Madonna Like A Prayer CD

Live Recording

Personnel: Madonna (vocals, keyboards); Chester Kamen, David Williams, Dann Huff, Bruce Gaitsch, Marcos Loya (guitar); Larry Corbett (cello); Patrick Leonard, Jai Winding, Stephen Bray, Geary Lanier (keyboards); Joseph Mayer, Richard Todd (French horn); Guy Pratt, Randy Jackson (bass); Jonathan Moffett, Jeff Porcaro, John Robinson (drums); Luis Conte, Paulinho da Costa, Sandra Crouch (percussion); Niki Harris, Marilyn Martin, Donna Delory, Ali Nadirah, Lynne Fiddmont, Rose Banks, Marcos Loya, Andrae Crouch Choir (background vocals).
Producers: Madonna, Pat Leonard, Stephen Bray, Prince.
Recorded at Johnny Yuma Recording, Burbank, California; Saturn Sound, Sherman Oaks, California; Ocean Way Recording, Los Angeles, California; Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Out of all of Madonna's albums, Like a Prayer is her most explicit attempt at a major artistic statement. Even though it is apparent that she is trying to make a "serious" album, the kaleidoscopic variety of pop styles on Like a Prayer is quite dazzling. Ranging from the deep funk of "Express Yourself" and "Keep It Together" to the haunting "Oh Father" and "Like a Prayer," Madonna displays a commanding sense of songcraft, making this her best and most consistent album. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Madonna's exquisite sense of the pop song, and suitably stylish aesthetic to match, was pushed to the hilt for 1989's LIKE A PRAYER. Sporting a bare midriff and a stylishly dark bob, she immediately set the Moral Majority up in arms with the title track's video, depicting, among other things, a black Christ and a hillside of burning crosses. The song, however, was as strong and as dazzling as the images. Before deciding on utilizing a constant barrage of public sexuality over songs, Madonna made great records. Highlights here include the sexy bubble-gum of "Cherish" and the delightful "Express Yourself." Great pop to go.
Madonna's exquisite sense of the pop song, and suitably stylish aesthetic to match, was pushed to the hilt for 1989's LIKE A PRAYER. Sporting a bare midriff and a stylishly dark bob, she immediately set the Moral Majority up in arms with the title track's video, depicting, among other things, a black Christ and a hillside of burning crosses. The song, however, was as strong and as dazzling as the images. Before deciding on utilizing a constant barrage of public sexuality over songs, Madonna made great records. Highlights here include the sexy bubble-gum of "Cherish" and the delightful "Express Yourself." Great pop to go.

Rolling Stone (10/31/02, p.136) - Ranked # 16 in Rolling Stone's "Women in Rock: The 50 Essential Albums"
Rolling Stone (p.125) - 5 stars out of 5 - "[F]illed with nakedly emotional songs....LIKE A PRAYER was the sound of Madonna figuring out her life..."
NME (Magazine) (9/25/93, p.19) - Ranked #44 in NME's list of the `50 Greatest Albums Of The '80s.'
NME (Magazine) (10/2/93, p.29) - Ranked #91 in NME's list of the `Greatest Albums Of All Time.'