Customer Reviews

Madonna

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Released in 1983 and taking its' own sweet time to catch on, Madonna's self-titled debut album is still a fun collection of light, fluffy early '80s tunes including the hit singles "Holiday", "Lucky Star" and "Borderline" as well as some great lesser-known material inspired by her days at Danceteria.

The infectious cowbell-and-drum-machine driven "Holiday" remains a dance-floor favorite nearly 30 years later and is known by heart even by non-fans, but the hypnotic "Everybody" surpasses it for sheer dance-floor intoxication. The bland "Borderline" never really grew on me--it sounded a little dated even then. The non-hits "Think of Me", "Physical Attraction", "I Know It" feature fun, synth-heavy '80s arrangements and even in this early stage Madonna shows range. When she goes from pouting "Tell me what I did to you to make you treat me so badly" to scolding "You better, you better" in "Think of Me" or sexily and brazenly challenging her undecisive lover ("What are you gonna do?") in the delightfully futuristic, celestial "Physical Attraction" her delivery is perfect. The real showstopper here is the scorching ode to female horniness that is "Burning Up". In one of her most convincing performances Madonna proclaims her sexual frustration by first simply stating "I can't quench my desire" then in a final desperate confession "I have no shame". Nasty little guitar licks underscore Madonna's heavy panting in this lust-drenched dance-rocker. While the original album cut is the best thing about "Madonna", make sure you get the remastered CD with the Bonus Tracks because the 12" version actually improves on it. Though the guitars are missing, the extra frantic keyboards make up for it and Madonna's vocals are more in the forefront.

Madonna's fate was already sealed with this album--she would quickly become and be forever known as the Queen of Dance Music. Still a fun ride all these years later. FOUR-AND-A-HALF STARS.

Lucky Star 5/5
Borderline 3/5
Burning Up 5/5
I Know It 3/5
Holiday 5/5
Think of Me 4/5
Physical Attraction 5/5
Everybody 5/5

This was Madonna's debut and although her sophomore album "Like A Virgin" was the one that made her a household name, this album was still very successful and gave her a nice share of hits. Yeah, the songs scream early 80's, but the album is a fun dance LP and a Madonna essential.

1. Lucky Star: 5/5 One of my Madonna faves. This version is much better than the version on "The Immaculate Collection." You need to hear the full song to appreciate it. It hit #4 on the pop charts.

2. Borderline: 5/5 This song has taken years to grow on me, but now I love it. A Madonna classic. This hit #10 on the pop charts.

3. Burning Up: 5/5 A dance hit for Madonna. Although it's a great track, it's one of M's most underrated singles.

4. I Know It: 5/5 The intro sounds like the theme from some bad 80's action flick, but it's a cool song with an edgy chorus.

5. Holiday: 3/5 This is definitely a Madonna classic, but I've never cared for it. It's very recognizable but the other songs on here are better. A top 20 pop hit.

6. Think of Me: 4/5 A good dance track...nothing outstanding.

7. Physical Attraction: 4/5 Ditto to #6.

8. Everybody: 4/5 Madonna's first single was a hit in the dance clubs. It has a fun chorus and is pretty darn catchy.

On the remastered version, there are also two bonus mixes of "Lucky Star" and "Burning Up." A highly recommended album. All big Madonna fans should get this whether you have the "Immaculate Collection" or not. The remastered, extended versions are better. :)

In 1983, an unknown pop-starlet called Madonna released her debut album. I don't think Madonna thought she would become the international superstar she is today, that's why this album is mostly dance-oriented, more so than her follow-up albums Like A Virgin and True Blue which definitely had a more mainstream pop sound to them. Madonna may not have been an international superstar at this stage in her career, but she was huge in the clubs. Everybody and Holiday support this theory as they raced up the dance charts and No.1 stardom beckoned. Nevertheless, this album has sold 10 million copies to date and inspired a generation. The album was titled "Madonna" in South Africa, Canada and the USA, but was called "The First Album" in Europe, Australia and the UK. Why? Why not?

The music on The First Album, infact all of it is dance-oriented with an obvious touch of pop. The album opens with Lucky Star (10/10). This song, Madonna's second single, proved to the critics that Madonna was no one-hit-wonder as the song peaked in the US Top 10 and No.14 in the UK. The song is bursting with energy and power with its upbeat and funky bassline, along with Madonna's great vocals. Track 2 is Borderline (10/10). This was the third song to be taken from The First Album where it charted at a dismal No.56 in June 1984, but was re-released in January 1986 and peaked at No.2. The song is a much more mellow effort than most of the other songs on this album, but it still has Madonna's soaring vocals with a bouncy bassline that is bound to melt the stoniest of hearts. The video to Borderline is superb, and was included in VH1's 100 Greatest Videos Of All Time. MTV was the biggest helping hand in the early stages of Madonna's career. People could put a name to a face and it was a brilliant way of promotion for her single releases - a factor that still stands prominently today. Track 3 is Burning Up (10/10). This song was released as a single in some countries and has a high-energy, sexually charged video to accompany it - one that garnered heavy rotation on MTV for the best part of a year. The song has some amazing guitar work going on with a traditional dance bassline to get your freak on to! Track 4 is I Know It (9/10). This is another up-tempo dance track with an excellent synthesiser bassline, which was the main instrument used in 1980's pop songs. The lyrics aren't very good, but Madonna sings away to her hearts' content - as she does on all the eight tracks on The First Album. Track 5 is Holiday (10/10). This was Madonna's first ever song to be released as a single. It charted at No.6 in UK in January 1984. If you want a definition of a true Madonna classic, this is it. The ten-note intro that runs at the beginning of the song is almost legendary and was most greatly appreciated on Madonna's Drowned World Tour 2001. The audience goes berserk when this song starts, basically because it's just so fun to listen to - a real party track that still sounds as fresh and new as it did 20 years ago! The song basically rocks gently with its melodic sweetness sending out party invites ("Everybody spread the word...we're gonna have a celebration").

Track 6 is Think Of Me (9/10). This is the album's worst track, yet it's still a brilliant Madonna song to get down to. The thing I noticed the most about this song is the vocal arrangement; it's superb and expertly done. The lyrics aren't very good, but pop songs aren't meant to have phenomenally, thought-provoking lyrics, are they? The bassline is excellent, while the instrumental halfway through is a great listen. Track 7 is Physical Attraction (10/10). This song is one of Madonna's most underrated songs ever. The song had almost been forgotten by 1987, but Madonna made everyone remember just exactly why it was such a good song when she included it on You Can Dance, Madonna's 1987 Remix album. Physical Attraction is the longest track on The First Album, clocking in at 6:35 minutes. The lyrics on this song are excellent and very memorable, especially when the tingly bassline is added after the line, "Maybe we were mean to be together. Even though we've never met before." Madonna makes convincing attempts to live up to the sex-kitten image when she speaks with her deep voice on songs such as this one and Everybody. Track 8 is Everybody (10/10). This is a brilliant song to close such an amazing album. This was never released as a single, but received heavy airplay in nightclubs throughout 1983. Holiday is Madonna's first single, but Everybody is the song that made her a star in the clubs. The lyrics are just pure fun as Madonna begs you to "get up and do your thing." And the listening audience is instantly convinced, as this song is so infectious it will get anybody dancing. Sire records (Madonna's record company at the time) released a 12-inch of Everybody in October 1982. Those who choose to see Madonna, as a self-image mongerer might be surprised to learn that not even the Queen herself was featured on the sleeve for the record. I'm not sure of track 9, Burning Up (12" version) and track 10, Lucky Star (new mix) because my version of this album is the original version, not the remastered version.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

If you don't own this Madonna album, you really need to get it now, as it truly is a must-have for every die-hard fan. Madonna's debut album represents the dance/club styles of the early 1980's. Other essential Madonna albums that follow the similar style showcased on this album are Like A Virgin, True Blue and You Can Dance. I feel Like A Virgin is superior to the rest of Madonna's 1980's albums, because it was her true breakthrough album. The lyrics are good, but not excellent whereas the overall mood of the album is stunning. If you're ever feeling down and you need to feel happy, this record should be in your CD player straight away! Buy this from Amazon now!

This album is good, it shows Madonna at 20 years old with her girly voice. There are 2-3 classic songs you will enjoy, but only purchase if you are a Madonna fan or else you might be dissapointed!

This was Madonna's first album ever, and was the one that made her a disco diva in a time period where disco was dying out. She invented a type of music that transformed into dance music, and became a major influence on the world. Simply titled MADONNA at the last moment, it became a sleeper hit, climbing the charts for several months before reaching its peak.

Album Cover: 3/5
This is easily Madonna's worst cover, her hair is not that good, and she looks defenseless and bare. However, something in her eye convinces you she is more than just the flavour-of-the-month, and boy, is she right.

1. Lucky Star: 4/5
This was the video that introduced Madonna's belly-button to the world. It has a synth-sounding beginning that sounds electric and fresh. This song features the lyrics of a mother goose rhyme, but turns it a hit with a sexy rendition. Overall, the vocals aren't particularly good, the production is a little bit bare, but the personality is there, and that is enough for now.

2. Borderline: 5/5
This song's beginning sounds so familiar that I cannot but think that it's a song I've heard over and over before, but never realized it. It has a great dance beat, and she uses her high vocals to pull this song off as an innocent and plain, but also fun and exhilarating, ride on a roller coaster.

3. Burning Up: 4.5/5
This is perhaps the earliest song of hers that can be described as sexy. Although this is pretty virginal compared to Erotica, Madonna's pants and moans that you hear so often in Britney songs today makes this a simple and enjoyable dance groove.

4. I Know It: 3.5/5
Although her voice is tiny and sharp, it really added character to this song and made it actually enjoyable. She sounds so hurt and so innocent that you just want to hug her, give her some candy, and play Holiday for her.

5. Holiday: 5/5
Ah, so here's the song that survived decades of different trends and still come out on top as one of the most joyous let's-get-lost songs ever sang. Her innocence on the track added a familiarity to this song, as if she is just a nobody encouraging to the dance the night away and take a trip to China. Its joy and sincerity made this song one of the top pop statements of the 1980's and is going to be remembered for a long time.

6. Think Of Me: 2.5/5
This song is also good, but it just doesn't measure up. It is a bit repetitive, and comes of just a little egotistical. However, it is listenable.

7. Physical Attraction: 4/5
Judging by the title, you'd probably think that this is Madonna's first sex song. However, it is actually just an enjoyable and sexy dance song that will inspire quite a few romances on the floor.

8. Everybody: 5/5
And then here comes the closing track, the song that started it all. Its rhythm and grooves are simple, but very very original. Her panty vocals and her insistence that we dance makes this one of the few songs that never lose popularity at dance clubs.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Since its release in 1983, it has sold over 10,000,000 copies worldwide.

Madonna's self-titled debut came out on July 27, 1983. Madonna wasn't very well known then, and that's an understatement. The album entered the top 200 in early September and debuted at number #190. From there it took over a year for it to reach it's peak. It hit #8 (it's peak) only a couple of weeks before the release of her second album, Like A Virgin. From there it was YEARS before it fell off the chart. At first the album wasn't succesful much, but then Madonna constantly started to perform in clubs in the US and UK making this album very successful. In the UK this album peaked at #6. The album has 8 songs on it and 2 more tracks were added for the remastered re-release in 2001.

I. Lucky Star

A remake of the classic childrens rhyme. This song is remembered for the video which first showed the world the famous look that is remembered to this very day and began the stuff about her bellybutton, as well as starting the trend of "Madonna wannabees". The song however isn't that good. This was the 5th single off the album and hit #4 in the US and #14 in the UK 5/10

II. Borderline

A good song. It's mainly the same as the video version but she also sings some other lyrics that aren't in the video. This was the 4th single off the album and it hit #10 in the US and #56 in the UK. Borderline and Lucky Star were so successful that Madonna moved back the release date of Like A Virgin. 9/10

III. Burining Up

The best song on the whole album. It has a great beat and it never gets boring. The lyrics here also forshadowed all those controversies that were to come "I'm not the same I have no shame I'm on fire". This was the 2nd single. 10/10

IV. I Know It

Out of the 3 songs that weren't singles this is the only good one. The refrain is good in this song. 7/10

V. Holiday

A truly immortal song. Holiday is the only song that Madonna has performed on every single one of her tours and it's still played on the radio a lot. This was Madonna's 1st big hit. It was the 3rd single from the album and hit #16 in the US and #6 in the UK. The IC version is better, but this is also very good. A fun and joyful song that will live forever. 10/10

VI. Think Of Me

The worst song on the whole album. The music just doesn't attract at all. And the lyrics are bad too. You should skip this song 2/10

VII. Physical Attracion

Another bad song. The only good part here is a tiny instrumental part that appears twice in the song. 4/10

VIII. Everybody

The song that started it all. This song got the ear of Sire boss who signed Madonna in while he was in the hospital. This was Madonna's very first single. Sounds a bit dated, but still a great song. 10/10

IX. Burning Up (12"Version)

Burning Up is the best song on the album and this version males it better. There are more synths in this and it's also extended. You'll probably listen to this one a lot. 10/10

X. Lucky Star (New Mix)

This is mainly just extended with minor changes. A bit uselessm they should have put in a mix of Holiday instead. 4/10

Overall this has good songs, and as time went on Madonna made better music. 9/10

Madonna's Debut is the BLUE PRINT for women in music today. Britany,Christina,Jennifer lopez,Beyonce, even Janet Jackson and other divas wannabes owe it to Madonna. This debut has it all. What can theses divas do that the Queen Diva hasnt done. this is a must own cd for all madonna fans, and non fan's.

Though it broke through quietly still manadge to sale more than 5 million copies in the U.S ...................................

I've been a Madonna fan for years, and this is far and away my favorite Madonna album. Before Kaballah, babies and Britney, this is the Madonna we all fell madly in love with. Twenty-one years later, this album still sounds fresh and daring, unlike most of the junk coming out during that time. While not the best singer, Madonna sounds exciting on "Lucky Star," "Burning Up" and "Think of Me," as well as her breakout hit, "Holiday." Produced by Mtume's Reggie Lucas, one could argue this is a soul record - solid band, established R&B backing vocalists (Norma Jean Wright, Gwen Guthrie, etc.) and shiny, soulful hooks all set to a post-disco dance club groove. This album started a string of singles and albums that would score well on both the pop and R&B charts, a testament to her ability to bend genres. Always sexy, always soulful and always unpredictable, Madonna laid the golden foundation for her stellar career with this classic album. Truly essential and trend-setting, "Madonna" remains in the groove.

this album is a great dance-pop album and it was madonna's first album. With carefree tunes full of soul, the queen of pop was getting started and here to stay. She's still excellent today with her American Life project. She's evolved beautifully through her music over the years. This was a feel good album that came out before she struck it big with like a virgin. Kind of like how michael jackson released off the wall but the best was yet to come and then BAM it was thrillermania! get it today, your madonna collection is incomplete without this CD, I bought it despite having the 3 big hits on immaculate collection, but it was worth it since they're extended and the flow of the album is so smooth

this is my favorite madonna album ever. it's beutiful songs will stick in your head for weeks! my favorite track is "Everybody" it is a dance classic! other satandout tracks include "holiday" "Lucky star" "Burning up" and "i know it" but the rest of the cd is great to! now on to the remixes. Finishing the cd are two remixes of burning up and lucky star. These remixes are both longer and better than the origanals! The burning up remix is the most notably different song from the origanal, it's beat is so much better! and the lucky star remix is also better! Go to your record store and buy this CD!