Madonna: Like a Prayer

Since the cracks began forming in her career, Madonna has not maintained the best reputation. On the other hand, unlike Madonna's public perception & appearance, this song remains timeless & pristine. Brilliantly poetic & beautifully recorded, "Like a Prayer" is arguably her career masterpiece.

It's disappointing that the music video wasn't made to be equally immortal.

The storyline is vague & difficult to follow, if there is anything to follow. Madonna lip-syncs to only some of the lyrics, while other times she seems oblivious to the music. The choir detracts rather than adds, creating unnecessary depth, enthusiasm, & exoticism to the sound. Most, if not all this, falls on the director, not Madonna herself. I'm sorry to say that I can't rate this higher than a 5/10.

After three decades, the music, the video are only significant. Both - more seductive for the clear noble message, for the gospel choir, for the sensuality perceived as symbols chain. Provocative ? Off course, it is a Madonna song ! But important is the precise way to define the violence and racism and to remind the love as basic trait of Christianity. So, beautiful.

I always heard that this music video was controversial and I can see why, for the early 80s. But I love Madonna for it, the subject is impactful, fits the song, and still holds true to this day.

In 1989 pop queen Madonna had a huge super hit with this single "Like a Prayer" as the words were moving, yet the music video was eye popping causing a stir that "MTV" would only air at later times! It's themes of religion and race shook many as it shows a black man as a suspect in front of a church, as a murder committed was put on him! And Madonna pushed the limits with the gospel showing wounds and blood on her hands like that of the crucifixion! Need I say more as the material girl really pushed the limits and boundaries of expression.