’s biggest hits in the 80s were “Into the Groove,” “Holiday,” “Like a Virgin,” “Crazy for You,” and “Papa Don’t Preach.” These songs were all massive successes, both commercially and critically. They helped to establish Madonna as one of the most popular and successful artists of the decade.
How many albums did Madonna released in the 80s?
In total, Madonna released 4 albums and 22 singles in the 80s. Her debut album Madonna was released in 1983 and her second album Like a Virgin was released in 1984. Her third album True Blue was released in 1986 and her fourth album Like a Prayer was released in 1989.
What is Madonna’s best album of the 80s?
This is a difficult question to answer as Madonna released several amazing albums in the 80s. However, if we had to choose one, we would say that her best album is Like a Prayer. This album was a critical and commercial success, spawning several hit singles including the title track, “Express Yourself”, “Cherish”, and “Dear Jessie”. These are the songs that Madonna is still known for today.
What was Madonna’s style in the 80s?
Madonna’s style in the 1980s was colorful, provocative, and daring. She often wore very flashy and revealing clothing, which sometimes landed her in trouble with the law. Her outfits were often inspired by classic Hollywood movies and theater costumes. She is still considered to be one of the most stylish celebrities today.
What was Madonna’s biggest hit in the 80s?
Her biggest hit in the 80s was “Like a Prayer,” which topped music charts around the world. The song was released in 1989 and became one of Madonna’s most successful singles. It was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and won Best Music Video at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards.
Why was Madonna popular in the 80s?
Madonna was popular in the 80s because she was a trendsetter. She was one of the first pop stars to use MTV to her advantage, and she released songs that appealed to both young and old people. Her videos were creative and often controversial, which helped her attract attention. Madonna also embraced new fashion trends, and she wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries sexually. All of these factors helped make her one of the most successful pop stars of the 80s.
