"Like a Virgin" is Madonna's second studio album, released on November 12, 1984, by Sire Records. Following the success of her 1983 debut Madonna, which featured hits like "Holiday," "Lucky Star," and "Borderline," the artist was eager to begin work on a follow-up that would build on her newfound fame. While her debut album had propelled her into the spotlight, Madonna was not entirely satisfied with its production and wanted her next record to sound more distinct and personal. She selected Nile Rodgers as the producer, largely due to his work on David Bowie's Let's Dance (1983), which she was a fan of.
Madonna was determined that Like a Virgin would be a "stronger" album than her debut. She handpicked all the songs for the album, choosing six of her own (five of which were co-written with her former boyfriend and collaborator, Stephen Bray) and six from other writers. One of the key reasons for this, according to Madonna, was to ensure the album was "all hits—no fillers." Rodgers was tasked with bringing these songs to life, and he sought to push Madonna in a new direction. After hearing her demos, Rodgers felt they were too similar to the heavily sequenced sound of her first album. He envisioned a more "streetwise" sound with a live band, and enlisted his Chic bandmates Bernard Edwards (bass) and Tony Thompson (drums) to round out the rhythm section.
The album’s most iconic song, "Like a Virgin," was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who had recently formed a songwriting partnership. The song's initial demo caught the attention of Michael Ostin, a Warner Bros. A&R executive, who thought it would be perfect for Madonna. Madonna immediately loved the track, but Rodgers was initially skeptical, thinking the line "like a virgin" was too "queer" and not a "catchphrase." However, after a few days, the song grew on Rodgers, and they decided to include it.
Another major song on the album, "Material Girl," was written by Peter Brown and Robert Rans, and it was also presented to Madonna by Ostin. The track would go on to become one of Madonna's defining songs, solidifying her status as a pop culture icon.
Like a Virgin explores a wide range of themes, from romance to independence, with Madonna using the album to assert both her sexual identity and her autonomy as an artist. The title track, "Like a Virgin," became a cultural touchstone, with Madonna singing about experiencing a relationship that feels fresh and new. The song’s catchy hook and Madonna’s playful vocal delivery made it one of her most memorable hits. Another standout track, "Material Girl," became an anthem for the 1980s consumer culture, with its tongue-in-cheek portrayal of materialism and wealth. Madonna's image as the "Material Girl" was cemented in the music video, where she famously danced in a pink satin dress, further solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore," a cover of the 1978 Rose Royce song, was another pivotal track on the album, showing a softer, more vulnerable side of Madonna. While Rodgers and Madonna were initially hesitant about the cover, they ultimately decided that a ballad would provide much-needed contrast to the album’s dance-driven tracks.
### Recording Process
Recording took place at Power Station Studios in New York City in April 1984. Rodgers' vision was to give the album a more organic, "live" feel, as opposed to the heavily sequenced production of Madonna's debut. He also decided to use digital recording, a relatively new technique at the time. Jason Corsaro, the album's engineer, was instrumental in pushing for the use of digital technology, and he brought in a Sony 3324 24-track digital tape recorder for the project.
Madonna was deeply involved in every aspect of the recording process, staying in the studio for the entirety of the sessions. According to Corsaro, she was always present and involved in the decision-making, whereas Rodgers would occasionally step out for parties, as he wasn't used to the early-afternoon recording schedule. The final product adhered closely to Madonna's demo tapes, which were simple in structure but were enhanced with better musicianship.
Rodgers and Corsaro decided to give the album a more polished sound, adding a layer of sophistication to Madonna's pop-driven style. Robert Sabino played keyboards, adding some of the final touches to the tracks. The album was mixed with a focus on clarity and warmth, which helped it stand out in the burgeoning '80s pop landscape.
Upon its release, Like a Virgin received mixed reviews from critics. While Rodgers' production was praised for its sleek, sophisticated sound, Madonna's vocals were often criticized for being too "detached" or lacking in emotional depth. However, the album quickly became a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, where it stayed for three weeks. It became the first female album to sell over five million copies in the United States, and the RIAA later certified it as diamond, marking ten million units shipped.
Overseas, Like a Virgin was also a commercial juggernaut, reaching number one in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. It remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 21 million copies sold globally.
### Singles
Four singles were released from the album, all of which achieved significant chart success. The title track, "Like a Virgin," became Madonna's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Material Girl" reached number two. The third single, "Angel," and the fourth single, "Dress You Up," both reached the top-five of the Billboard Hot 100 as well. The album’s success helped establish Madonna as a major pop star and solidified her place in the cultural zeitgeist.
### Legacy
Like a Virgin is often cited as the album that transformed Madonna from a rising pop star into a global icon. The album’s mix of infectious pop, dance music, and subtle social commentary resonated with listeners, especially younger female audiences who began to emulate Madonna’s bold fashion choices, from lace gloves to oversized jewelry. In 2023, Like a Virgin was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing it as an album of cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Madonna’s first major concert tour, the Virgin Tour of 1985, helped to further promote the album. The tour was a success and featured a setlist primarily focused on songs from Like a Virgin, marking the album's importance in her catalog.
Like a Virgin marked a significant turning point in Madonna's career, establishing her as one of the most influential and successful artists of the 1980s. The album’s combination of infectious pop, bold imagery, and social commentary made it a defining moment in pop music history. Its success solidified Madonna’s place as a cultural force, paving the way for her future albums and defining the sound of '80s pop music.
