"Madonna" is the debut studio album by American singer Madonna, released on July 27, 1983, by Sire Records. Before the album's release, Madonna was establishing her presence in the New York City music scene. With the help of her boyfriend Stephen Bray, she created a demo tape featuring dance tracks, leading to the breakthrough single "Everybody," played by DJ Mark Kamins at Danceteria. The positive crowd reaction led to her signing with Sire Records.
The album was produced initially by Reggie Lucas, but creative differences prompted Madonna to bring in John "Jellybean" Benitez for remixes. Madonna is characterized as a dance-pop post-disco album, utilizing contemporary technology like the LM-2 drum machine and synthesizers. Lyrically, it focuses on themes of love and nightlife.
The album produced several singles, with "Holiday," "Lucky Star," and "Borderline" becoming major international hits, marking Madonna's rise to fame. Upon its release, the album received generally favorable reviews, peaking at number eight on the Billboard 200 and achieving five-times Platinum certification in the U.S. It also charted well worldwide, selling an estimated 10 million copies.
In retrospective evaluations, Madonna is celebrated as one of the greatest debut albums and has had a lasting influence on dance music and pop culture, shaping the genre for years to come and inspiring subsequent female artists like Janet Jackson and Lady Gaga.
