Wikipedia.org madonna discography
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The video for "Express Yourself" was the most expensive video at the time of its release. Eventually, Pepsi caved in to the protest and cancel the sponsorship, allowing Madonna to keep her $5 million paycheck in advance. Family and Christian groups including the Vatican protested it's broadcast and threatened to boycott Pepsi for having ties with Madonna. It also demonstrates a dream about making love to a Black saint, and a scene depicting an interracial murder by White supremacists groups. The music video for "Like a Prayer" became a lightning rod for religious controversy worldwide over it's provocative use of religious imagery, including, the appropriation of Catholic iconography such as stigmata and the burning crosses of the KKK. With the singles' music videos, Madonna furthered her creativity and became known as a leading figure in the format. "Like a Prayer" became Madonna's seventh number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, while "Express Yourself" and "Cherish" both peaked at number two, and "Keep It Together" became a top-10 hit. Six accompanying singles were released: the title track, "Express Yourself", " Cherish", " Oh Father", " Dear Jessie", and "Keep It Together". Worldwide, it has sold over 15 million copies and is one of the best-selling albums by women. Commercially, Like a Prayer was an international success, reaching the top of the charts in 20 countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, and was certified quadruple platinum in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album has continued receiving critical acclaim from contemporary critics, and was featured in several musical reference books and best-of lists including Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, All Time Top 1000 Albums, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and Spin Alternative Record Guide. Like a Prayer received universal acclaim from music critics, who praised the songwriting and recognized Madonna's increased artistic merit. Madonna also preaches female empowerment in " Express Yourself". The lyrics deal with themes from Madonna's childhood and adolescence, such as the death of her mother in "Promise to Try", the importance of family in " Keep It Together", and her relationship with her father in " Oh Father". Madonna drew from her Catholic upbringing, as seen on the album's title track, which was also released as its lead single. Like a Prayer is a pop album and incorporates elements of rock, R&B, gospel, and funk. It was dedicated to Madonna's mother, who died when she was young. Madonna described the album as a collection of songs about her mother, father, and bonds with her family. Her most introspective release at the time, Like a Prayer is a confessional record. Madonna worked with Stephen Bray, Patrick Leonard, and Prince on the album, with her co-writing and co-producing all the songs. Like a Prayer is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on March 21, 1989, by Sire Records.